ECFVG FAQ

1. I am a foreign veterinary graduate. I wish to work as a veterinarian in the United

States. How can I acquire a veterinary license to practice the profession?

Practice of veterinary medicine in the United States requires licensure. The

educational prerequisite for veterinary licensure in most states and for certain
federal positions includes graduation from a veterinary school accredited by the
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education
(COE).

Graduates of foreign schools not accredited by the AVMA are required to

demonstrate that they have received an education equivalent to that of an AVMA-
accredited school before they can take a licensing exam. The certificate offered by
the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) is
accepted by all state veterinary regulatory boards and the federal government as
meeting the educational prerequisite for licensure or certain types of employment,
respectively.

2. What is an educational equivalency assessment certificate program?

Educational equivalency assessment certificate programs determine whether

foreign veterinary graduates have veterinary clinical skills and knowledge that are
equivalent to those attained by an entry-level graduate of an AVMA-accredited
veterinary school.

3. So is the educational equivalency assessment program not the same as licensing?

No, educational equivalency programs are prerequisites that must be completed

by graduates of foreign veterinary schools to become eligible to take a licensure
examination.

4. If they are not the same why should I go through a certificate program? What are
the benefits to me?

The educational equivalency certificate programs such as the one offered by the
ECFVG are designed to help state veterinary licensing boards identify graduates
of foreign veterinary colleges/schools who have an education comparable to that
of graduates of AVMA-accredited veterinary colleges/schools.

5. What are my options if I do not wish to go through the ECFVG certificate

program?

One option is to repeat veterinary school in the United States. Please see here for
more information on veterinary education in the United States
(https://www.avma.org/public/Careers/Pages/vet-school-admission-101.aspx).

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 Another option is to consider a career that does not require licensure. For
example, many positions in research or in industry are suitable and fruitful for
veterinarians and do not require a license to practice veterinary medicine.

A third option is to enroll in PAVE. More on PAVE below.

6. It seems there are two veterinary certification programs—1) ECFVG certification

and 2) PAVE. What is ECFVG? What is PAVE? How are they different from
one another? How do I know which is right for me?

The certification program offered by the ECFVG, an independent Commission

within the AVMA, has 4 steps (For more information, see here:
https://www.avma.org/professionaldevelopment/education/foreign/pages/ecfvg-
pp-steps.aspx). The certification program offered by the American Association of
Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) is the Program for Assessment of Veterinary
Education Equivalence (PAVE). It too has 4 evaluative steps. (For more
information, see here: http://www.aavsb.org/PAVE/).

While the 3rd step in the ECFVG program is the Basic and Clinical Sciences
Examination (BCSE), PAVE uses the Qualifying Examination (QE). The BCSE
is offered throughout the year on a continuous testing basis. For Step 4 in the
ECFVG program, candidates will take the Clinical Proficiency Exam (CPE).
There is no option of an Evaluated Clinical Year (ECY). In PAVE, candidates
have to complete an Evaluated Clinical Experience (ECE) in order to fulfill Step 4
of the program.

The ECFVG certification is accepted by all state veterinary regulatory boards and
the federal government as meeting the educational prerequisite for licensure or
certain types of employment, respectively. The ECFVG certification is also
accepted by Canada, Australia and New Zealand. As of August 2013, PAVE
certification is recognized by 39 states in the United States and two countries –
Australia and New Zealand.

7. Why and how is the ECFVG charged with the mandate of assessing the
educational equivalence or practice readiness of foreign veterinary graduates?

The AVMA-ECFVG certification program was initiated more than 40 years ago
at the request of state veterinary regulatory boards and others to provide
assistance in assessing whether graduates of foreign veterinary schools not
accredited by the AVMA meet the educational prerequisite for licensure or other
types of employment.

Since its inception, the ECFVG has served the state boards, foreign-trained
veterinarians, the profession, and the public well by awarding more than 5,600
certificates.

8. How and in what ways are candidates’ fees spent?

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 Candidates’ registration and reregistration fees go towards payment of costs
related to offering, maintaining and running the ECFVG program. Quality
Assurance program (QAP) funds are spent on developing and refining the exams
and maintaining exam security. Other than the administrative fee, the entire CPE
application fee goes to the CPE site at which the candidate is being examined.

9. Which countries do ECFVG certificate holders come from?

ECFVG certificate holders come from over 40 countries around the world,
including veterinarians from the United States who studied at a foreign veterinary
school not accredited by the AVMA.

10. Who is considered a foreign veterinary graduate? If my school is not currently

included in your list, does it mean I am not eligible to register for the ECFVG?

All graduates (as well as final year students) from AVMA-listed veterinary
colleges are eligible to register for the ECFVG. If a veterinary college is not
AVMA-listed, you can contact Vicky Wragg. The AVMA-ECFVG does not
represent this to be a comprehensive list of all veterinary schools in the world.
The AVMA-listed Veterinary Schools of The World includes all schools that
were listed by the World Health Organization in its 1991 World Veterinary
Directory and in the 1983 Pan American Health Organization publication,
Diagnosis of Animal Health in the Americas. The list also includes additional
schools that have come to the attention of the ECFVG for reasons related to the
ECFVG certification program. Such schools are listed here only after
correspondence with the national government ensures that the school is officially
recognized by that government as a professional school of veterinary medicine
and its graduates are qualified to practice veterinary medicine within that country
without any restrictions.

11. Do I have to be a US citizen or Canadian citizen (or a new immigrant to US or

Canada) in order to register for the ECFVG certificate program?

No, you do not have to be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or
Canada to register in the ECFVG program. Those on non-immigrant work visas,
student visas, and exchange visas are eligible to register. The program is not
restricted by geography either. Anyone living and working outside the United
States and Canada hoping to attain a certificate for personal or professional
reasons is also welcome to register in the ECFVG. The Australasian Veterinary
Boards Council Inc provides the ECFVG certificate holder the eligibility to apply
for registration as a veterinary surgeon in Australia and New Zealand without
further examination.

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 However, please note that the ECFVG does not apply or advocate for a United
States visa on behalf of anyone. All visa formalities must be fulfilled by the
candidate.

12. How do I apply and register for the ECFVG certificate program? What are the
costs involved?

To register in the ECFVG certification program, you must complete the online
application, submit all necessary proof of graduation documents and, as of
January 2015, submit a payment totaling $1,400.00 USD; ($675.00 ECFVG
Operating Costs; $725.00 ECFVG Quality Assurance Program fee). For the most
recent fee structure and a complete list of documents, please refer to the
information online at
https://www.avma.org/ProfessionalDevelopment/Education/Foreign/Pages/ECFV
G-pp-steps.aspx

13. Why does registration cost so much? Why does the Step 4 exam (the CPE) cost so
much?

All candidate fees go towards meeting the cost of running and maintaining the
certificate program and toward the cost of preparing and maintaining the high
quality of both our examinations, the BCSE and the CPE.

Other than the administrative fee, the entire CPE application fee goes to the
examination site to cover the expenses associated with the administration of the
CPE. These expenses include exam personnel (examiners, technicians,
coordinators, personnel for animal care), animal patients, materials, and space.
Some sites temporarily halt their day-to-day clinical and service activities in order
to run the CPE.

14. What kind of profit is made by the ECFVG and the AVMA as a result of
administering the certification program?

The idea that the certification program generates profit for the ECFVG and the
AVMA is a misconception. Neither the ECFVG nor the AVMA make money
from the ECFVG certification program. The ECFVG is a body of volunteer
members who donate considerable amount of time and effort to fulfill the
Commission’s mission of a fair and unbiased administration of the program. The
AVMA, a non-profit organization, provides staff support and has incurred most of
the overhead costs involved in running a program of such scope and magnitude.

15. How long does it take to complete the ECFVG certificate program?

It is up to individual candidates to determine the time they require to complete the

program – the more clinical or practice experience a candidate has, the more
likely they are to complete the program quickly. The best prepared candidates can

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 finish the 4 steps of the program in as short as 4 – 6 months, conditional on CPE
availability. However, about half of our candidates complete the program in 2 to
2.5 years.

16. How long does it take to complete Step1? What does it entail? What can I do to
speed up the process?

The ECFVG will verify all applicants' educational credentials by directly

contacting the veterinary school that the candidate graduated from. This may take
anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months. Much of the variation in time is dependent
on the schools’ ability to respond to our verification process in a timely manner.
If you have contacts in the school or surrounding areas who can request the school
authorities to respond in a timely manner, that can help speed up the process.
Applicants do not need to wait for Step 1 to be completed and may proceed with
Steps 2 and 3 of the certificate program while verification is being obtained.
However, Step 1 will not be considered completed until such verification is
obtained, and applicants are not eligible to apply for Step 4 of the certification
program (the CPE) until Steps 1, 2, and 3 are completed.

17. I am enrolled into the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)

National Examining Board (NEB) program. Can I transfer my degree documents
(diploma, transcripts, college verification) from the NEB to the ECFVG?

No, the ECFVG conducts a Step 1 verification process independent of the NEB
and requires that scores are directly sent from ETS, IELTS and CAEL for
fulfilling Step 2 requirement. However, BCSE and CPE scores may be
transferred between the two programs.

18. What do I have to submit to fulfill Step 2 of the ECFVG certificate program?

To complete Step 2, candidates must provide the ECFVG with proof of English
language proficiency by meeting the pass points established by the ECFVG on
one of the following assessment tools: the internet-based TOEFL (iB-TOEFL),
the IELTS, or the CAEL Assessment. More specific information can be found
here:
https://www.avma.org/professionaldevelopment/education/foreign/pages/ecfvg-
pp-steps.aspx

19. Are TOEFL and IELTS scores valid only for 2 years after the date of the tests for
Step 2 completion?

Yes, this policy is based upon recommendations from the organizations

administering the English language proficiency exams.

20. Can I get a waiver for Step 2 English requirement if:

a. I am a naturalized American citizen

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 b. I did my graduate school in the United States
c. I completed high school in a country with English as official language?

No. The only candidates who can get a waiver for Step 2 are candidates
completing secondary school in the United States, United Kingdom (England,
Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland), Australia, New Zealand, or Canada
(except Quebec).

Such candidates who are eligible for waiver must provide documentation of at
least three years full-time attendance at a secondary (high) school located in one
of the above countries at which the complete language of instruction was English.
Acceptable documentation includes a letter directly from school officials stating
dates of attendance (month and year of both initial and final dates of attendance
are required) and verifying that the complete language of instruction was English
or, for graduates of US high schools only, a certified, notarized, or official copy of
the final transcript. A degree from an English-speaking college or university is
not considered adequate proof of English language ability.

21. Can I have the NEB transfer my English language scores to the ECFVG?

No, the ECFVG requires original score reports directly from ETS or other
English-language testing agencies.

22. What is the BCSE? How is it different from NAVLE? Will I have to do both
exams?

The BCSE fulfills Step 3 requirement for the educational equivalency certificate
program. The North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) is a
requirement for licensure to practice veterinary medicine in all licensing
jurisdictions in the United States and Canada. ECFVG candidates will become
eligible to take the NAVLE only after passing the BCSE.

23. I completed the NBE and NBE/CCT several years ago. Do I still have to do the
BCSE?

As of November 2013, a new ECFVG policy came into effect and, according to
this policy, all candidates who enroll in the ECFVG program on or after January
1, 2014, will have to pass the BCSE in order to fulfill Step 3 requirements.
Passing scores from NBE and NBE/CCT will no longer be accepted as fulfilling
Step 3 requirements for those enrolled in the program on or after January 1, 2014.

24. How is the BCSE structured? What study materials are available to prepare for
the BCSE? Are there any tutorials?

Click here to access information about the content and structure of the BCSE
along with information on the references and practice test.

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 25. How difficult is it to pass the BCSE? Can you tell a little bit more about how to
prepare for the exam? What are the passing scores and how are they
determined? Is there a cap on the number of times I can take the BCSE?

The BCSE tests for entry-level knowledge of a recent graduate of an AVMA-

accredited veterinary college. The overall pass rate of all BCSE takers is about
45%, but this includes first-time exam takers (whose pass rate is typically higher)
as well as all those who retake the exam two or more times. The level of
preparation of individual candidates also plays a role.

The pass point of the BCSE examination is criterion-referenced. That means that
the test is developed to assess whether candidate’s knowledge meets the minimum
expectation of a graduate from an AVMA-accredited veterinary school.
Therefore, candidates are not graded on a curve or in relation to other candidates.
The test is not designed to pass or fail a predetermined number of candidates. In
fact, 100% of candidates could pass any given test administration if all of the
candidates were well-prepared for this examination designed to test minimum
knowledge related to veterinary medicine and as taught in AVMA-accredited
veterinary schools. Being familiar with the curricular content at AVMA-
accredited veterinary schools will benefit all candidates.

At present, there is no limit on the number of times a candidate can take the
BCSE, although no candidate may take the BCSE more than three times in a
calendar year. All candidates who fail the BCSE are required to wait about four
months (or about 120 days) between BCSE attempts (i.e., from date of previous
BCSE attempt) in order to apply for a BCSE retake.

26. I want to take the NAVLE during the next testing window, how do I register?

NAVLE registrations are handled directly by the National Board of Veterinary

Medical Examiners (NBVME). More information can be found here:
http://www.nbvme.org/navle-general-information/navle/

27. How early must I complete the BCSE to ensure that my information can be
transferred to the NBVME or state board for my NAVLE application?

The BCSE must be completed no later than 30 days (our recommendation is no

later than 40 days) to date of NAVLE registration deadline.

28. How long does it take to transfer information to the NBVME or a state board
after I have requested?

Normally, it takes up to 2 weeks to transfer information to the NBVME or a state

board after a candidate makes a request.

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 29. What is the CPE?

The Clinical Proficiency Examination (CPE) has been developed by the ECFVG
and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) National Examining
Board (NEB) as the fourth step of the ECFVG or NEB to assess educational
equivalency. It is a clinical, hands-on, performance-based examination intended to
assess the practical clinical veterinary skills at the level of a recently-graduated
veterinarian from an AVMA-accredited veterinary college.

The 7-section, clinical skills examination is administered at colleges of veterinary

medicine or other authorized testing institutions. The skill and knowledge level
expected to receive a passing score on each section of the CPE is that of an entry-
level US or Canadian veterinarian (i.e., new graduate of an AVMA-accredited
veterinary school).

30. How is the CPE structured?

For CPE structure and format, please refer to here:

https://www.avma.org/professionaldevelopment/education/foreign/pages/ecfvg-
cpe-bulletin.aspx#cpe-format

31. How difficult is it to pass the CPE? What is the pass rate for candidates who take
the CPE?

The examination is a comprehensive assessment of the clinical skills of an entry-

level veterinarian, evaluating the diagnostic, surgical, and therapeutic proficiency
a candidate possesses in a variety of species, including dogs, cats, horses, cows,
and other food animals (sheep, pigs, goats).The pass rate for candidates taking the
CPE for the first time is about 25%. The pass rate for candidates repeating failed
sections is higher than 25%. Pass rates for CPE should be understood in the
context of the huge variation in the experiences and skills of the ECFVG
candidates, and candidates are well-advised to gain all of the skills and working
familiarity necessary to be considered equivalent to a graduate of an AVMA-
accredited veterinary school prior to attempting the examination.

32. What study materials are available to prepare for the CPE? Are there any
tutorials?

The CPE manual of administration (MOA) is a foundational document and every

CPE candidate should be well-acquainted with it. The MOA details most skills
tested during the exam. The case-based exams are usually based on diagnoses
such as those listed here:
https://www.avma.org/professionaldevelopment/education/foreign/pages/ecfvg-

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 cpe-bulletin.aspx#cpe-common-diagnoses However, please note that the list of
cases provided is a representative sample to illustrate the type of cases that might
be used in the examination and is not all-inclusive.

33. Does the ECFVG offer any training programs or provide any practice materials?

No, the ECFVG does not offer any training programs or provide any practice
materials.

34. How do I train myself for a CPE? Are there any programs in place that will
consider me as a learner and prepare me for the CPE?

Some veterinary schools accept foreign veterinary graduates on an individual

basis for clinical training programs (i.e., clerkship rotations, courses, or special
training student status for varying lengths of time). This is independent of the
ECFVG program. The ECFVG does not request or recommend any schools to
provide clinical training for ECFVG candidates. It is up to the individual foreign
veterinary graduate to contact the different schools and make arrangements that
best suit their needs.

35. How do other ECFVG registrants prepare for the CPE?

ECFVG registrants are a heterogeneous group. Their preparation for the CPE
likely depends on individual variations in educational background, clinical and
work experience and level of practice readiness and preparation.

36. Where is the CPE offered? Do I have a choice as to which site I will go to for my
CPE?

At present, the CPE is offered at three sites. Candidates choose the site during
sign-up for the exam, but on a first-come first-served basis. For more information
please see here:
https://www.avma.org/professionaldevelopment/education/foreign/pages/ecfvg-
cpe-bulletin.aspx#cpe-sites-schedule

37. I hear that some testing sites are more difficult than others? Is it true? How can
the ECFVG allow the difficulty level of the exam to vary like that?

The pass rates across sites do not vary – therefore, there is no evidence that some
sites are more difficult than others. The CPE is a standardized exam. A lot of
care and attention has been given to ensuring that testing standards do not vary
across the sites. The scoring rubrics are well-defined by examiners across all of
the sites and examiners attend periodic training sessions.

38. What is the average wait time to secure a CPE testing date?

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 Current wait times for a full CPE are in the range of 4 to 6 months. Wait times
for retakes of individual sections have greater variation (from to 3 to 7 or 8
months), depending on the sections.

39. Is there a limit to the number of times I can take the CPE?

Currently there are no limits, although we would like to encourage candidates to

take time for adequate level of preparation between exam sittings.

40. Can I take an ECY in place of a CPE?

No, there is no option to replace an evaluated clinical year (ECY) for the CPE in
the ECFVG certification program.

41. I am registered with the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)

National Examining Board (NEB), can I take the CPE at a site in the United
States?

Only registrants of the ECFVG can take the CPE at a site in the United States.
NEB candidates who are also registered in the ECFVG have an opportunity to
take the CPE in the United States. They then request a transfer of CPE scores
from the ECFVG to the NEB.

42. When in the educational equivalency assessment process do we register to take

the CPE?

According to the policy currently in place, any time after completion of the
BCSE, a candidate can apply to take the CPE. However, candidates registering in
the program on or after July 1, 2014, will also need to complete the surgery
experience form. For more details, please check here:
https://www.avma.org/ProfessionalDevelopment/Education/Foreign/Pages/ECFV
G-News-January2014.aspx

43. I would like to assess if the ECFVG is a good investment of time and money for
me, before I register. I would like to know some program statistics that can help
me calculate my chances of successfully completing the certification. Can you
give some information about the number of registered candidates, the number that
successfully completed the program, how long it took for them to complete, what
schools did they come from, how old are they, on average, what kind of work
experience they had, etc.?

ECFVG candidates have received their veterinary degree in over 50 countries,

belong to different age categories, have different levels of professional and
clinical experience, pursue different career paths such as private practice,
research, government service, and are based in the U.S. and Canada and also
elsewhere. The certification is recognized in Australia and New Zealand also.

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 About 50% of the candidates complete the certificate program in about 2 years
with some earning their certificate in less than 4 months time. The first-time (full
CPE) pass rate is now about 25% but completion rate of first CPE cycle is higher
after taking into consideration the pass rate for retake of failed CPE sections.
Typically, those who have clinical practice experience do better, however, even
experienced clinicians will do well to familiarize themselves with the CPE
Manual of Administration. As it is a structured examination where examiners are
obligated to follow the scoring rubric, even practitioners will benefit from
following the structure of the exam. Finally, demonstrating the ability to
communicate is a major aspect of the CPE that is both directly and indirectly
assessed during various cases and at different stations.

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