Overview
The North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) is the licensing test for veterinarians in the United States and Canada. It is run by the International Council for Veterinary Assessment (ICVA). It is taken by humans only and is delivered on computer at Prometric test centres with audio and video monitoring.
Who can apply
A candidate must meet one of these conditions:
Graduated from, or currently enrolled in, a veterinary college accredited by the AVMA. The college must hold accreditation at the time of graduation.
Enrolled in the ECFVG or PAVE pathway for graduates of non-accredited schools, and have completed the BCSE or QSE step before NAVLE approval.
Students who have not yet graduated may test up to twice if they expect to graduate within 10 months of the end of the testing window.
Exam pattern
The NAVLE has 360 multiple-choice questions, all clinically based.
Syllabus
The blueprint weights questions by competency and by species.
| Competency area | Weight |
|---|---|
| Clinical Practice | 70% |
| Preventive Medicine and Animal Welfare | 15% |
| Communication | 8% |
| Professionalism, Practice Management and Wellness | 7% |
Species coverage runs from canine, the largest share at 25.6%, down to aquatics at 1%, with equine, bovine, feline and other species in between.
Marking and results
Results are given as a three-digit scaled score with a pass or fail outcome, plus a diagnostic report. Rescoring and appeals of NAVLE results are not permitted. Scores are available online about four to five weeks after the testing window closes, and you receive an email with instructions for opening your score report.
Important dates
| Window | Application period | Testing dates | Score release |
|---|---|---|---|
| October-November 2026 | June 1 to July 15, 2026 | October 12 to November 14, 2026 | December 14 to 25, 2026 |
| March 2027 | December 1, 2026 to January 7, 2027 | March 1 to 20, 2027 | April 19 to May 3, 2027 |
| July-August 2027 | April 1 to May 7, 2027 | July 12 to August 7, 2027 | September 6 to 20, 2027 |
How to apply
Apply online with ICVA during the application period for your chosen window. Applicants apply through one state or territorial licensing board only. Canadian applicants apply directly through the National Examining Board. All application, eligibility and accommodation documents must arrive by the deadline, with no exceptions.
After the exam
From the March 2026 window, every candidate receives five new test attempts, whatever their earlier history. Attempts made before December 1, 2025 do not count towards this limit, and no waivers are granted.
How many questions are on the NAVLE?
There are 360 multiple-choice questions.
Can NAVLE results be appealed?
No. ICVA does not allow rescoring or appeals of NAVLE results.
How many times can I take the NAVLE?
From March 2026, each candidate has five new attempts. Attempts before December 1, 2025 are not counted.