Students attending an AVMA accredited program or individuals who are in the final stages of the ECFVG or PAVE program who are ready to sit for the NAVLE need to apply to both the ICVA and the Kentucky Board for approval to take the exam. Do not delay in applying, as deadlines are very strict for available testing windows.
To apply to the Kentucky Board, candidates must complete the Application for Licensure as a Veterinarian located on the Applications and Forms page under the “Veterinarian Applications” drop-down. There is a comprehensive checklist at the back of the application to assist candidates with their submission. All components of the application are due EXECEPT final school transcripts, a background check, and the NAVLE Score Report. Note that the State Exam Answer Sheet due with the application is located in the same area of the Board’s website at the licensure application. Students who are applying to take the NAVLE should not seek a background check until after they test, closer to the date of graduation.
Students should be sure to request a Letter of Good Standing from their college or foreign graduate equivalency program to be sent directly from the college/program to the KBVE in support of the application. Letters may be emailed to Vet@ky.gov from an official college/program email address, or arrive in an official, sealed envelope from the college at the Board’s physical office.
A passing exam score on the NAVLE is required*. Be advised that students who fail the NAVLE must complete and submit the NAVLE Retake Application form and fee to be eligible to retake the exam. This form is located on the Applications and Forms page under the “Veterinarian Applications” drop-down, and is due by the same deadline as the ICVA application.
**Per 201 KAR 16:530, Section 1(7), candidates who tested and achieved passing scores on national or state level exams, i.e., the National Board Exam (NBE) and/or the Clinical Competency Text (CCT), prior to May 2000 are still eligible for licensure without taking the NAVLE.
In Kentucky, once the NAVLE, NBE, or CCT has been successfully passed, candidates for licensure do not need to retest, regardless of how long ago the test was completed.