Credential Information

2025-2026 Academic Year

Certified Veterinary Assistant

Credential Name	Certified Veterinary Assistant
Credential Vendor Info	TVMA https://www.tvma.org/Education-Opportunities/CVA
Implementation Year	Before 2022-2023
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	AA41 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Copy of certificate
Credential Lead Consultant	Sherilee Deal sdeal2@ncsu.edu
Course Number and Title	AA41 Veterinary Assisting
Credential as POL	AA41 POL = Yes Certified Veterinary Assistant OR Elanco Veterinary Medical Applications Certification
Pathway(s)	Animal Science (ANSC) Equine Science (EQSC)
Cost of Instructor Training	N/A No instructor training is required if student is completing skill hours under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian or veterinarian technician.
Instructor Training Requirements	Required A licensed veterinarian or veterinarian technician must approve the 500 skill hours that accompany the written exam.
Exam Voucher Expiration	Payment is submitted along with application to receive exam, either via an online link or paper copy. Exam must be completed within one week of receipt.
Credential Lifespan	1 year
Renewal Options	Yes 5 hours of continuing education are required each year following to maintain the credential, along with a $30 renewal fee
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	Animal Breeders (45-2021) Animal Trainers (39-2011) Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers (11-9013) Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers (31-9096)
Articulation	Yes Effective 2025-26 See Statewide Articulation Agreement: https://www.ncperkins.org/course/view.php?id=4
Sequencing	No
Employer Transferability	Yes
Delivery Format	On-line and Paper/pencil
Proctored Environment Required	Yes
Proctored Requirements	Instructor, veterinarian, or approved online testing site
Test Site Options and Requirements	School, online, or under supervision of a veterinarian
Testing Environment Requirements	N/A
Exam Time Allotment	2 hours
Exam Passing Requirement	70% or higher
Retakes	Yes Unlimited attempts within one year of completing skill hours. Retake exams are discounted at $35.00 each.
Student Accommodations	No
Multilingual Resources*	No
Directory Notes	Complete 500 hours supervised work experience; master all level I material; demonstrate 100% skills on Skills Validation Checklist. Exam application and Skills Validation Checklist approved by DVM or LVT. Complete exam with 70% minimum. Send application, Skills Validation Checklist, and payment to TVMA. Exam will be sent to supervising DVM or LVT. Applicants who pass will receive congratulatory letter, certificate, and patch. Must complete six months at Level I before being eligible for Level II.

The North Carolina Office of Career and Technical Education provides multiple opportunities for students to obtain Industry-Recognized Credentials during their high school career.
Industry-recognized credentials hold immense value as they not only validate student skills and knowledge in a specific field but also serve as a powerful stepping stone toward future careers.

They provide a competitive edge in the job market, making students more attractive to potential employers and increasing their earning potential.

Moreover, industry-recognized credentials often lead to more job opportunities and pathways for advancement, helping students embark on successful and fulfilling career journeys.

Beyond the immediate benefits, these credentials instill a sense of accomplishment and confidence, motivating students to pursue higher education or dive directly into the workforce with the skills and certifications needed to excel.

Ultimately, industry-recognized credentials empower high school students to bridge the gap between education and real-world employment, setting them on a path toward a brighter and more prosperous future.

Access the NCDPI Credentials and Reporting website to submit a credential application and to view the latest Credential Attainment Report.

^ Indicates the pathway is an approved Local Course Option (LCO) pathway.

* Where multilingual exams are indicated, please be advised that the state of North Carolina adheres to general statute as follows:
G.S.§115C-81.45(a) requires classes (silent on exams) to be conducted in English "[e]xcept when a board authorizes teaching in a foreign language to comply with federal law."
Therefore, NC CTE will abide with the Accountability guidance that LEAs are not required to provide exams in other languages. If they choose to do so, it will be at local discretion.