PAVE was designed to evaluate the education equivalence of foreign veterinary graduates (graduates of non-accredited veterinary programs outside the US and Canada) on behalf of participating AAVSB Member Boards.

BECOME A FAN OF PAVE
We have joined the world of social networking in an effort to better serve our candidates. If you have a Facebook account, just search for the group "Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence" and become a Fan of PAVE! You will receive updates, reminders, and important PAVE news.

PAVE Application Process

STEP 1: Apply Online

• You may apply ONLY during the posted application windows.
• Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted forms of payment.
• Application fee and Qualifying Examination fee must be paid in full, at the time of application.
• Failure to submit all required information and appropriate documentation will result in processing delays.
• Applications are considered incomplete until all required documents have been received.

Applying for Special Accommodations

Application for Special Accommodations must be received by the posted application deadline. Late applications will not be considered. Please note the appropriate documentation must be submitted to substantiate the request for accommodations.

Submit the required documents by mail, postmarked no later than the posted deadline date.

All Fees are Non-Refundable

The application window for the May 13, 2010 Qualifying Examination is now open.
CLICK HERE to apply.

2009-2010 Qualifying Examination Dates
(dates are subject to change)

2010-11 dates will be posted after the first of the year. The QE is always administered three times per year in September, January and May.

STEP 2: Submit Required Documentation

After submitting your application online, you must submit additional documentation by mail. Documents do not have to arrive together. ALL documents required for application to the PAVE Program must be POSTMARKED by the posted application deadline.

Mail all application documents to:

The PAVE Program
380 W. 22nd Street, Suite 101
Kansas City, MO 64108

1. An original or certified copy of your birth certificate or a notarized copy of your passport.
2. A notarized copy of your marriage license or a notarized copy of your divorce decree or a notarized copy of your name-change document - IF your name is different from your passport or birth certificate.
3. If applicable, a certified or notarized copy of your naturalization papers or a certified copy of your VISA permit or a resident-alien card number.
4. Documentation of successful completion of both TSE and TOEFL examinations or the IELTS examination, OR documentation that English was the primary language of instruction at your high school (grades 9-12).
5. If graduated: Official proof of veterinary degree or qualification from a veterinary school.
6. If graduated: Official final veterinary transcripts sent DIRECTLY from the veterinary school.
7. If currently enrolled: submit a letter from the Dean or Principal indicating your academic standing and the anticipated date of your graduation.
8. If currently enrolled: submit an unoffical transcript or grade report detailing courses and grades from each veterinary school attended.
9. Print and complete the Affidavit for Release of Information (pdf).

State Recognition

MISSISSIPPI RECOGNIZES PAVE AS OF NOVEMBER 2009!

Currently, 29 jurisdictions recognize PAVE. AAVSB is dedicated to promoting the PAVE program, and works continuously to see PAVE recognized in more and more jurisdictions. Please check this website regularly for updates to the State Acceptance list.

PAVE State Acceptance List Updated November 2009

If you are pursuing licensure in a state that does not accept PAVE, we encourage you to be proactive in contacting your state veterinary board to inquire on the current PAVE status. Below is a one-page information sheet which highlights the most important aspects of the PAVE Program. You may use this sheet to accompany a letter to the board members, or as talking points if you choose to attend a board meeting.

PAVE Program Highlights Updated January 2010

Evaluated Clinical Experience

There are two pathways by which you may complete the clinical requirement for the PAVE Program. You must choose one or the other.

Eligibility Requirements for the Evaluated Clinical Experience are:

1. Verification of Credentials
2. Demonstration of English Proficiency
3. Successful completion of the Qualifying Examination*
4. Graduation from a non-accredited college of veterinary medicine outside of the United States

*If candidate passes the QE before their 4th year of veterinary school, that 4th year may fulfill the clinical requirement of PAVE.

Accredited Veterinary Schools that Accept PAVE Candidates for the Evaluated Clinical Experience Updated March 2008

The seven schools on this list are not the only U.S. accredited veterinary schools to take PAVE candidates. They are, however, the only schools that routinely take the PAVE candidates who have graduated from non-accredited veterinary schools outside the US.

PAVE Candidates are responsible for securing their Evaluated Clinical Experience. They apply directly to the school and pay fees directly to the veterinary schools. Fees are set by the individual schools, not by PAVE.

North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE)

The NAVLE is not a part of PAVE certification. However, it IS required in order to obtain licensure in the US. Please contact the state in which you want to practice for their eligibility requirements. All PAVE candidates must pass the QE in order to be eligible to sit for the NAVLE.

Guide to NAVLE Registration for PAVE Candidates

To request a Letter of Eligibility for the NAVLE, please email the PAVE Program Administrator. Put "Letter of Eligibility Request" in the subject line. Your request must include your name, the state through which you are applying, your anticipated graduation date, and the state's deadline for receiving the information. Please allow approximately 1-2 weeks for your request to be processed. NOTE: PAVE candidates applying for the NAVLE through California do not need to request a Letter of Eligibility.

The NAVLE is owned and delivered by the National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (NBVME). For specific examination-related questions, i.e. scoring, content, etc., please contact them.

To have your NAVLE scores transferred to a state, please click here.

PAVE candidates do not need to have their NAVLE scores transferred to AAVSB.

PAVE Contact Info

Erin Jones
Program Administrator
ejones@aavsb.org
816.931.1504 ext. 222

Mail Documents to:

American Association of Veterinary State Boards
The PAVE Program
380 W. 22nd Street, Suite 101
Kansas City, MO 64108