Applicants for NAVLE testing should visit the ICVA’s website at www.icva.net/navle. To be approved to take the NAVLE, one must apply to ICVA directly at www.icva.net/navle.

Starting with the 2025-2026 testing cycle, the NAVLE will transition to three testing windows. 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 contact AAVSB or visit the AAVSB website for more information.

Beginning with the 2025-2026 testing cycle, there will be three NAVLE testing windows each year, instead of two.  The new testing cycle will contain three shorter administrations spaced throughout the year.

No late applications will be accepted by ICVA and there are no exceptions made to the deadlines for test approvals.

The fees for the 2026-2027 testing cycle will be as follows:

• The 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.

What does the new NAVLE Retake Policy mean for DVM Licensure in Louisiana? The Board’s Rule 303.B.7 still 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.” While the Board will be reviewing its rule(s) in consideration of this change with ICVA in 2026, DVM graduates who have made more than five attempts at the NAVLE still remain ineligible for licensure, even if the exam is taken and passed on one’s sixth or more attempt. As such, the LBVM will enforce its maximum number of attempts in accordance with Rule §303.

Need Testing Accommodations? More detail can be found in the DVM application instructions.

Applicants for VTNE testing should visit the AAVSB’s website at www.aavsb.org/vtne-overview. To be approved to take the VTNE through Louisiana, one must apply to AAVSB and also submit the LBVM’s application for licensure! AAVSB must receive approval from the LBVM before one can sit for the VTNE. The VTNE will be administered on the following schedule:

Scores are reported monthly from AAVSB to the LBVM.

Need Testing Accommodations? More detail can be found in the RVT application instructions.

The next CAET training course(s)s are scheduled as seen below. You must complete the application process before being eligible for the class. The deadlines to sign up and submit all application material and fee payments are non-negotiable. For more details on the application process, please visit www.lsbvm.org/app-caet.

Need Testing Accommodations? More detail can be found in the CAET application instructions.

The Louisiana State Jurisprudence Exam is required for all DVM applicants (excluding DVM Faculty License applicants). Additionally, RVT applicants who submitted their application on/after October 20th, 2022 will be required to take and pass the jurisprudence exam. The 30-minute examination consists of twenty-six (26) questions designed to test an applicant’s familiarity with the laws and regulations governing the practice of veterinary medicine in the state of Louisiana. A passing score of 70% or more on the exam is required for licensure. The LBVM offers the state jurisprudence exam in two different methods. Applicants can take the state board exam either: 1) in-person at the LBVM office (unless another location is stated for an exam date) or 2) online through the AAVSB’s State and Provincial Assessments (SPA) program.

Current students enrolled in a DVM or Veterinary Technology program are eligible to take the state jurisprudence exam once they are within 60 days from their date of graduation. Additional documentation may be required during the application process for validation.

Sign Up for State Board Exam

Note: An application for licensure (either DVM or RVT) must be submitted and fees paid before you can sign up for the state jurisprudence examination.

The 2025-2026 renewal period is from July 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025 (expiration date). For more details on the renewal process, please visit www.lsbvm.org/renewal. An up-to-date directory of all currently active and expired licenses can be found by clicking the link below.

License Verification Registry

Please make sure the CE programs you attended are Board approved/accepted and that the attendance documentation is Board acceptable (see Board-approved CE Policy Statement and/or Board Rules, Chapter 4, for details).