The North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) is given to those looking to practice veterinary medicine in all jurisdictions within the United States and Canada. The NAVLE Exam is a requirement in order to be licensed.
Eligibility:
Those who are eligible to take the NAVLE Exam include:
- Seniors graduating from a school accredited by the AVMA with an expected graduation date no later than 10 months from the last date of the applicable testing window.
- Students who have already graduated from a school that is accredited by AVMA.
- Graduates of schools not accredited by the AVMA who are enrolled in or hold certificates issued by the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG).
Application Process:
The application process is different depending on whether you’re taking the exam in Canada or in the states.
If you plan to take the exam at a Canadian-based testing site, you will need to contact the Canadian National Examining Board (NEB).
If you plan to take the exam in the U.S., you will need to submit two NAVLE applications:
- A national ICLA NAVLE application – Application #1
- You can fill out the ICLA application directly on the ICLA website. The deadline for this particular application is August 1st for the November-December testing window, and February 1st for the April testing window.
- You can pay the application fee by Visa or Mastercard.
- State/territorial NAVLE application – Application #2
- The state territorial application is required in order to be approved to take the NAVLE exam.
Cost:
- North America: $635
- Overseas:$935
When is the exam given?
The NAVLE Exam is given during a 4-week period in November through December, and then a 2-week period in April.
Where is the NAVLE exam given?
The exam is given at Prometric testing centers within the United States and certain overseas testing sites.
How do I go about scheduling a date to take my exam?
After you complete your application, you will receive your NAVID, which is your NAVLE identification number. This number is important because it will allow you to access your online Scheduling and Admission Permit. You will receive your scheduling number at the same time. This number allows you to schedule an exam date with a Prometric center.
You will also receive your Candidate Identification Number (CIN). Your CIN allows you to access your exam on exam day. It’s important that you have your CIN with you on the day you take your exam, because Prometric does not have access to a test takers CIN.
The last number you will receive is your confirmation number after you schedule your exam. You will need this number to confirm or reschedule your exam date.
*Important:
When you receive your Scheduling and Admission Permit be sure that your first and last name matches your government-issued photo ID.
You can schedule your exam on the Prometric website: www.prometric.com/ICVA, or by phone at the contact number printed on your permit.
Online NAVLE Prep Course
If you want to be fully prepared, Mometrix offers an online NAVLE Prep Course. The course is designed to provide you with any and every resource you might want while studying. The NAVLE Course includes:
- Review Lessons Covering Every Topic
- 600+ NAVLE Practice Questions
- More than 950 Digital Flashcards
- Money-back Guarantee
- Free Mobile Access
- and More!
The NAVLE Prep Course is designed to help any learner get everything they need to prepare for their NAVLE exam. Click below to check it out!
Test Day:
On the day of your exam you will want to arrive at least 30 minutes early. You will also want to have your current government-issued photo ID, and your testing permit. If your ID is not current, you will not be permitted to take the exam.
Number of questions:
The exam is computer-based and consists of 360 multiple-choice questions. 300 of these questions are scored while 60 are not scored.
Exam Content:
You will be tested on the following:
- Data Gathering and Interpretation (140 questions)
- Health Maintenance and Problem Management (140 questions)
You will also be tested on species:
- Canine:70
- Feline:68
- Bovine:45
- Equine:47
- Porcine:17
- Public Health:10
- Cervidae:2
- Camelidae:2
- Pet Birds:10
- Other Small Animals:10
- Poultry:6
- Ovine/Caprine:10
- Non-Species Specific:3
This totals 300 questions.
Passing score:
In order to pass your exam, you will need to score at least a 425.
When can I expect to receive my test results?
If you take your exam during the November-December testing window, you can expect to receive your exam results by mid-January.
If you take your exam in April, you can expect your exam results by mid-May.
Exam Retakes:
If you fail the exam you may retake it. However, you are only allowed to take the exam five times.
How Can I Prepare for the NAVLE?
That’s a great question. We’ve broken down the answer into three parts.
- Do yourself a favor and study. Do not walk in unprepared. We have recommended prep materials below, but that only helps if you actually try. Plus, studying is actually proven to be the best antidote to test anxiety.
- Take care of yourself. Make sure you’re eating well, exercising, and sleeping. All of these things are scientifically linked to brain performance. If you take care of your body, you’ll be helping your grades.
- Get a study guide or set of flashcards. Some people study better a certain way. Find your study strengths and make the most of them. We’ve tried to make it easy for you by
- tracking down the best study guide and flashcard set for your exam. Below you’ll see
- links to both!
