2025-2026 Credential Information
WARNING: This information is considered DRAFT until August 22, 2025.
Certified Veterinary Assistant
Credential Name | Certified Veterinary Assistant |
Credential Vendor Info | TVMA https://www.tvma.org/Education-Opportunities/CVA |
Credential Auto Collect | No |
Diploma Endorsement | AA41 = Yes |
Validation Artifact | Copy of certificate |
Credential Lead Consultant | Josh Bledsoe joshua_bledsoe@ncsu.edu |
Course Number and Title | AA41 Veterinary Assisting |
Credential as POL | AA41 POL = Yes     Certified Veterinary Assistant OR Elanco Veterinary Medical Applications Certification |
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 |
Articulation | No |
Sequencing | No |
Employer Transferability | Yes |
Delivery Format | On-line and Paper/pencil |
Proctored Environment Required | Yes |
Test Site Options and Requirements | School, online, or under supervision of a veterinarian |
Testing Environment Requirements | N/A |
Proctored Requirements | Instructor, veterinarian, or approved online testing site |
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. |