What is the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE)?

The veterinary technician national examination (VTNE) is an examination used to test a veterinary technician's knowledge and skills. The VTNE is used by most states, provinces, and Canada as a requirement for credentialing. Upon passing the exam, a vet tech will be eligible to receive their certification and become a practicing veterinary technician. This veterinary technician exam is owned and administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).

In order to take the VTNE, you must be a graduate of an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) accredited veterinary technology program or a program approved by the regulatory board governing your jurisdiction. Before you take the exam, you must also submit an application to the AASVB.

Important information to read prior to applying for VTNE

• The individual completes the registration form on the AAVSB website and submits the exam registration fee to that organization.
• The AAVSB contacts the EVTA to ensure that the individual is indeed eligible to write the VTNE. 
• Our Association bylaws state that in order to write the exam; "Individuals must be a paid active members of the EVTA and must be a graduate of a CVMA/AVMA accredited college."  Therefore the individual must have graduated from an Accredited College and pay the EVTA Active Membership Fee prior to writing the VTNE.

Please visit the American Association of Veterinary State Boards  website to register.  

How to Apply for the VTNE:

From a “big picture” perspective, arranging to take the VTNE will involve three general steps:

• Applying/Registering to take the exam with AAVSB - Click here for the online application form
• Making sure appropriate documents are submitted so that eligibility to sit for the exam can be determined. (Approval will be granted by either AAVSB or your regulatory board).
• After your application and eligibility have been processed, you will receive a letter explaining how to make an examination appointment at a Prometric Testing Center which will determine the date, time, and location of your exam.