Before practicing veterinary medicine, all veterinarians must be licensed in the state that they would like to practice. In order to do this, you must successfully complete both the national and state applications and exams.

The Procedure to be Licensed to Practice Veterinary Medicine:

1. Complete your DVM degree.
2. Successfully pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE).
3. Depending on the state you decide to practice in you may have additional requirements, such as a state jurisprudence exam.
4. Complete all state licensure forms and pay any state licensure fees.
5. Accreditation to fill out state health certificate, etc. is a separate process, once you become licensed and is completed through the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE)

The North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) is administered by the International Council for Veterinary Assessment (ICVA) and is a requirement for licensure to practice veterinary medicine in all licensing jurisdictions in the US and Canada.

Students in the DVM program at Texas Tech University’s School of Veterinary Medicine can take the NAVLE during their fourth year. For more information about the NAVLE exam, please visit the NAVLE website.

Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (TBVME)

The Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners issues licenses for Veterinarians (DVM), Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVT), and Equine Dental Providers (EDP). Applicants must pass the state licensing exam prior to becoming licensed in Texas.

For more information, please visit the TBVME website. 

New Mexico Board of Veterinary Medicine (NMBVM)

The New Mexico Board of Veterinary Medicine issues licenses for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, bovine artificial insemination and pregnancy diagnosis technicians, and veterinary facilities. Applicants must pass the state licensing examination prior to becoming licensed in New Mexico.

For more information, please visit the NMBVM website.

Other Veterinary State Board Websites

For all other state licensure requirements please search the state of interest at the American Association of Veterinary State Boards.

State Licensing

This is for any student in pursuit of a program leading to a professional license or certification required for employment.

The following programs may lead to a professional license or certification that is required for employment. Professional licensure/certification requirements vary from state to state, which may affect a student’s ability to apply for a professional license/certification upon the completion of the program. The U.S. Department of Education regulation, 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v), requires an institution to disclose whether the program will fulfill educational requirements for licensure or certification for each state. The administrative departments that offer the programs have made the following determination regarding their curriculum.

Before starting your veterinary education program, it is highly recommended to contact the state licensing agency in your state or the state you plan to work to find the most current information about state licensure and certification requirements.