The NEB examination process comprises four exams measuring entry-level competence in the theory and practice of veterinary medicine in a North American context:
- the Basic and Clinical Sciences Examination (BCSE);
- the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE);
- the Preliminary Surgical Assessment for the CPE (PSA);
- the Clinical Proficiency Examination (CPE).
A graduate of a non-accredited veterinary school must complete all four parts of the foregoing examinations, starting with the BCSE, followed by the NAVLE, the PSA and the CPE (whereas the NAVLE can be attended first and the PSA/CPE thereafter or vice versa) in order to be granted a CQ. Graduates of an accredited veterinary school need only pass the NAVLE within three attempts to be granted a CQ. Moreover, graduates of an accredited college who do not achieve a passing mark on the NAVLE within three attempts must also complete the PSA and CPE in order to receive a CQ.
All veterinary schools in Canada and the USA are currently accredited, as are those listed on the AVMA website. Candidates who are uncertain of the accreditation status of their college may obtain the necessary information from the NEB office.
A candidate may not be re-examined in the NAVLE if he/she has already passed it, unless such re-examination is required by a provincial licensing body.
A candidate who is a graduate of a non-accredited veterinary school (see https://www.avma.org/education/ecfvg/directory-avma-listed-veterinary-colleges-world ) must successfully complete the BCSE, the NAVLE, the PSA and the CPE within a 7 year period commencing when the candidate registers with the NEB. A candidate who does not complete the examination sequence within the 7 year period will be required to resubmit scores from English language proficiency exams and from BCSE prior to becoming eligible for the NAVLE, the PSA and the CPE again.
All candidates working towards completion of certification requirements will be required to maintain registration in the program by paying the required annual fees towards re-registration.
Finally, candidates should note that the examination may be administered only to bona fide candidates (i) for initial licensing in any province, or (ii) who are already licensed in a province, but are seeking a license in another jurisdiction that does not recognize the candidate's existing scores as qualifying for a license.
All of the exams may be taken in either English or French, at the discretion of the candidate.