NAVLE Process Summarized

Updated May 13, 2013

Detailed NAVLE application instructions can be found on the NAVLE Information and Application page of this site.

NAVLE Process for Candidates Applying through the Canadian NEB

Contact the NEB for application instructions - If you are applying to take the NAVLE in order to obtain a license to practice veterinary medicine in Canada, you must contact the Canadian National Examining Board (NEB) and follow their NAVLE application procedures and requirements. NAVLE application and fee payment must be made directly to the NEB (not to the NBVME) by the NEB application deadline date.

NAVLE Process for Candidates Applying through a U.S. State or Territorial Licensing Board

Two applications are required for the NAVLE. It is your responsiblity to make sure both the NBVME (application #1) and the licensing board office (or their designated NAVLE processor) (application #2) have all the necessary paperwork and fees by their respective application deadlines in order for you to be registered and approved for the NAVLE.

1. Submit the NBVME NAVLE application (Application #1)

Application submission and deadlines - Candidates applying for NAVLE approval through all state or territorial licensing boards may submit their NBVME NAVLE application and fee payment directly to the NBVME, either online or by paper. NBVME application receipt deadline for these candidates is August 1 for the November-December NAVLE, and January 3 for the April NAVLE.
Application completion - Enter your name exactly as it is listed on your ID. Provide a reliable e-mail address and telephone number. Choose your testing region location carefully. Review your application information thoroughly before submitting your application.
Application fee and fee payment options - The NBVME application fee is $570. There is an additional fee of $275 for overseas testing. Online application fees can be paid by Visa or MasterCard, and paper application fees can be paid by personal check, cashier's check, or money order, payable in U.S. funds.

2. Submit a state/territorial application for approval to take the NAVLE (Application #2)

Licensing board NAVLE approval required - You must be approved by a licensing board (or their designated NAVLE processor) in order to be eligible to take the NAVLE.
Contact your chosen board early for state NAVLE application information - Contact the licensing board office where you want a license to practice veterinary medicine (or their designated NAVLE processor) and request their NAVLE application packet. Complete and return the licensing board's application for NAVLE approval (including all required supporting documentation and fees), according to their specific application requirements, and before their application deadline. No licensing board (or processor) has an application deadline later than August 1 and January 3, and some board application deadlines are earlier than August 1 and January 3.
Candidates applying for NAVLE approval through Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont and Virginia - For the 2013-2014 NAVLE, the NBVME will process state NAVLE applications on behalf of these boards, and you must submit your state NAVLE application and fee to the NBVME office. Additional information on submitting your state NAVLE application to the NBVME for approval through these boards is available here.

3. Scheduling and Admission Permits for approved candidates - If you have completed steps 1 and 2 above and are approved to take the NAVLE by your licensing board (or by their designated NAVLE processor), a Scheduling and Admission Permit will be issued for you approximately 45 days prior to the start of the testing window. The NBVME will send you an e-mail message with instructions on how to access your on-line e-permit. Print your permit prior to your test date, because you will need it with you for entrance into the testing center on the day you take your NAVLE.

4. Schedule your testing appointment - Make your testing appointment with Prometric as soon as you access and print your Scheduling and Admission Permit in order to get the date and center you prefer. You can find available testing center locations within your selected testing region at www.prometric.com/NBVME.

5. Record your confirmation number - When scheduling your testing appointment with Prometric, record your confirmation number in the designated space on the bottom of your permit.

6. Confirm your testing appointment - Contact Prometric to confirm your testing appointment one week prior to your testing date, using the confirmation number provided to you by Prometric at the time you scheduled.

7. Arrive 30 minutes early - Arrive at the testing center 30 minutes prior to your appointment. Bring your non-expired government-issued, signed, photo identification AND your printed NAVLE Scheduling and Admission Permit. Permits can not be printed at the testing center, and the NBVME will not provide a faxed copy.

8. Score reporting - Scores will be reported to the licensing board through which you applied approximately four weeks after the close of the testing window. The licensing board will report your scores to you. For the 2013-2014 NAVLE, the NBVME will report scores for candidates approved through: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont and Virginia.

9. Score transfers - Once you have passed the NAVLE, if you need your scores transferred to additional licensing boards, contact the American Association of Veterinary State Boards VIVA division at 877-698-8482, or www.aavsb.org.