North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE)
Applicants for NAVLE testing should visit the ICVA’s website for more details. To be approved to take the NAVLE, one must apply directly to ICVA.
Starting in 2025, ICVA transitioned to offering three annual testing windows instead of two. This change provides greater accessibility for the increasing number of candidates, allows for quicker turnaround times for those who do not pass or who miss application deadlines, and simplifies scheduling for candidates with non-traditional graduation dates.
NAVLE candidates who select the LBVM on their initial application will have scores sent directly to the Board; however, any candidate who needs to transfer their scores to the LBVM from a different board must utilize the AAVSB VAULT service. The ICVA does not transfer scores for candidates or approve a change of licensing boards after the initial application has been processed.
All scores – passing OR failing – must be submitted to the LBVM upon exam completion! Please visit the AAVSB website for more information.
NAVLE Fees for ’26-’27
The fees for the 2026-2027 testing cycle will be as follows:
- NAVLE testing fee will be $825. For the previous testing cycle, it was $800.
- The international testing fee (for candidates who schedule their test at a Prometric Testing Center outside of the US or Canada) will be $395. For the previous testing cycle, it was $380. This is an additional fee to the NAVLE testing fee.
- For candidates applying through one of the 42 licensing boards that has the ICVA administer their NAVLE approvals on their behalf, the fee will be $55. This is the same fee as the previous testing cycle. This will also be the fee for candidates applying to be approved for the test but not designating a licensing board for their application.
Testing Dates & Deadline
| Testing Window | Test Dates | Application Window |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Spring | March 1 – March 21, 2026 | January 7, 2026 |
| 2026 Summer | July 13 – August 8, 2026 | May 7, 2026 |
| 2026 Winter | October 12 – November 14, 2026 | July 15, 2026 |
| 2027 Spring | March 1 – March 20, 2027 | January 7, 2027 |
| 2027 Summer | July 12 – August 7, 2027 | May 7, 2027 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How Many Times Can I Take the NAVLE?
Changes to ICVA’s NAVLE Retake Policy – Beginning with the March 2026 NAVLE testing window, ICVA is granting all candidates five new opportunities to take the NAVLE, regardless of their prior testing history. Any test attempts made before December 1, 2025, do not count toward this new five-attempt limit. Also as of December 1, 2025, the NAVLE retake policy waiver process has been ended. Waivers are no longer being granted, ensuring a consistent and equitable policy for all candidates.
What Does This Mean for DVM Licensure in Louisiana? Board Rule 303.B.7 still currently states the following: “An applicant for licensure may only sit for the national examination a maximum of five times. Thereafter, the applicant will no longer be eligible for licensure in Louisiana and any applications submitted will be rejected.”
At its February 5th, 2026 meeting, the Board voted to amend Rule 303.B.7 to align the rule with ICVA’s revised policy. While the rulemaking process will start in April ’26, this proposed amendment will not go into effect into its final promulgation which can take up to 8-9 months – assuming there are no objections from the Senate and House Oversight Committees and/or the Governor’s Office. If adopted, the amended rule would continue to limit candidates to no more than five attempts to take the NAVLE; however, any attempts made prior to December 1, 2025, would not be applied toward this five-attempt maximum.
Therefore, DVM graduates who have made more than five attempts at the NAVLE still remain ineligible for licensure, even if the exam is retaken and passed after December 1, 2025. This eligibility will only go into effect if and when the final rule is approved and promulgated.
Is Your NAVLE Score Over Five Years Old?
Applicants must have passed the NAVLE within five years of the application submission date; otherwise, they must retake the exam. The NAVLE retake requirement may be waived if specific waiver criteria are met.
Need Testing Accommodations?
If you are would like to request testing accommodations, please complete the LBVM Request for Accommodations Form and submit it to the LBVM Office directly either via email to director@lsbvm.org or via postal services to the address below.
ATTN: Executive Director | LA Board of Veterinary Medicine | 5825 Florida Blvd | Baton Rouge, LA 70806