Veterinarian Licensure Application Process

Applicants Not Currently Licensed (including senior students)

These instructions are for qualified individuals to apply for the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) and/or a license to practice veterinary medicine in the state of North Dakota.

If you are applying for the NAVLE:

• North Dakota NAVLE candidates apply through and are approved by the International Council for Veterinary Assessment (ICVA; formerly the National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners), acting on behalf of the North Dakota Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.  Contact the ICVA office at www.icva.net for more information.
• Be sure you have read the NAVLE Bulletin of Information for Candidates (available online at www.icva.net) and that you understand the procedures and deadlines for applying for and taking the NAVLE.
• If you apply for NAVLE approval through North Dakota, you are indicating you wish to be licensed in North Dakota, and your score will be reported to the North Dakota Board. Once you pass the NAVLE you may request score transfers to additional licensing boards. This service is offered by the AAVSB at www.aavsb.org.
• Beginning with the fall 2007 administration of the NAVLE, a candidate may not take the examination more than five (5) times, and may not take the examination at a date that is later than five years after a candidate’s initial attempt. Each of the final two attempts must be at least one year from the previous attempt.
• The ICVA will send you, no later than September 25th for the November-December testing window and February 27 for the April testing window, an email message with instructions on how to access and download your Scheduling and Admissions Permit on-line.
• The ICVA will report your NAVLE scores you. Scores for the fall examination will be reported to candidates by mid-January, and scores for the spring examination will be reported by mid-May. Scores are given over the telephone.
• If you pass the NAVLE, and want to become licensed in North Dakota, see the information below.

If you have passed the NAVLE and are applying for a license to practice veterinary medicine in North Dakota:

• You must complete the North Dakota application.  The Board holds a state board examination two times per year, usually in June and November. Once you graduate, you may apply for a temporary permit to practice in the state until the next state board examination is given.
• All requested information must be provided and the state license application must be completed.
• If you have a documented disability covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act for which you need accomodations, please contact the Board Office 30 days prior to the application deadline.
• Your North Dakota application must be accompanied by:
  • Document(s) verifying your degree:
    • A copy of your diploma or official transcript, verifying your veterinary degree or,
    • If you are a graduate from a non-accredited College of Veterinary Medicine, a copy of your ECFVG or PAVE certificate.
    • Senior veterinary students must submit a letter from the Dean of the College stating that they are a student in good standing and must include the expected graduation date.  A copy of the diploma must then be sent upon receipt after graduation.
  • If you have previously passed the NAVLE with approval through another agency, your score must be transferred to the North Dakota Board by the Veterinary Information Verifying Agency (VIVA) found on the AAVSB website at www.aavsb.org.
  • A recent photo of yourself.
  • Pay the application fee ($75.00) and the license fee ($90.00, paid annually on June 30) for a total of $165.00, or $205.00 if you are applying for a tempory permit as well.
• Once you graduate, you may also apply for a temporary permit ($40.00) to practice veterinary medicine until the next state board examination. Please refer to the Veterinary Temporary Permit Application Process.
• The North Dakota examination consists of an online examination covering North Dakota laws and regulations governing the practice of veterinary medicine.  This is an open book examination. The North Dakota Board Rules and Practice Act are available through this website, and will be sent with instructions for the written examination 1-2 months prior to the state board examination. Information regarding USDA accreditation will be provided at that time as well.

Please contact the Board Office if you have any questions.

Updated 1/30/2024