Licensing Procedures

Graduates of St. George’s University, School of Veterinary Medicine wishing to practice in the USA, Canada or the U.K. will need to be licensed or registered in those countries. For up-to-date information on licensing procedures the websites are listed below. In particular, USA-bound alumni should consult the websites for information on individual states (available at www.nbvme.org). You will need the DVM degree before practicing. The NAVLE* can be taken within 8 months before graduating (ie within final clinical year) and has to be taken by all, including “home-grown” US graduates. In order to take the NAVLE candidates from off-shore schools must be enrolled in the PAVE or ECFVG programs, have met the English language requirements and passed either the ECFVG’s BCSE* or the PAVE’s QE* and then apply for the NAVLE through a state board (consult www.nbvme.org for individual state requirements).

A.         USA-bound Graduates

Graduates of non-AVMA accredited foreign schools of Veterinary Medicine have two choices to test educational equivalence for most US states, in addition to needing the NAVLE and meeting requirements for individual states. The NAVLE is required by all states.

1. The ECFVG program has two examinations, one is a basic sciences examination (BCSE), and the other is a clinical proficiency examination (CPE) which is taken after graduating. The ECFVG uses steps to describe the processes in sequence. Students can apply with proof of graduation or certification of final year registration.
2. The PAVE Program entails a written qualifying examination (QE) after completing 50% of the DVM program, but before clinical 4th year. The PAVE allows the clinical 4th year assessment to fulfill the clinical requirement of the PAVE program. If the Qualifying Examination is not taken before 4th year there is a clinical skills practical examination (VCSA). The PAVE QE has three test dates – Jan/May/Sep. - but the deadlines are approximately 60 days prior to the test date.

B.         U.K-bound Graduates

Take the membership examination for the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS) held in May and July every year (closing date for applications is 1st March. This consists of a written examination (in each area of Equine, Small Companion Animals, Production Animals and Veterinary Public Health) plus a practical examination over several days. Graduates must have their DVM diploma before taking the written examination in May. There is useful information and guidance on ANGEL and past exam papers are available on the RCVS website.

C.         Canada–bound Graduates

As individual provinces vary in their requirements, intending applicants are advised to search the web-sites given below, or write to the provincial licensing authority (see websites).

WEBSITES

1. www.avma.org (links to other sites and to ECFVG)

www.nbvme.org (for NAVLE information, practice tests and other veterinary examination information)

www.aavsb.org (for PAVE information)

2. www.rcvs.org.uk

info@canadianveterinarians.net

3. www.cvma-acmv.org

In addition non-nationals may be subject to immigration and/or work permit regulations.

* NAVLE      = North American Veterinary Licensing Examination

* ECFVG      = Education Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates

* PAVE         = Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence

* BCSE         = Basic Clinical Sciences Examination

* QE             = Qualifying Examination

* VCSA         = Veterinary Clinical Skills Examination

* CPE           = Clinical Proficiency Examination