Who runs the VTNE and who grants credentials
The AAVSB describes its role narrowly. It owns and administers the exam and sends a candidate's score to the state or province where the candidate will practice. It says it does not license or credential veterinary technicians [1]. In the AAVSB's words, "Credentials are provided by the state or province in which you practice" [1]. The AAVSB adds that most states and provinces require a passing VTNE score for credentialing [1].
For practice managers, this split matters when a new hire asks about timelines. The exam steps below run through the AAVSB and PSI. The credential itself, and any jurisdiction-specific requirement, sits with the state or provincial agency. The AAVSB points candidates to its Board and Agency Directory to find that agency [1].
Eligibility pathways before applying
The AAVSB lists three routes to sit for the VTNE: Accredited, On-the-Job Training (OJT), and Alternate [5]. It says most jurisdictions require graduation from an AVMA-CVTEA or CVMA-accredited program. Some jurisdictions accept OJT, and certain jurisdictions offer an Alternate pathway that does not require graduation from an accredited program [5]. The AAVSB says it verifies the chosen pathway against the jurisdiction's requirements [5].
How education is verified depends on graduation date, according to the AAVSB:
| Situation | Verification method described by AAVSB |
|---|
| Accredited graduate before January 1, 2025 | School sends a transcript directly to the AAVSB [5] |
| Accredited graduate after January 1, 2025 | Program director uploads a roster to the AAVSB; the candidate cannot test until listed on it [5] |
| OJT | Candidate downloads the jurisdiction's OJT form from MyAAVSB and uploads it with the application; AAVSB staff verify [5] |
| Alternate | AAVSB requires a transcript; a work verification form is added where the jurisdiction requires work experience [5] |
The AAVSB notes that some programs may let candidates test during their final semester [5]. It also warns that testing through the OJT or Alternate routes "may limit where you can practice." A candidate moving jurisdictions may need to retake the VTNE through a different pathway [5]. For a clinic recruiting across state lines, that is a point to raise with a candidate early.
Application, fees and exam windows
The VTNE is offered in exam windows, and a candidate applies for a specific exam window [2]. The AAVSB says the candidate "must take the exam during the exam window for which you apply, or you will forfeit your exam fee" [2]. The page text used for this guide does not state the calendar dates of the windows or their application cutoffs.
As of the AAVSB pages read in November 2026, the application fee is $375, or a voucher can be redeemed in its place. All sales are nonrefundable [2]. The AAVSB says it creates a MyAAVSB account during the application process, and candidates track application status there [2].
The AAVSB directs candidates to the VTNE Candidate Handbook for its full policy on withdrawals, cancellations, ID requirements and name changes [2]. On identity, the AAVSB asks that the first and last name on the application match a "valid government photo ID with signature" presented on exam day [2].
Candidates who need accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Canadian Human Rights Act indicate this on the application [1][2]. The AAVSB says the process can take time and advises starting early in the application window. It publishes a separate VTNE Accommodations Guide [2].
Scheduling with PSI and exam format
The AAVSB describes the online booking steps as follows [4]:
- Once the application is approved, the candidate creates an account with PSI.
- The candidate schedules the exam online using the candidate ID shown in the MyAAVSB Portal.
- PSI sends a confirmation email.
Booking by phone is also possible through PSI at +1(833) 256-1419, per the AAVSB [4]. The AAVSB asks candidates to confirm their contact details in MyAAVSB before scheduling [4].
Two delivery formats are described [4]:
- In person at a PSI Test Center. The AAVSB says these centers operate across the U.S. and Canada.
- At home through live remote proctoring (LRP). The AAVSB recommends reading its Live Remote Proctoring Guide before choosing LRP.
According to the AAVSB, the exam runs three hours and contains 170 multiple-choice questions [4]. The score is based on 150 items. The remaining 20 are pilot questions used to build future exams and do not count [4]. The AAVSB says the exam is offered in English or French [4].
For preparation, the AAVSB offers 10 free sample questions representing the exam's 10 domain areas, plus three versions of an online practice test [6]. Each practice test costs $50 USD per attempt and has 75 questions over 90 minutes, according to the AAVSB [6]. The AAVSB calls its content outline "one of the most important materials to review" [6]. The AAVSB says the species covered follow the AVMA Standards of Accreditation's student skills list [6].
Rescheduling and window transfers
The AAVSB separates two kinds of change.
Within the same window
A change of date, time or location inside the current window is made online through the PSI portal. It is subject to seat availability and must be made at least 48 hours before the appointment [3]. The pages used here do not list a fee for this type of change.
Moving to a different window
The AAVSB allows one window change per application for a $90 administrative fee [2][3]. The two AAVSB pages describe the deadline differently:
- The application page describes this as a move "to the next window" made "up to 48 hours before your scheduled exam time" [2].
- The rescheduling page states the deadline as at least 48 hours before the appointment "or before the end of the exam window" [3].
Candidates whose situation falls between those two phrasings may want to confirm with the AAVSB. Window transfers are handled through the MyAAVSB portal [3].
The AAVSB is clear that the transfer is a one-time option. After it, the exam cannot be moved again, and any further attempt requires a new application and the full fee [3].
Absences, emergencies and exam-day problems
The AAVSB classifies a missed exam as excused or unexcused [3].
Excused absences
The AAVSB defines an excused absence as an emergency that makes it impossible to keep the appointment. It says a candidate may be able to reschedule at no charge with documentation [3]. It lists two qualifying situations [3]:
- "Serious illness or death of an immediate family member (parents, spouses, grandparents, siblings, and dependents)."
- A "Disabling traffic accident," which the AAVSB defines as damage to a vehicle that would cause further damage if the vehicle kept being driven.
To claim an excused absence, the candidate must email the AAVSB within 48 hours of the scheduled exam time. The AAVSB refers candidates to the Candidate Handbook for more detail [3].
Unexcused absences
Per the AAVSB, failing to appear, or failing to reschedule at least 48 hours ahead, counts as unexcused and forfeits all exam fees [3]. The AAVSB's examples include [3]:
- arriving late and being turned away
- an ID name that does not exactly match the application
- being unable to launch an LRP session because of an unsupported device
- not testing or rescheduling before the window closes
Weather and emergencies
For inclement weather or a local or national emergency, the AAVSB directs candidates to contact PSI at 1.833.256.1419 or check the PSI portal [3]. If the test center is open, the AAVSB expects the candidate to attend or forfeit fees. If the center is closed and appointments are canceled, PSI contacts candidates to rebook within the current window [3].
Reporting problems
The AAVSB asks candidates to report exam-day issues within 48 hours. It also runs a confidential Exam Security Tip Line for suspected misconduct [4].
Scores and pass rates
The AAVSB says VTNE scores are no longer sent by email and are posted in the MyAAVSB Portal within three days [1]. The AAVSB also sends the score to the jurisdiction where the candidate will practice [1]. The AAVSB maintains separate pages on getting a score report and on retaking the exam after a non-passing result [1].
The AAVSB page text used for this guide does not state the score scale, the passing score, the retake waiting period, or any limit on attempts. The AAVSB says complete exam details are available in the VTNE Candidate Handbook [4]. None of the AAVSB pages cited here publish a national VTNE pass rate, and we have not reported one from other sources.
