From the NAVLE to your first day of practice
Passing the NAVLE isn't the same as being licensed to practice - it's the first of several steps. Here's what actually happens in between, so nothing catches you off guard right before (or after) graduation.
Pass the NAVLE
The North American Veterinary Licensing Examination, administered through the International Council for Veterinary Assessment (ICVA). Required for licensure in every US state and Canadian province. Most students sit for it in their final year of vet school.
Apply for licensure in the state(s) you plan to practice in
Licensure is granted state by state, not nationally. Each state veterinary medical board sets its own application, fees, and timeline - some also require a state-specific jurisprudence exam covering that state's veterinary practice laws.
Register for a DEA number (if you'll prescribe controlled substances)
A federal registration, separate from state licensure, needed to prescribe controlled substances (many sedatives, pain medications, and euthanasia solutions fall under this).
Confirm employer-specific requirements
Your first employer may require proof of malpractice/liability insurance, additional state registrations, or continuing education already in progress - confirm what they expect before your start date.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get licensed in multiple states at once?
Yes - many new graduates apply to more than one state, especially if they're job-searching broadly or live near a state line. Each state application and fee is separate.
How long does state licensure take after passing the NAVLE?
It varies significantly by state board - some process applications in a few weeks, others take considerably longer, especially around peak graduation season when every new grad in that state is applying at once. Apply as early as your state allows rather than waiting until graduation.
Where do I find my specific state's requirements?
Each state veterinary medical board publishes its own requirements directly - the Association of American Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB, aavsb.org) is the best starting point for finding your state board's contact information and current requirements.
I'm an international graduate - is this guide for me?
This page covers the general US-grad path. If you graduated from a veterinary program not accredited by the AVMA Council on Education, see the ECFVG vs. PAVE guide instead - those are the two recognized certification pathways before you can sit the NAVLE.