The NEB exams are offered in both English and French. Each candidate is required to specify in their application the language in which they wish to take the exams. Applicants whose first language is neither English nor French must submit a score report for the:
- Internet-based TOEFL (iB-TOEFL), with a minimum of 23 in Reading, 25 in Listening, 22 in Speaking, 22 in Writing and no minimum overall score is required. Candidates MUST achieve at least the minimum passing scores for each of the four sections of the internet-based TOEFL. TOEFL scores can be sent to the NEB using our institution code number B665.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Academic version with an overall score of no less than 6.5, with at least 6.5 in the Listening band, 6.0 in the Writing band and 7.0 in the Speaking band. Candidates MUST achieve the minimum passing scores for each of the three sections.
- Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL & CAEL-CE) Assessment with an overall score of no less than 60, with a least 60 in the Listening band, 50 in the Writing band and 60 in the Speaking band; OR
- Exam of French of the Office de la langue française (OLF) of the Government of Quebec. The examination comprises four parts: oral comprehension, writing, writing comprehension and oral communication. The score for each part is 60%.
At the time of applying to become a candidate of the NEB, one must provide an original copy of a score report for one of the foregoing language proficiency examinations that is no more than two years old. Applicants MUST achieve the minimum scores for all required sections of an exam on the same administration or attempt.
Additional Language Tests Accepted
Please note that currently we also accept the following language tests:
- CAEL Online
- IELTS Indicator
- TOEFL Special Home Edition
- TOEFL IBT Paper Edition
The minimum score requirements are the same as for the regular language tests. Acceptance of results from these at home tests might be reviewed at a future date.
Exemption
For applicants whose native language (i.e. the common language of an individual’s country of birth) is not English or French, the foregoing language exams may be waived. In order to receive the exemption, one must provide documentation of at least three years full-time attendance at a secondary school (high school) at which the complete language of instruction was English or French. Acceptable documentation includes a letter sent directly from school officials confirming dates of attendance and that the complete language of instruction was English or French.
In addition, applicants who have been granted a certificate by the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) are exempted from having to provide evidence of language proficiency in English. The NEB requires written confirmation from the ECFVG.