VTNE Moves to Computer-based Testing | Summer 2010

Listed below are some Frequently Asked Questions regarding the transition to computer-based testing for the VTNE.
Click here to print the PDF version: Frequently Asked Questions about the VTNE Transformation to CBT

When will the change to Computer Based Testing (CBT) take place?
The last paper and pencil VTNE was January 15, 2010. Beginning with the summer of 2010, the Computer Based VTNE will be given in windows, at Prometric Testing Centers (http://www.prometric.com/TestTakers/FAQs/SR.htm#12) across the US and Canada.

What are the testing windows in 2010 and 2011?
July 15-Aug 15, with the deadline June 15 for all documents.
November 15-Dec 15, with the deadline October 15 for all documents.
March 1-March 31 with the deadline February 1 for all documents.

The rest of the 2011 windows will follow as listed above for 2010. The first application window will open and all information will be on the AAVSB website no later than April 1, 2010

How will candidates apply?
There are two parts to the application process:
Part 1 is application and payment for the exam on www.aavsb.org, and
Part 2 is eligibility which will be handled by either AAVSB or the jurisdiction. Candidates will apply for and pay for the VTNE at the AAVSB website,. See Paragraph 4 below for eligibility choices.

Who handles the review of eligibility for the VTNE?
For states and provinces which require an AVMA accredited Veterinary Technology education, AAVSB will  handle most of the eligibility reviews at the same time the application is processed. There is no extra charge to the board or candidate for this service. States which have alternate paths to VTNE eligibility will handle the eligibility in their offices and notify AAVSB of those candidates who are eligible as they have in the past. AAVSB is currently making website and database improvements which will allow regulatory boards to log in, view candidates and mark them eligible in our database. It will also allow candidates to log in and view the status of their application. This Single Sign On system will also allow boards to more easily enter license and discipline information, or update contact or address information for the Board.

What is the VTNE Candidate application fee for the VTNE in 2010?
Effective with the Summer 2010 window the VTNE candidate fee is $300.00 (paid in US. Dollars). This fee includes the “seat fee” for the Prometric center, but does not include any change fees should the applicant wish to reschedule at the last minute before an assigned testing appointment.

What retake policy will be followed?
AAVSB will follow the 5 time retake policy as shown on our website, which requires the candidates to apply for special permission if they have taken the VTNE  5 times or more since January 1, 2006, unless the regulatory board has a lower limit, in which case AAVSB will follow the board policy.  If the state has a prohibition on any limitation for candidates, that will also be followed.

If AAVSB is processing the eligibility, can the regulatory boards make special exceptions for approval of candidates deemed eligible by the Board?
Yes, AAVSB will always defer to the wishes of the regulatory board, and will also contact the board should an applicant with a special situation contact our offices.

What will the differences be in the candidate experience?
Instead of reporting to one location on a single day, twice a year, the candidates will have 90 testing days each year, in a choice of nearly 400 Prometric locations.  After being found eligible, the candidate will receive an Authorization to Test letter, then contact Prometric (at www.prometric.org or by toll free phone) to arrange for a specific testing date and time. An admission ticket will be sent out. The Prometric website will have a simple tutorial the candidate can view about the testing centers, or the candidate can arrange to visit a center if desired, prior to the exam. Once arriving at the site and presenting valid ID and an admission ticket, the candidate will be seated at a computer and presented with the VTNE tutorial, followed by the exam.

Is the VTNE test itself going to be different?
The VTNE will still be presented as 225 multiple choice questions for the next couple of years, after which additional types of questions may be added with the expanded capacity of computer delivery. 200 are scored questions and 25 of the items are being pretested for use in future forms of the VTNE. The candidate will see the items in blocks of 25-50, and at the end of each block will be given the choice to continue or take a break. During any block, the candidate can mark items for review, and go back to change or review any item.  Break times are counted as part of the 4 hour exam allowance, and the candidate is advised they may NOT go back to a question once a block is closed.

How will scores be reported?
Upon completing the VTNE, the candidate will receive an immediate provisional PASS/FAIL message letting him/her know that the official score report will be sent to the board and candidates within 4 weeks. AAVSB will send out the email Candidate score letter reports, after the Boards have received email messages that scores are ready for download on the secure portal.  This will usually be once during each one month window and once 2 weeks after the window closes. It is the AAVSB goal to be sure regulatory boards have official scores before the candidates receive them.

 

PLEASE WATCH THIS AAVSB WEBSITE  BEGINNING APRIL 1, 2010 FOR MORE INFORMATION AS DETAILS ARE FINALIZED,
CONTACT vettech@aavsb.org WITH QUESTIONS ANYTIME.