Changes in ICVA policy are being undertaken by the NAVLE program to streamline and improve processes for licensing agencies and examinees. These changes include:
- Fees have been updated for the November-December 2024 and April 2025 testing windows. The NAVLE examination fee is $760 per test. Candidates testing outside the United States, United States territories, or Canada will pay an additional $365 international fee.
- Beginning with the November-December 2024 NAVLE testing window, there will be an option on the NAVLE application for candidates who do not want to list a specific licensing board on their application. Once this candidate has passed the test and knows where they want to be licensed, they use the AAVSB’s VAULT process to transfer their score information to the licensing board(s) of their choosing.
- Beginning with the November-December 2024 NAVLE testing window, the NAVLE licensing board selections will be final on applications. Once a candidate submits their ICVA NAVLE application with their selected licensing board (or the option of not selecting a specific licensing board), they will not be able to change the listing on their application. If they are not able to be approved, they will receive a partial refund of their ICVA NAVLE testing fee.
- Also taking effect with the November-December 2024 NAVLE testing window, Candidates will be permitted to take the NAVLE no more than five times, including incomplete attempts. An incomplete attempt is any attempt where a candidate initiates the NAVLE and responds to questions without completing the exam. Candidates must appeal to the ICVA Board of Directors for approval to take the NAVLE more than five times. Attempts made prior to this administration are counted toward the five-attempt limit. Click here 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: October 15-November 15, 2025; March 1 – March 21, 2026; July 13 – August 8, 2026. A third testing window will help alleviate scheduling issues due to a number of factors, including the increasing class sizes at veterinary schools, the additional schools utilizing non-traditional graduation dates, and winter weather closures. It will also be useful for candidates who fail the test or miss a deadline, and allow them to take the test again more quickly.
How can a candidate appeal the updated NAVLE retake policy?
If a candidate has failed the NAVLE five times and wants to take the test a sixth time, they will need to file an appeal with the ICVA. Please note, approval of appeals is not guaranteed. Candidates will be required to have a state licensing board support their appeal request as part of the process. Candidates who want further information on the appeal process should contact the ICVA. This form needs to be submitted by June 15, 2024 for the November – December 2024 testing window AND by December 1, 2024 for the April 2025 testing window.
While ICVA allows for an appeal of their NAVLE retake policy, rule §303.B.7 of the Louisiana Veterinary Practice Act states “An applicant for licensure may only sit for the national examinations a maximum of five times. Thereafter, the applicant will no longer be eligible for licensure in Louisiana and any application submitted will be rejected.”
Please visit the ICVA website at www.icva.net for more details on these upcoming changes.