Veterinary Technician Licensure Application Process
Applicants for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) and North Dakota State Licensure
The Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) is sponsored by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (aavsb.org).
If you have a documented disability covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act for which you need accommodations, contact the AAVSB office 30 days prior to the application deadline.
To apply to take the VTNE you must:
- Apply directly through the AAVSB at www.aavsb.org.
- Be a graduate from an accredited program in veterinary technology. If you are a student, you need to be in good standing at an accredited program in veterinary technology. For purposes of licensure in North Dakota, you may take the VTNE for the first time no earlier than six months prior to your expected graduation date.
- Pay the fee for the VTNE directly to AAVSB.
- Download the VTNE Candidate Handbook
To apply for licensure in North Dakota you must:
- Complete the North Dakota Veterinary Technician Application.
- The following must accompany the application:
- Payment of the $30.00 state application fee.
- A recent photograph of yourself.
- A copy of your diploma.
- If you listed North Dakota on your VTNE application, our office will receive your official score report. If you did not indicate on your VTNE application that you were applying through North Dakota, you will need to request and pay for an official score transfer. Contact the AAVSB for more information at www.aavsb.org.
- The state board examination will consist of an online examination covering North Dakota laws and regulations governing the practice of veterinary medicine. This is an open book examination. A copy of the North Dakota Board Rules and Practice Act will be sent with the instructions for the examination to all eligible candidates. A passing score of 80% is necessary to be eligible for licensure.
Please contact the Board office if you have any questions.
Updated 07/29/2025
