Administered by the International Council for Veterinary Assessment (ICVA), the VEA® is a web-based examination consisting of 240 multiple-choice items that assess knowledge in the basic veterinary medical sciences. The examination covers five principal content areas: anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, and pathology. The VEA was formerly known as the Qualifying Examination (QE).
Purpose
The VEA offers veterinary schools a comprehensive, standardized, independent assessment of knowledge in basic veterinary medical sciences. It allows schools to track their students’ performance in these content areas over time and compare it to that of students from other veterinary schools.
2026 - 2027 VEA Testing Cycle
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Testing Window |
Roster Submission Deadlines |
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August 28 – September 18, 2026 |
July 22, 2026 |
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January 11 – 22, 2027 |
November 27, 2026 |
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May 10 – 21, 2027 |
March 22, 2027 |
Available Practice Versions
- Download a Printable PDF of 60 Sample Questions
- Access the Web-Based Sample Exam to familiarize yourself with the exam platform
The VEA and NAVLE Preparation
A 2011 study examining the relationships among several common measures, administered before and during veterinary school, found that the VEA was the strongest predictor of a student’s NAVLE performance. The VEA tests students on knowledge foundational to clinical practice — a strong understanding of these content areas suggests students are likely to perform well on the NAVLE*. Educators can use VEA results to guide curriculum changes that improve students’ knowledge of the basic sciences.
NOTE: * A successful VEA score does not guarantee passing the NAVLE.
VEA Overview
Exam Content
Five content areas:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
- Pathology
Two (2) Testing Blocks
132 Minutes, 120 Items Per Block
200 scored multiple-choice items and 40 pretest items being evaluated for future VEA use.
Each item presents a statement or question requiring one answer — some may be partly correct, so choose the most accurate.
Optional Break Time
45 Minutes Total
Breaks are allowed only between the two testing blocks.
Administration
Delivered through schools, with proctors supervising. Candidates log into the exam platform; the exam can be given on either school or student computers as long as they meet the technical requirements.
The exam can be administered on-campus as a group or individually if off-campus.
Fees
The ICVA charges a per-candidate fee of $75, payable by the school.