Frequently Asked Questions
You can download and print these FAQs by clicking on the link below.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Applicant Information - Sequencing, fees, and application requirements
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What are the steps of PAVE and do they need to be completed in order?
Steps of PAVE must be completed in order – see PAVE Checklist (pdf) for a detailed
description of the certification process.
Is there a waiting list for the PAVE Program, the Qualifying Examination, or the VCSA?
There are no waiting lists for the PAVE Program, the Qualifying Examination, or the
VCSA examination.
Can I pay the application fee and the Qualifying Examination fee separately?
No. All fees must be paid up-front, and submitted with the application. All fees are
non-refundable. Click here for printable information on all PAVE fees (pdf).
How can I apply for PAVE online?
The PAVE application is online. Please note the additional documents that must be
sent by mail, which are listed on the How to Apply page. All PAVE candidates must use our online form to apply.
Where can I take the QE?
When you complete the online application, you will be asked to indicate a location preference. Based on the information you provide, the NBVME will arrange a regional test center within a reasonable distance of your preference. You will be notified of your assigned location approximately 5 weeks prior to the test date.
If I drop out of the PAVE Program, will I get my money back?
ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.
If I fail the Qualifying Examination and want to retake it, do I have to pay again?
You must pay the $800 exam fee if you choose to retake the Qualifying Examination.
You do not have to pay the $375 application fee.
Veterinary Credentials Information and Requirements
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Do I need to have all of my documents, i.e. English scores, transcripts, and identity
documents ready to send in with my application?
The application itself, accompanied by payment, must be received by the deadline.
All other documents must also be RECEIVED by the application deadline.
Can I find my own translator for my foreign documents?
Yes. Documents in a foreign language may be translated by the veterinary school or
another official translation service. AAVSB may ask for additional translations if deemed
necessary.
PAVE Single Sign-On Feature
I see there is a a new Login area on the AAVSB website. How do I do that?
At the end of your PAVE application, you will be prompted to set up an optional MyAAVSB account.
What does the Single Sign-On feature offer to me?
The feature allows you to view your program status and update much of your personal information in your PAVE record.
I'm logged in. Now what?
At the top of the page, you should now see a link called "VIVA Portal." Click this link to view your account information and PAVE status.
I've lost my password - how do I get it back?
Click the "Forgot Password?" link on the AAVSB website and enter your email address. A link to reset your password will be emailed to you within 24 hours.
English Proficiency Information and Requirements
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If my English scores are over 2 years old by the time I complete the PAVE Program,
will I have to retake them?
No. Scores must be valid at the time you are applying for the PAVE Program.
Can I send you copies of my English score reports if I didn’t request an
original to be sent to AAVSB?
In order for you to be considered eligible for the Qualifying Exam, we must have
original, authentic score reports mailed directly from TOEFL or IELTS. For detailed information
on the English requirements for the PAVE Program, click here.
Can I use more than one score report to meet the PAVE requirements?
No. We will not accept section scores from multiple score reports. Candidates must achieve all section requirements on the same score report.
Qualifying Examination Information and Eligibility Requirements
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I’ve applied to PAVE, now how do I find out where to take the QE?
You will receive an e-mail from the NBVME approximately 5 weeks prior to your test
date, indicating your test location. The NBVME will email you an Authorization Letter
approximately 30 days prior to your test date. You must present the Authorization Letter to the
testing center or you will not be permitted to sit for the examination.
What should I bring to my QE test center?
The NBVME will email you an Authorization Letter approximately 30 days prior to
your test date. You must present the Authorization Letter and a photo ID to the testing center or
you will not be permitted to sit for the examination.
What if I lose my authorization letter?
If you misplace your authorization letter before your test date, contact the NBVME
immediately to have a new one sent.
Will I be allowed to take the QE if I forget my authorization letter or photo ID?
No. Contact NBVME immediately if you are not allowed to sit for the QE because you
do not have your authorization letter.
How long will it take to get my results from the QE?
QE Results are available 4 to 6 weeks after the examination. You will be notified first
by email, and you will receive an official score report in the mail.
Veterinary Clinical Skills Assessment (VCSA) Information
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How much is the VCSA and where can I take it?
The examination fee is $5000 per attempt. It will be administered at Cedar Valley
College in Dallas, TX. ALL candidates must pass the Qualifying Examination and graduate
from a recognized veterinary college outside of the U.S. before taking the VCSA.
PAVE Recognition
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Are more states working towards accepting the PAVE Certification for their
educational requirement for foreign graduates?
There are states are working towards PAVE acceptance in the near future. It is our hope
that the AAVSB Member Boards will embrace the PAVE Program fully because it was created at
their request. AAVSB is accountable and responsive to the needs of the AAVSB Member Boards.
How do I get my state to recognize PAVE?
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. On the PAVE homepage, there is a one page document 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 Certification and Licensing Information
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Can AAVSB send my certificate to the State Board from which I’m applying for
licensure? Do I have to pay for it?
When you request it (by phone or email), AAVSB will send a copy of your PAVE Certificate to the state in
which you are applying for licensure. There is no charge for this.
Is there another way to fulfill the clinical requirement for PAVE if I don’t want
to take an evaluated clinical experience at an accredited university or if I have already
started my clinics?
You may take the Veterinary Clinical Skills Assessment (VCSA) examination. This
hands-on examination is given over two days, in 4 sections. Click here for more information on the VCSA.
What is the Purpose and Mission of AAVSB?
The American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) is a not-for-profit
organization whose members consist of regulatory boards of veterinary medicine in the United
States and Canada. AAVSB provides services for its Member Boards and is dedicated to
promote public protection and excellence in professional regulation.
What is PAVE?
PAVE is a program to accurately and appropriately determine education equivalence
of international veterinary graduates seeking licensure. In order to qualify for licensure, PAVE
certificate holders must satisfy all additional statutory criteria required by a jurisdiction, including
successful completion of the NAVLE. An “international veterinary graduate” is one whose
veterinary degree is conferred by a recognized school of veterinary medicine outside the United
States or Canada that is not accredited by the Council on Education of the American Veterinary
Why did AAVSB undertake this project?
AAVSB developed PAVE in response to concerns raised by AAVSB Member Boards
regarding the existing ECFVG certification of foreign veterinary graduates administered by the
American Veterinary Medical Association. In July 2000 at the Delegate Assembly in Salt Lake
City, over 75% of Boards represented gave a clear directive to proceed with PAVE. The decision
of the AAVSB Member Boards was based upon extensive discussions that started at the 1998
Delegate Assembly in Baltimore.
Governance of the PAVE Program
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Who are the members of the PAVE Committee?
Members of the 2010-11 PAVE Committee are as follows:
Representing an AAVSB Member Board:
Dr. Mark McConnell, member, Oregon Veterinary Licensing and Disciplinary Board
Representing an AAVSB Member Board:
Dr. Skip Nelson, former member, Washington Veterinary Board of Governors
Representing an AAVSB Member Board:
Dr. Michael Gotchey, member Colorado Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners
Representing an AAVSB Member Board:
Ms. Jenna Jones, Administrator, AZ Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners
Representing the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges:
Dr. John Pascoe, Executive Associate Dean, University of California - Davis, School of Veterinary
Medicine, Chair of the PAVE Committee
Representing the National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners:
Dr. James Dalley, Independent Veterinary Professional
Representing the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians:
Dr. Corinne Sweeney, Assoc Dean, Professor of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, School of
Veterinary Medicine
Liasion from the AAVSB Board of Directors:
Dr. John Lawrence, member, Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine