The Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) is owned and administered by AAVSB. The VTNE is used to evaluate entry-level veterinary technicians’ competency to practice and to be credentialed. The computer-based exam is given in three testing windows a year and is constantly updated, reviewed and reevaluated by highly-qualified item writers so that it remains a valid tool. Most states and provinces require a passing score on the VTNE as one criterion for credentialing. AAVSB contracts with the administering agencies to provide the exam for their use and partners with Professional Examination Service (PES) for examination development and administration services regarding the VTNE. The exam is administered at Prometric Testing Centers throughout the U.S. and Canada.

New blueprint approved, exam reduced to 150-items. New exam to be administered July/August 2013. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION. AAVSB is now accepting exam applications for the July/August 2013 and November/December 2013 exam windows. The Candidate Handbook for the July/August 2013 administration with the new Domains, Task Statements and Knowledge Statements is now available. Click here to access the updated Candidate Handbook. The new VTNE practice test versions aligned to the new blueprint and July/August 2013 exam administration will be available after April 15.

AAVSB DOES NOT LICENSE, CERTIFY, OR REGISTER VETERINARY TECHNICIANS.  
The information provided is for the examination process only. Contact the state or province in which you would like to practice for more information on appying for a credential.

Candidate Handbook

The VTNE Candidate Handbook is designed to be the main source of information for those applying/registering to take the VTNE. All candidates are required to read and understand the information contained in the handbook.

Click here to access the Candiate Handbook.

Cost

The VTNE candidate fee is $300.00 (paid in U.S. dollars).  This fee includes the “seat fee” for the Prometric Testing Center.

Application Process

To take the VTNE, you must apply and pay for the exam and you must apply for eligibility to take the exam.

Applications to take the VTNE are accepted all the time.  However, there are deadlines for each examination window.  Please pay attention to these deadlines.  No late applications will be accepted.

An application for the VTNE is for only one exam window.  The candidate must take the exam during that exam window or contact AAVSB about making changes on the application; otherwise, exam fees will be forfeited.

Veterinary Technology Profession

Information on the Veterinary Technology profession can be found on the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) website and on the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) website.

Credentialing of Veterinary Technicians

Use our Board and Agency Directory for contact information to your board or association to find out about credentialing in your state or province.