The National Examining Board INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS

Transcription

1 The National Examining Board INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS Canadian Veterinary Medical Association National Examining Board 339 Booth Street Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7K1 Tel: (613) , ext. 125 or 123 Fax: (613) or January 2014

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. GENERAL INFORMATION... 1 A. License to Practice Veterinary Medicine in Canada... 1 B. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)... 1 C. The National Examining Board (NEB)... 1 D. The CVMA Certificate of Qualification... 1 E. Employment as a Veterinarian in Canada... 2 II. THE NATIONAL EXAMINING BOARD EXAMINATION PROCESS... 2 A. General... 2 Candidates with a Documented Disability... 2 B. Composition of the Examination Process... 3 C. Availability of the Examinations... 3 D. Eligibility to Register for the Examinations... 4 E. Registration Procedures - Basic and Clinical Sciences Examination (BCSE)... 6 F. Registration Procedures - North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE )... 6 G. Registration Procedures - Clinical Proficiency Examination (CPE)... 6 H. Examination Fees and Withdrawals... 7 I. Preparation for the Examinations... 8 J. Language Proficiency Requirement... 8 K. Reporting of Scores - NAVLE... 9 III. ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES AND REPEAT OF FAILED PARTS... 9 A. Assessment of Examination Results... 9 B. Analysis of Examination... 9 C. Repeat of Failed Parts IV. APPEAL PROCEDURES A. Primary Appeal B. Secondary Appeal C. Assistance with Appeals D. Costs of Appeals E. Verification of the Examination V. IRREGULAR BEHAVIOUR VI. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMINATION A. BCSE B. NAVLE C. CPE VII. FURTHER INFORMATION APPENDIX A: BCSE SCHEDULE AND TEST CONTENT OUTLINE APPENDIX B: NAVLE - RULES OF CONDUCT AND LIST OF VETERINARY ACTIVITIES AND SPECIES APPENDIX C: CANADIAN VETERINARY COLLEGES APPENDIX D: COORDINATES OF PROVINCIAL LICENSING BODIES APPENDIX E: SCHEDULE OF FEES APPENDIX F: SUGGESTED BIBLIOGRAPHY FOR PREPARING FOR NEB EXAMINATIONS... 39

3 THE NATIONAL EXAMINING BOARD INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS NOTE: This brochure is available in both official languages of Canada (English and French). It has been sent to you in the language indicated in your request for information. However, it will be sent to you in the other language, if you notify the National Examining Board that you prefer that other language for correspondence with it and for all steps of the National Examining Board Examination. All information in this brochure is correct as at the date of publication and is subject to change without prior notice. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they inform themselves of changes which could affect their situation. ** In this brochure all references to "province" and "provincial" shall be construed to include "territory" and "territorial". However, it should be noted also that at the time of publication, there is no established licensing body in the Yukon. Therefore, anyone wishing to locate in the Yukon should contact the Registrar of the National Examining Board for information regarding professional requirements. I. GENERAL INFORMATION A. License to Practice Veterinary Medicine in Canada In Canada, legislative authority to regulate the practice of professions and trades is a provincial responsibility. In each province, a licensing body is established by statute. Licensing for veterinary medicine is the responsibility of the provincial veterinary association or a separate licensing body empowered by provincial legislation. While the general requirements to obtain a licence to practice veterinary medicine are similar, specific requirements, including examination requirements, differ from province to province. Individuals intending to apply for a license must correspond directly with the registrar of the licensing body of the province in which they wish to practice, in order to determine the relevant requirements. The addresses of the licensing bodies in each of the ten provinces are found in Appendix D. B. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is the national organisation of veterinarians in Canada. Membership in the CVMA is voluntary and is open to all veterinarians who are licensed to practice in any province. The CVMA acts as a forum on national veterinary issues and provides many services to veterinarians across Canada, including a national practice insurance plan, public relations, two scientific and professional journals and the operation of the National Examining Board (see subsection C below). It should be noted that the CVMA does not have power to license or discipline veterinarians. These powers are the exclusive right of the provincial licensing bodies. The office of the CVMA is located at 339 Booth Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, KlR 7K1, telephone number (613) , FAX number (613) C. The National Examining Board (NEB) The National Examining Board (NEB) is a body established by the CVMA to administer the NEB veterinary medicine examination process. The NEB also recognizes certified specialists in selected disciplines of veterinary medicine, and participates with the Council on Education (COE) of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in a program of accreditation of colleges of veterinary medicine. This accreditation program consists of annual evaluations and regular on-site inspection of the colleges to ensure that they meet the standards established by the COE. In addition, on behalf of some of the provincial licensing bodies, the NEB reviews and evaluates credentials of graduates of non-canadian colleges of veterinary medicine who wish to obtain a license to practice veterinary medicine in Canada. Like the CVMA, however, the NEB does not have power to license or discipline veterinarians. D. The CVMA Certificate of Qualification Candidates who successfully complete the NEB Examination are granted a Certificate of Qualification (CQ). Successful completion of the NEB Examination or receipt of a Certificate of Qualification is a prerequisite to apply for a general license to practice from any of the provincial veterinary licensing bodies of Canada.

4 Page 2 National Examining Board Moreover, the licensing authority in any province may require further examinations in addition to or in lieu of those required to obtain a CQ. Applicants are reminded to consult with the licensing body in the province in which they wish to seek a license regarding applicable requirements. Applicants should also note that proof of graduation must be received by the NEB before a CQ will be issued. E. Employment as a Veterinarian in Canada The CVMA does not undertake to provide information on employment as a veterinarian in Canada or to act as an employment service. Individuals seeking employment are advised to review the classified section of the Canadian Veterinary Journal. In addition, most provincial associations publish a newsletter which contains advertisements for employment opportunities. In most cases, these newsletters can be obtained by writing to the provincial associations. Individuals who may be considering coming to Canada from another country and seeking employment as a veterinarian are advised that employment opportunities vary according to the type of practice in which the individual is interested and the specific region in Canada in which the individual wishes to locate. The CVMA and the NEB are not able to provide assurance of employment in Canada. II. THE NEB EXAMINATION PROCESS A. General The NEB examination process comprises three exams measuring entry-level competence in the theory and practice of veterinary medicine in a North American context: 1. the Basic and Clinical Sciences Examination (BCSE); 2. the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE ); and 3. the Clinical Proficiency Examination (CPE). A graduate of a non-accredited veterinary school must complete all three parts of the foregoing examinations, starting with the BCSE, followed by the NAVLE and the CPE (whereas the NAVLE can be attended first and the CPE thereafter or vice versa) in order to be granted a CQ. Graduates of an accredited veterinary school need only pass the NAVLE within two attempts to be granted a CQ. Moreover, graduates of an accredited college who do not achieve a passing mark on the NAVLE within two attempts must also complete the CPE, once they have passed the NAVLE, in order to receive a CQ. All veterinary schools in Canada and the USA are currently accredited, as are those of the University of Utrecht in The Netherlands (graduates from 1973 onward), the Universities of London (graduates from 1999 onward), Glasgow (from 1999) and Edinburgh (from 2001) in the United Kingdom, Massey University in New Zealand (from 2001), as well as Murdoch University (from 2002), the Universities of Sydney (from 2005) Melbourne (from 2006) and Queensland (from 2012) in Australia, University College Dublin (from 2007) in Ireland, Ross University (from 2011) on St. Kitts, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de México (from 2011) in Mexico City and St. George s University in Grenada (from 2011). Candidates who are uncertain of the accreditation status of their college may obtain the necessary information from the NEB office. A candidate may not be re-examined in the NAVLE if he/she has already passed it, unless such re-examination is required by a provincial licensing body. A candidate who is a graduate of a non-accredited veterinary school must successfully complete the BCSE, the NAVLE and the CPE within a 5 year period commencing when the candidate begins the Examination sequence. A candidate who does not complete the Examination sequence within the 5 year period will be required to request the re-activation of their file and pay the Re-activation Fee, as appropriate to the candidate's situation (see Appendix F below). However, all previous Examination results will still be valid and will be maintained in the candidate's file. Note also that a candidate who has been granted eligibility to register for the Examination must begin the Examination sequence within two years or he/she will also be required to request re-activation and pay the Reactivation Fee. Finally, candidates should note that the Examination may be administered only to bona fide candidates (i) for initial licensing in any province or state, or (ii) who are already licensed in a province or state, but are seeking a license in another jurisdiction that does not recognize the candidate's existing scores as qualifying for a license. All of the exams may be taken in either English or French, at the discretion of the candidate. Candidates with a Documented Disability Reasonable accommodation will be made for a candidate with a documented disability, if the candidate

5 National Examining Board Page 3 identifies the disability and makes a request for such accommodation prior to or at the time of registration. The candidate will be required to present documentation in support of the request. The Board will consider the recommendation of health care providers in conjunction with all other circumstances, which might include the availability of the recommended accommodation. A copy of the procedures for requesting testing accommodations may be obtained by submitting a written request to the NEB. B. Composition of the Examination Process Basic and Clinical Sciences Examination The Basic and Clinical Sciences Examination (BCSE) is designed to assess basic and clinical veterinary sciences knowledge. The knowledge level expected to receive a passing score on the BCSE is that of an entry-level veterinarian (i.e., a new graduate of an accredited veterinary school). The computer-based BCSE consists of 225 multiple-choice questions, many with graphics, which must be completed within a 220-minute test session. In addition, your four-hour testing appointment will include a brief tutorial to introduce you to computer-based testing and an exit evaluation at the end. Graduates of a non-accredited veterinary school must first pass the BCSE to be eligible to appear for the NAVLE and the CPE. Such candidates may then choose the order in which they will appear for the latter two exams. North American Veterinary Licensing Examination The North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE ) comprises 360 multiple choice questions, which are administered one at a time by computer. Approximately 15% to 20% of the questions will include relevant graphic or pictorial information (photograph, radiograph, chart, etc.). This exam is designed to measure one s general knowledge base in the various scientific disciplines required in veterinary medicine. The NAVLE requires one full day to complete. Limit on NAVLE Attempts A candidate may not sit for the NAVLE more than five (5) times during a five year period starting from the first attempt. Each of the final two attempts must be at least one year after the previous attempt. This policy took effect beginning with the Fall 2007 session of the NAVLE. Any previous attempts by a candidate, prior to the Fall 2007 testing window, will not count toward the five attempt limit. Candidates are required to wait for a period of one year following an unsuccessful fifth attempt and are strongly encouraged to undertake remedial training before applying for a further cycle of five attempts. Clinical Proficiency Examination The Clinical Proficiency Examination (CPE) is a practical examination of the candidate's medical and surgical skills. It is designed to assess the candidate's ability to handle actual medical, surgical and diagnostic problems in a clinical or hospital setting. The CPE involves the examination and treatment of live animals and the performance of routine laboratory procedures. Each of the exams is described in greater detail further on in this booklet. C. Availability of the Examinations As of April 1 st, 2012, the BCSE is offered on a continuous basis and candidates are permitted to take the BCSE three times within a 12 month period. The exam is administered at Prometric Inc. TM test centres throughout Canada and the USA. Please visit Prometric s Web site at to view the list of test centres available to you for the BCSE. You may schedule your BCSE for any available testing date at any testing centre on or after April 1 st, The NAVLE is offered during testing windows in April and November/December of each year and is administered at Prometric Test Centres (PTC) in Canada, the United States and U.S. Territories, and at selected PTCs in 13 testing regions overseas. NAVLE test sites are also listed on the Prometric website, The CPE is currently available several times per year at Canadian colleges of veterinary medicine. The CPE is available in French only at the Faculté de médecine vétérinaire (St-Hyacinthe, Québec) usually twice a year. Candidates eligible to take the CPE will be informed by the NEB as to when they may register. A limited number of candidates may be tested during each session of the CPE. In providing exam slots to candidates, the NEB gives priority (up to the registration deadline date) to those who wish to obtain a Certificate of Qualification (CQ), as well as those who intend to apply for a license in a Canadian province. A candidate who is unable to attend the CPE

6 Page 4 National Examining Board session for which they have been allocated a slot will be placed at the bottom of the waiting list for subsequent sessions. Specific dates and locations of the next examination(s) may be obtained from NEB staff. The NEB reserves the right to change the date and/or location at which any examination is offered. Every effort will be made to ensure candidates are given adequate advance notice of any change. D. Eligibility to Register for the Examinations 1. Graduates of Canadian Colleges An applicant who is a graduate of a Canadian college of veterinary medicine is eligible to register for the Examination by following the procedures outlined in subsection E (registration Procedures The NAVLE) below. Such an applicant may be admitted to the NAVLE. 2. Graduates of non-canadian Colleges An applicant who is a graduate of a non-canadian veterinary school who wishes to obtain a CQ may apply for eligibility to register for the Examination by submitting the following to the Registrar of the NEB: a) A completed NEB application form, signed and dated; b) Proof of receipt of a degree from an accredited college of veterinary medicine, or a professional degree in veterinary medicine (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or recognised equivalent) from a college, school or faculty of a university recognised by the national government of the country in which the institution is located (note that the original or a notarised copy of the degree certificate is required); c) An original or notarised copy of the transcript of the applicant s academic record from the school of graduation; d) Two (2) letters of recommendation: (1) One from the licensing organisation of the veterinary profession in the country of origin, (2) The other from a responsible citizen, preferably from an individual in the veterinary profession; e) Three (3) recent identical passport size photographs of the applicant, dated and signed by the applicant; f) A notarised copy of the applicant s birth certificate, passport or other piece of official, government-issued identification; g) The appropriate Application Fee (see Appendix E); and h) Proof linguistic proficiency in English or French (see subsection II-J on pages 8-9 of this booklet); i) Results of previous NAVLE attempts must be transferred to the NEB/CVMA through the VIVA score reporting system of the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB, , j) Results of previous BCSE and CPE attempts must be transferred to the NEB/CVMA by the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). 3. Final Year Students Candidates who are enrolled in the final year of a veterinary degree program may take the BCSE provided they are expected to graduate within 12 months. Examination results from earlier sessions will be considered invalid for the purpose of the Certificate of Qualification (CQ). A final year student in a non-canadian veterinary school may apply for eligibility to register for the BCSE by submitting the documents required from graduates of non-canadian colleges, except that proof of status as a final year student must be submitted instead of receipt of a degree. A final year student in a Canadian college of veterinary medicine is eligible to register for the NAVLE by following the procedures outlined in subsection E (Registration Procedures - NAVLE) below. Any student wishing to sit the NAVLE in November- December of the final year or the following April is urged to check with the licensing body of the province where they wish to practice to ensure the scores obtained in that sitting of the NAVLE are acceptable for licensing by that body. Final year students should note that the NEB must receive proof of graduation before a CQ will be issued. 4. Convenience Candidates A person is considered by the NEB to be a convenience candidate if s/he: a) does not wish to obtain a CQ and b) is one of the following: (i) a graduate of an accredited veterinary college of veterinary medicine who has applied to a licensing body in the United States for an initial license, (ii) a graduate of a non-accredited veterinary college of veterinary medicine who has applied to a licensing body in the United State for an initial license,

7 National Examining Board Page 5 (iii) a final year student at an accredited college of veterinary medicine who is eligible for an initial license from a board in the United States, (iv) a person who is currently licensed in a state or province but who seeks a license in another jurisdiction in the United States or Canada which does not recognise the person s existing scores as qualifying for a license, or (v) a person who is required by a state or provincial licensing body to take a special examination (for example, a portion of the CPE). A convenience candidate may apply for eligibility to register for the Examination by submitting the documents listed below to the Registrar of the NEB, plus three (3) recent identical passport size photographs of the applicant, which must be dated and signed by the applicant. Please note that all documents not in one of the official languages of Canada (English or French) must be accompanied by a notarised translation into one of the official languages. The required documents are: a) Graduate of an accredited college of veterinary medicine: (i) Proof of graduation from an accredited college of veterinary medicine (note that the original or a notarised copy of the degree certificate is required), and (ii) Proof of application to a state licensing body or provincial licensing body that does not require a CQ, with an indication from that licensing body that acceptable documentation has been received. b) Graduate of non-accredited college of veterinary medicine: (i) Proof of graduation from a non-accredited college of veterinary medicine (see subsection 2 above for details), (iii) Proof of application to a licensing body in the United States, along with an indication from that licensing body that acceptable documentation has been received. c) Final year student: Proof of status as a final year student at an accredited college of veterinary medicine. d) Candidate currently licensed in a state or province: Proof of application for a license in a state or province that does not recognise the candidate s existing scores for licensing. e) Candidate required by a licensing body to take a special examination: (i) Proof of graduation from a college of veterinary medicine (see subsection 2-b above for details), (ii) Letter from a licensing body requiring a special examination and describing what it must comprise, and (iii) Fee determined in each case to recover all costs to the NEB of preparing and administering the special examination. 5. General Information Applicants who may have completed the program of the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or the Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalency (PAVE) of the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) are advised that the certificate each grants is not recognized by the NEB and is not accepted as entitling the recipient to the Certificate of Qualification, or as a substitute for the CPE, or as documentation for admission to the Examination. Applicants who may have completed graduate degrees, diplomas or certificates, other than the professional degree program in veterinary medicine, may submit evidence of such achievement as additional information for the NEB. However, such applicants are advised that decisions on academic eligibility for the Examination are made solely on the basis of the applicant's professional degree in veterinary medicine. Those who hold a specialty certificate from a veterinary board in Canada or the United States may be eligible to apply for a licence to practise their specialty in certain provinces. Anyone intending to apply for such a limited license must correspond directly with the registrar of a provincial veterinary licensing body to enquire about the relevant requirements. Applicants from a non-canadian college of veterinary medicine whose credentials are considered to meet the NEB s requirements are eligible to register to take the Examination by following the procedures outlined in subsection E below. Such an applicant may be admitted to the Examination in the appropriate sequence: First the BCSE, followed by the NAVLE and the CPE or vice versa. The eligibility of a candidate from a non-canadian

8 Page 6 National Examining Board college of veterinary medicine to register for the Examination is valid for a period of two (2) years from the date of the first session of the BCSE after the applicant was notified of his/her eligibility. An applicant who does not begin the Examination sequence within the two year period will be required to reactivate their file and pay the Reactivation Fee in order to again be eligible to register for the Examination. Application forms and additional information, if required, may be obtained from the Registrar of the NEB (section VII). E. Registration Procedure - The BCSE Candidates must apply to the National Examining Board (NEB) of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association in Ottawa, Ontario. Prior to the next available examination session, an applicant who is a graduate, or a final year student (within 12 months of graduation), of a non-canadian college of veterinary medicine and who has been granted eligibility to register for the Examination will receive a BCSE registration form. The candidate may register to take the BCSE by submitting: a) The completed registration form; b) The appropriate Examination Fee. F. Registration Procedure The NAVLE A registration form will be mailed to all eligible candidates. Canadian candidates must apply to the National Examining Board (NEB) of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) in Ottawa, Ontario. 1. Graduate Canadian Colleges An applicant who is a graduate of a Canadian college of veterinary medicine may register to take the NAVLE by submitting the following to the Registrar of the NEB: a) A completed registration form to sit the NAVLE during a particular testing window; b) A notarised copy of their degree certificate; c) One (1) recent passport size photograph, signed and dated by the applicant; d) The appropriate Examination fee. 2. Final Year Student Canadian Colleges An applicant who is a student in the final year of a Canadian college of veterinary medicine may register to take the NAVLE by submitting the following to the NEB: a) Complete the online registration form (found on CVMA website) to sit the NAVLE (final year students must be within eight months of their expected graduation date by the end of the testing window); b) A statement from the Dean of the college that the student is a bona fide member of the final year class (note that in most cases a collective list sent by the Dean of the college will be considered satisfactory); c) The appropriate Examination fee. Students should note that the NEB must receive proof of graduation before a CQ will be granted. 3. Graduate or Final Year Student non-canadian Schools A graduate of a non-canadian college of veterinary medicine who has been granted eligibility to register for the examination will receive a registration form. A final year student must be within eight months of their expected graduation date by the end of the testing window. The applicant may register for the NAVLE by submitting: a) The completed registration form; b) The appropriate Examination Fee. G. Registration Procedure The CPE An applicant who is required to sit the CPE and who has successfully completed the BCSE (or the old Parts A and B of the NEB Examination), or a graduate of an accredited veterinary school who required more than two attempts to pass the NAVLE, will be advised by the NEB of their eligibility to sit the CPE. S/he will be informed of the dates and sites of the next available sessions of the CPE and will be required to register by submitting the following: a) The completed registration form; b) The appropriate Examination Fee. Candidates should note that while every attempt will be made to accommodate a candidate s choice of site and date, because of the restricted numbers for the CPE sessions, a candidate may be required to accept an alternate site, or wait until a later date for the chosen site. (For an explanation of the priority given to candidates for the CPE, see subsection II-C.)

9 National Examining Board Page 7 H. Examination Fees and Withdrawals A current schedule of the fees charged by the NEB is found in Appendix E. The NEB Application and Re-activation fees are non-refundable. Fees for other services provided by the NEB may be obtained from the Registrar (see section VII below). All fees are payable in Canadian dollars, and must be received by the NEB before an applicant will be advised of his/her eligibility to register for or to be admitted to an examination. Note that payment of the examination fee allows the examination results to be sent to the CVMA and to any provincial licensing body free of further charge. A portion of the examination fee for the NAVLE may be refundable under the following circumstances: 1. A candidate who withdraws his/her application to sit the Examination before the date of the registration deadline; 2. A candidate who withdraws his/her application after the date of the official registration deadline and who meets the following conditions, with appropriate documentation: Death, serious injury or illness of a close family member; or, Illness supported by a doctor's certificate. A candidate who satisfies these conditions may request a refund of the difference between the fee paid for the NAVLE and the equivalent of the non-refundable cost incurred by the NEB for each of its candidates, which is paid to the exam supplier. The non-refundable cost in question will vary and the amount will be communicated to withdrawing candidates who meet the aforementioned conditions. Fees for the BCSE and the NAVLE will not be refunded if a candidate withdraws after the date of the official registration deadline and they do not meet the above conditions. Candidates are required to provide payment of one-half of the full CPE fee with their registration form and payment of the balance must be provided no less than 90 days prior to the scheduled CPE attempt. If a candidate withdraws from the full CPE more than 90 days prior to their scheduled exam date, the administrative charge will be one-third of the full fee. If one withdraws less than 90 days prior to the CPE, the full fee shall be forfeited. If a candidate withdraws for a medical reason, supported by appropriate documentation from a physician, or due to a death in the immediate family* (refer to note below for definition of immediate family), supported by a death certificate or the equivalent, the administrative charge is 10% of the full CPE fee. With regard to repeating sections, if a candidate withdraws more than 90 days prior to their scheduled exam, the administrative charge will be one-third of the repeat fee or if less than 90 days prior, the entire repeat fee shall be forfeited. If a candidate withdraws for a medical reason, supported by appropriate documentation from a physician, or due to a death in the immediate family* (refer to note below for definition of immediate family), supported by a death certificate or the equivalent, the administrative charge is 10% of the full repeat fee. *Immediate family members limited to: your spouse or common-law partner; your father or mother, or their spouse or common-law partner; your children, or the children of your spouse or common-law partner; your grandchildren; your brothers and sisters; your grandparents; the father or mother of your spouse or common-law partner, as well as their spouses or commonlaw partners; any of your relatives who live with you permanently or with whom you permanently reside. In the event that a candidate withdraws from the CPE during a session of the exam due to illness or a death, serious injury or illness of a close family member, the candidate must immediately notify the CPE Head Examiner at the exam site and the NEB of the withdrawal. The candidate must provide supporting documentation to the NEB within seven days. At the next available opportunity, the candidate will be required to take those sections that were not completed and repeat any other sections that were taken and failed during the exam session from which they withdrew. Nevertheless, the NEB will review such occurrences on a case-by-case basis. Furthermore, in order to appear for the incomplete and failed sections, the candidate will be required to pay the existing fee charged to repeat a CPE section multiplied by the number of sections to be taken. However, the total is not to exceed the fee to take the CPE in full. I. Preparation for the Examinations It is the responsibility of each candidate to ensure that s/he is adequately prepared prior to attempting the Examination. The NEB does not provide any instruction or

10 Page 8 National Examining Board tutoring to assist candidates in preparing for the Examination. However, as a partial aid for Examination preparation, a suggested bibliography is outlined in Appendix F. This list proposes a number of titles, which could prove useful in preparing for the Examination. It is not a complete listing, however, and the NEB recommends that candidates consult as many veterinary sources as possible prior to the Examination. Moreover, the NEB maintains a Mentorship Roster comprising a list of veterinary clinics and individual veterinarians who have expressed a willingness to assist candidate preparing for the Clinical Proficiency Examination (CPE). Depending on availability, mentors will provide opportunities to candidates to maintain and/or upgrade their skills in view of appearing for the CPE. Further information may be obtained by communicating with the NEB office in writing or by telephone. Tips on Preparing for the CPE Language Skills are very important. Candidates must ensure that a lack of proficiency in English or French does not hinder the successful completion of the CPE. Read the CPE Manual of Administration. If there are any parts that are not clear, contact the NEB office for clarification. Familiarise yourself with each section in detail, as well as the general information. Self-assessment of Skills. Identify sections or stations for which experience or training may be required. Obtain Experience. Having determined areas for improvement, spend sufficient time gaining experience. The National Mentorship Roster may be of assistance in this respect. Experience required by the CPE can be of two types: non-veterinary, such as animal handling, and veterinary. For example, the non-veterinary experience may be gained by working or volunteering on a farm. Practice Working Under Pressure. Practice skills until they are performed quickly. Memorise the steps involved in doing a physical examination in order to effectively work through the process in the prescribed time. Practice speaking about a simulated patient, covering all of the required steps outlined in the CPE Manual of Administration. Candidates are instructed not to visit examination sites prior to appearing for the CPE in order to obtain clinical experience. Indeed, candidates are not permitted to communicate with Examiners prior to or following the administration of the exam. For this reason, you must seek your experience away from the examination site. The site may, however, have visual teaching materials in their library that may be available to CPE candidates. J. Language Proficiency Requirement The NEB exams are offered in both English and French. Each candidate is required to specify in their application the language in which they wish to take the exams. Applicants whose first language is neither English nor French must submit a score report for the: 1) Internet-based TOEFL (ib-toefl), with a minimum of 23 in Reading, 25 in Listening, 22 in speaking, 22 in writing and no minimum overall score is required. Candidates MUST achieve at least the minimum passing scores for each of the four sections of the internet-based TOEFL. 2) International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Academic version with an overall score of no less than 6.5, with at least 6.5 in the Listening band, 6.0 in the Writing band and 7.0 in the Speaking band. Candidates MUST achieve the minimum passing scores for each of the three sections. 3) Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Assessment with an overall score of no less than 60, with a least 60 in the Listening band, 50 in the Writing band and 60 in the Speaking band; OR 4) Exam of French of the Office de la langue francaise (OLF) of the Government of Quebec. The examination comprises four parts: oral comprehension, writing, writing comprehension and oral communication. The score for each part is 60%. At the time of applying to become a candidate of the NEB, one must provide an original copy of a score report for one of the foregoing language proficiency examinations that is no more than two years old. Applicants MUST achieve the minimum scores for all required sections of an exam on the same administration or attempt. Exemption For applicants whose native language (i.e. the common language of an individual s country of birth) is English or French, the foregoing language exams may be waived. In order to receive the exemption, one must provide documentation of at least three years full-time attendance at a secondary school at which the complete language of instruction was English or French. Acceptable

11 National Examining Board Page 9 documentation includes a letter directly from school officials confirming dates of attendance and that the complete language of instruction was English or French. In addition, applicants who have been granted a certificate by the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) are exempted from having to provide evidence of language proficiency in English. The NEB requires written confirmation from the ECFVG. K. Reporting of Scores - NAVLE Examination results are automatically sent to the NEB, with both a pass/fail designation and a scaled score being given for the NAVLE (see subsection III-A below). Each candidate s pass/fail designation will also be forwarded to the provincial veterinary licensing bodies in Canada. The NEB also participates in the Veterinary Information Verification Agency (VIVA) of the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). VIVA is the only official method to transfer scores between Canada and the USA. Candidates wishing to have scores transferred from the United States to Canada must do so through the VIVA, which will send the results to the CVMA. The CVMA forwards scores to provincial veterinary licensing bodies at the request of the candidate. Scores may not be sent directly from the USA to provincial licensing bodies. Candidates wishing to have NAVLE scores transferred from Canada to the United States must contact the VIVA, indicating which state licensing board is to receive the scores: American Association of Veterinary State Boards (Veterinary Information Verification Agency) 3100 Main Street, Suite 208, Kansas City, Missouri Tel: (816) or Web site: III. ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES AND REPEAT OF FAILED PARTS A. Assessment of Examination Results The BCSE and the NAVLE are graded by computer by Thomson Prometric and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), respectively. The scores are then reported to the NEB. A candidate's passing status is based on a criterion-referenced passing score, not graded on a curve, which is set by a panel of veterinarians who are content specialists in the areas assessed. A candidate s performance is measured against a fixed standard, and the passing point does not vary based on the performance of other candidates. Review panels will work individually and collectively to determine the minimum score that a candidate must achieve in order to be judged minimally competent to enter private clinical practice. Candidates who achieve a score equal to or higher than this criterion-referenced passing score receive a "pass" classification. The CPE comprises seven sections. Each section is marked on a scale of 100, with the candidate requiring a score of 60 to pass each section, except for the Anaesthesia and Surgery sections, which are scored with a Pass/Fail designation. Candidates must successfully complete all sections in order to pass the CPE. The NEB reserves the right to change the method by which Examination results are assessed. However, every effort will be made to ensure that candidates are given adequate notice of any change in the assessment procedure prior to the Examination. B. Analysis of Examination A diagnostic report of the BCSE and the NAVLE is provided to candidates who do not pass, which provides information to help identify the strengths and weaknesses of his/her performance in particular subject areas. Such an analysis is included with the score report of candidates who do not obtain a passing score. C. Repeat of Failed Parts A candidate who has failed the BCSE or the NAVLE must retake the entire examination. Candidates will be permitted to take the BCSE three times within a 12 month period. Therefore, if a candidate takes the BCSE on April 1, 2013 he/she will be allowed to take it two more times prior to April 1, If he/she fails all three attempts with the first being on April 1, 2013, he/she will not be eligible to take the BCSE again until April 1, The NAVLE may be repeated at any regularly scheduled session, within the five attempt limit explained in subsection II-B on page 3.

12 Page 10 National Examining Board Passing scores in all sections of the CPE are required to pass the examination. A candidate who fails 4 or more sections of the examination must repeat the entire CPE and will be eligible to retake the full exam after a one-year waiting period. Candidates who fail 1, 2 or 3 sections of the CPE are allowed two additional opportunities to retake and successfully pass the failed sections as long as the candidates apply for retake within 6 months of each failure and accept one of the first available retakes offered. Failure to successfully pass the retake sections within these 2 attempts or failure to accept the first available retakes will necessitate the candidate retaking the entire CPE. Please note: only a total of two retake attempts are allowed for each failed section, regardless of whether those attempts are at an ECFVG- or NEB-approved CPE site. IV. APPEAL PROCEDURES A. Primary Appeal All candidates are entitled to appeal an NEB assessment of their Examination scores for the BCSE and the NAVLE, or their performance on the CPE ("Primary Appeal"). The candidate wishing to appeal must submit a notice of his/her appeal to the Registrar of the NEB in writing within twenty-one (21) days of the mailing date of the results which he/she wishes to appeal. The Notice of Appeal shall clearly outline the grounds for appeal, accompanied by brief and concise statements to support the validity of such grounds. Please note that complaints concerning testing conditions during the administration of the BCSE or the NAVLE must be submitted within the time frame stipulated under the heading Complaints on page 19 in the description of the BCSE, and Grievances on page 25 in the description of the NAVLE. The Primary Appeal shall be considered by the full NEB at its next meeting following receipt of the Notice of Appeal. The candidate will be advised in writing of the decision of the NEB on the Primary Appeal immediately following that meeting. Without limitation, it should be noted that the following reasons will not be considered as grounds for appeal: 1. Lack of proficiency in either the English or the French languages as used in veterinary practice in Canada. Candidates whose native language is not English or French are reminded that they are strongly advised not to attempt the Examination until they have achieved adequate proficiency in one of Canada s two official languages. 2. Regulatory questions based on United States laws. Because the written parts of the Examination are used in both the United States and Canada, some questions on regulatory medicine might pertain specifically to one country or the other. It is recognised that candidates in each country may be unfamiliar with the laws of the other country and, therefore, may have difficulty with an occasional question. However, the Canadian experts in veterinary medicine involved in the preparation of the Examination ensure that there are no questions on the Examination which would be unduly prejudicial to Canadian candidates. 3. Lack of preparation or travel time. Candidates are advised that it is their responsibility to ensure that they have taken sufficient time to prepare adequately for the Examination. Candidates are also advised that they should take into account distances and weather conditions in planning for travel to Examination sites. Candidates are further advised that they should arrive in the region of the Examination site sufficiently early so that they are able to adjust to the effects of travel and any difference in time zones. 4. Late arrival at the Examination site for any portion of the Examination for any reason whatsoever. B. Secondary Appeal If the candidate wishes to appeal the decision of the NEB on the Primary Appeal, s/he may do so by submitting a further Notice of Appeal to the Registrar of the NEB in writing within thirty (30) days of the mailing date of the decision on the Primary Appeal. Such Secondary Appeal shall be heard by a panel of three veterinarians appointed by the NEB, who are not current NEB members (the Appeal Panel ). The candidate s Notice of Secondary Appeal must set out the grounds of appeal, again with brief and concise statements to support the validity of such grounds. The NEB shall have the opportunity to submit a written reply (the Reply ) to the Notice of Secondary Appeal, which Reply shall be filed with the Registrar of the NEB and sent to the candidate who is appealing, within sixty (60) days of the receipt of the Notice of Secondary Appeal. As soon as possible after the Reply has been filed with the Registrar of the NEB, or after the time for such filing has expired, the Appeal Panel shall conduct a hearing to review the entire appeal record, which shall include the decision of the NEB on the Primary Appeal, the Notice of Secondary Appeal and the Reply. At such a hearing, both the candidate and the NEB shall be permitted to appear and make representations. The candidate, the NEB and the

13 National Examining Board Page 11 Appeal Panel may each be represented by counsel during this hearing. Following the review and hearing, the Appeal Panel shall present its decision to the NEB as to whether the candidate has passed or failed the Examination in question. Such decision shall include conclusions on each of the grounds of appeal presented by the candidate. The decision of the Panel shall be binding on the NEB. In addition to presenting its decision on the appeal, the Appeal Panel may also, at its discretion, make recommendations to the NEB on any issue raised by the Secondary Appeal. Such recommendations may or may not be acted upon by the NEB, at its sole discretion. If the Secondary Appeal is unsuccessful, no further appeal may be made by the candidate concerning the appealed Examination results. C. Assistance with Appeals Candidates may engage legal or other counsel to assist in the preparation and presentation of Primary or Secondary Appeals, if they so wish. However, all costs associated with such assistance are the responsibility of the candidate. D. Costs of Appeals No charge is levied by the NEB for considering a Primary Appeal. A candidate requesting a Secondary Appeal will be required to deposit with the NEB the sum of $2,000 CAD along with the Notice of Secondary Appeal. If the candidate s appeal is upheld, the cost of the Secondary Appeal (except for the candidate s personal costs) will be paid by the NEB and the candidate s deposit will be refunded in full. If the Secondary Appeal is denied, the candidate will be required to pay all costs of the appeal, and the candidate s deposit will be applied to the payment of those costs. Any excess deposit moneys remaining after payment in full of those costs will be refunded to the candidate; but if the costs of the Secondary Appeal total more than the deposit, the balance owing must be paid to the NEB. In addition, candidates who initiate Secondary Appeal procedures will be charged a minimum, non-refundable fee of $300 CAD. Actual costs over and above this $300 will be charged to candidates. Candidates whose appeal is granted will be reimbursed the latter amount. All direct or personal costs to a candidate associated with an appeal, including any legal fees, remain the responsibility of the candidate. The NEB accepts no responsibility for any loss of income suffered by candidates as a result of being unsuccessful in the Examination or as a result of decisions altered by appeal. E. Verification of the Examination Candidates who are considering an appeal of their Examination scores may request verification of the BCSE or the NAVLE. Candidates who may wish verification of a component of the Examination should correspond in writing with the Registrar of the NEB. V. IRREGULAR BEHAVIOUR All candidates are specifically advised not to participate in any activity that could be construed as irregular behaviour. Irregular behaviour is conduct, in the NEB s opinion, which attempts to or is intended to assist any candidate to obtain a passing score by fraudulent means. Irregular behaviour includes, but is not limited to, taking into the examination room any books, notes or other materials which pertain in any way to veterinary medicine; attempting to observe or copy answers of any other candidate; assisting any other candidate to answer any question of any examination; or taking any notes from the examination room. Irregular behaviour also specifically includes refusal to return examination booklets, answer sheets, booklets of normative values, or any other materials distributed, after the time allocated for the exam has ended. Candidates must abide by the policies and procedures of the NEB and not engage in any forms of irregular behaviour, as outlined in this booklet and the CPE Manual of Administration. Failure to do so may be sufficient cause for the NEB to terminate one s participation in the examinations, invalidate the results of one s examinations, withhold or revoke one s scores or certification, bar one s participation in future examinations, or take other action as deemed appropriate by the NEB. The NEB reserves the right, and the candidate specifically authorizes the NEB, to share information regarding irregular behaviour with the National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (NBVME), the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or their equivalents and all provincial and territorial veterinary

14 Page 12 National Examining Board licensing authorities. Any disciplinary decision of irregular behaviour imposed by one of the foregoing agencies will apply to the process of the NEB. Incidents of alleged irregular behaviour are to be reported to the Registrar of the NEB, who will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to justify further review of the allegations. If the Registrar determines a candidate may be charged with irregular behaviour, a report will be submitted to a Preliminary Assessment Panel, composed of three (3) veterinarians, and the candidate will be notified in detail of the complaint against him/her. The candidate will have thirty (30) days to respond to the allegations, after which the Preliminary Assessment Panel will render a decision. If a majority of the Preliminary Assessment Panel decides the allegations of irregular behaviour have not been substantiated, the complaint will be dismissed and no appeal will be allowed. If a majority of the Preliminary Assessment Panel decides that the allegations of irregular behaviour have been substantiated, they will make a finding of guilt and will determine the penalty as follows: the candidate will be prohibited from taking any part of the Examination for a minimum of one (1) year; the BCSE, CPE or NAVLE attempt in question will be recorded as a failure; and the licensing body of the province or state in which the candidate has indicated they wish to practice will be informed of the irregular behaviour decision. If the candidate wishes to appeal the decision of the Preliminary Assessment Panel, a written Notice of Appeal must be sent to the Registrar of the NEB within thirty (30) days of the mailing date of the decision of the Preliminary Assessment Panel. This Notice must set forth the specific grounds for appeal, with brief and concise statements to support the validity of such grounds. The candidate must also deposit $2,000 CAD with the NEB. If the candidate is successful on the appeal, the deposit will be refunded in full. If a candidate is unsuccessful, s/he will be responsible for the full cost of the appeal. The appeal will be heard by an Appeal Panel, composed of three (3) members of the NEB or persons designated by them. The candidate may appear at the hearing, present evidence and may be represented by legal counsel. All direct and personal costs of the candidate, including his/her legal fees, if any, are the responsibility of the candidate. Following the hearing, the Appeal Panel will either allow the appeal and reverse the decision of the Preliminary Assessment Panel or dismiss the appeal and uphold the finding of irregular behaviour. The decision of the Appeal Panel is final and no further appeal by any party will be permitted. More information on the procedures to be followed regarding alleged irregular behaviour may be obtained by writing to the Registrar of the NEB (see section VII). VI. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMINATION A. BCSE The Basic and Clinical Sciences Examination (BCSE) has been developed by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) as one of the steps in assessing educational equivalency for purposes of certification. The NEB has incorporated the BCSE in its veterinary licensing examination process in view of granting its Certificate of Qualification to graduates of nonaccredited veterinary schools. It is designed to assess basic and clinical veterinary sciences knowledge. The knowledge level expected to receive a passing score on the BCSE is that of an entry-level Canadian or US veterinarian (i.e., a new graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary school). The computer-based BCSE consists of 225 multiplechoice questions, many with graphics, which must be completed within a 220-minute test session. You should answer all of the questions because your score will be based on the number of correct answers you mark (one point for each question correct). No points will be deducted for wrong answers. In addition to the 220-minute test session, your four-hour testing appointment will include a brief tutorial to introduce you to computer-based testing and an exit evaluation at the end of the examination. No candidate is expected to obtain a perfect score on the BCSE. However, candidates should have considerable familiarity with the subject matter of each question. A candidate should look for the best choice and not be misled by other choices that may be only partially true. Only one choice may be marked for each question. Candidates should read each test question carefully before attempting to answer. For each question, decide which one of the suggested options is best. Be certain that you have answered all the questions on the test before exiting the test and leaving the test centre. You may not access the test after signing out of your testing session and leaving the test centre.

15 National Examining Board Page 13 All candidates should read this entire booklet, which is designed to ensure familiarity with application and scheduling procedures (including accommodation requests), exam fees, security and test behaviour expectations, score reporting, and content for the BCSE. If questions remain after reading the booklet in its entirety, please contact the NEB staff in Ottawa. In addition, policy and schedule changes impacting candidates taking the BCSE may occur at any time. It is the candidate's responsibility to monitor the NEB and ECFVG Web sites at and for information about program policies and changes. BCSE Test Content Outline The BCSE test content outline is based on the results of a job analysis conducted in 2006 by the ECFVG in consultation with Thomson Prometric. For the job analysis survey, more than 3,500 veterinarians provided input related to the level of importance for a recent graduate of an AVMA-accredited US or Canadian veterinary school to be proficient in specific basic and clinical sciences knowledge areas. The table in Appendix A provides a summary of the major content areas and numbers of questions in the BCSE. The BCSE and the NAVLE The BCSE is designed to help assess educational equivalency of graduates of non-avma/council on Education accredited schools for the purpose of meeting the educational prerequisite for a provincial or state license or certain types of employment. It is not designed to replace licensing examinations or other license or employment requirements as established by individual provincial or state veterinary regulatory boards or employers. New applicants approved as candidates by the NEB from March 10, 2007, will be required to complete the new threeexamination process in order to be granted a CQ. Successful completion of the NAVLE will continue to be a requirement to obtain a CQ, but it will be the final step in the NEB veterinary licensing examination process. Please note the National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (NBVME; the owner and administrator of the NAVLE, has the authority to make decisions regarding the administration of this licensing examination. Each provincial and state board may also establish other licensing requirements, including state examinations. If you are seeking a provincial or state license, you should contact the veterinary regulatory board in the province or state in which you anticipate seeking a license as early as possible to determine all licensing prerequisites and requirements. You must complete all steps of the NEB program to become certified and meet the educational prerequisite established by the veterinary regulatory board in those provinces requiring or accepting NEB certification. Please note that the NBVME has indicated that after April 2007, ECFVG candidates who successfully complete the BCSE will be eligible to take the NAVLE, regardless of ECFVG certification status. If you are a candidate of the ECFVG, please check with NBVME to determine current NAVLE eligibility requirements. Questions regarding the four steps of the ECFVG program should be directed to ECFVG@avma.org; questions regarding licensing prerequisites and requirements should be addressed to the individual provincial or state regulatory board; questions regarding the NAVLE may be directed to the NBVME. BCSE Schedule The BCSE is being offered on a continuous basis starting April 1 st, The exam will be administered at Prometric Inc. TM test centres throughout Canada and the USA. Please go online at to view the list of test centres available to you for the BCSE. After having registered for the BCSE with the NEB, the candidate will receive an Authorization to Test letter inviting candidates to book a testing date. Ordinarily, candidates can expect BCSE results to be posted (via Canada Post) about 20 business days following the test date. Application for the BCSE and Authorisation to Test Upon receipt of your completed BCSE registration form, any other required documents (including accommodation requests), and the testing fee, an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter with a unique identification number will be issued to you. The ATT will provide you with information on the eligibility period to schedule and take the BCSE. You must not lose your ATT and unique identification number - both are required to schedule a test appointment

16 Page 14 National Examining Board and to confirm your scheduled test on site. If you do misplace your ATT, please contact the NEB by telephone at ext 123 or 125, or or as soon as possible for a duplicate ATT. Likewise, if you do not receive the ATT and unique identification number within 20 business days after submitting the BCSE application and fee, immediately notify the NEB. The NEB is not responsible for misdirected or lost ATTs or for ATTs that were not received by the candidate. Please note that ATTs and unique identification numbers cannot be issued via phone or fax. Because of the importance of the ATT and unique identification number, and because both are forwarded to each candidate via Canada Post and , it is the responsibility of each candidate to keep the NEB office informed of any change in contact information. Changes in contact information must be made in writing to ohoffmann@cvma-acmv.org or mmontpetit@cvma-acmv.org (or via Fax to ). Registration Validity Period A registration form is only valid for one test. If you have to retake the test, you have to submit a new registration form. Candidates must take the BCSE within 365 days of the date their registration is processed by the NEB office. If one does not take the BCSE during the 365-day eligibility period, which will be indicated on the ATT letter, the application will become invalid and candidates will not be able test without submitting another registration and the fee. It is not sufficient to simply schedule a testing appointment within the 365-day eligibility period; the BCSE must actually be taken during this time. Once a registration has been processed, candidates will receive an ATT letter that will contain additional information regarding the scheduling process. Testing Accommodations for the BCSE Reasonable accommodation will be made for a candidate with a documented disability. A request for accommodations to take the BCSE must accompany the BCSE registration form including supporting documents and must provide the NEB with sufficient time (at least 60 days before the day of the testing date) to review the accommodation request. The NEB s procedures provide information regarding how to document a disability and a related need for accommodations for candidates for the BCSE. The information and documents submitted should be as comprehensive as possible in order to allow the NEB to make an informed decision regarding the accommodation request and to avoid delays in the decisionmaking process. A copy of the relevant procedures is available by from the NEB office at ohoffmann@cvma-acmv.org. Scheduling Your Testing Appointment Once you receive your ATT and unique identification number, you should schedule your testing appointment as soon as possible. Even if you do not plan to test for several weeks, it is preferable to schedule your appointment early. This will assure you maximum opportunity to schedule your appointment for the test centre, date, and time that is most convenient to you. Waiting to schedule your testing appointment may affect the availability of an appointment at a test centre of your choice. Your ATT does not guarantee a testing appointment at the centre, on the date or at the time you prefer. Scheduling early rather than waiting to the end of your eligibility period will provide you with greater choice of test date, time and location. When you are ready to schedule your testing appointment, please have your ATT available. You may schedule an appointment online 24 hours a day, seven days per week at You may also call the Prometric Candidate Services Call Centre at , ext 4510, during regular weekday business hours. For a complete list of Prometric Testing centre locations, please check the Prometric Web site at You may take your test at any Prometric location, regardless of where you currently reside or where you wish to become licensed as a veterinarian. Scheduling services are available for hearingimpaired candidates via telecommunications devices by calling (TTD). When you schedule your testing appointment, you will be asked to specify your preference for a test centre, date, and time. Test centres are generally open from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm but many have extended hours, including weekends. You may also obtain directions to the test centre. When you schedule your appointment you will be issued an appointment confirmation number, which you will need to bring with you on the day of your examination. Be sure to write the information down. You may also confirm and print your appointment information online at Failure to keep an originally scheduled or rescheduled appointment will result in forfeiture of all test fees. You will have to reapply for the examination and pay all applicable fees. Be certain to schedule your

17 National Examining Board Page 15 testing appointment at a date and time that you will be able to keep. The NEB does allow rescheduling, but NOT cancelling, a testing appointment once one has been made. Rescheduling a testing appointment must be done through Prometric at or, during regular weekday business hours, , ext 4510, and the following fees apply: Rescheduling Period 30 or more days before test appointment 2 to 29 days before test appointment Less than 2 days before test appointment Rescheduling Fee None $25.00 to be collected by Prometric $75.00 to be collected by Prometric Candidates who schedule or reschedule an appointment and then do not keep that appointment will be required to reapply for the examination and pay all applicable fees. Only in extreme hardship situations (e.g., documented medical condition of the candidate or death in the immediate family) will cancelled examinations (i.e., no shows) be rescheduled to a later test window without forfeiture of all fees. The NEB will make determinations of exceptions allowed. Location of Test Centres Prometric test centres for the BCSE are available throughout the US, US territories, Canada and various other countries. You may schedule your appointment to test at any centre regardless of where you currently reside or where you intend to practice. However, there are additional fees, as determined by Prometric, for testing at a centre outside the US, US territories, or Canada. These additional fees in US dollars are payable directly to Prometric when scheduling your testing appointment. The additional fees are as follows: Location APAC (Asia Pacific) $11.08 Japan $64.08 China $19.08 EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Asia) $40.08 Additional Fee* Prometric test sites provide a standardized testing environment where each testing candidate takes an examination at a workstation with a computer terminal. Other candidates will be testing at the same time as your scheduled appointment and will be taking many different types of examinations. Please go online at to view the list of test centres available to you for your BCSE. Candidate Identification and Security at Test Centres Because of the importance of the BCSE, numerous security measures will be enforced when you arrive at the test centre to register for the examination, during test administration, and when you complete testing, including direct monitoring during the test by a proctor; and videotaping, audio surveillance, and biometrics to include taking photographs and obtaining fingerprints. Strict candidate identification requirements have been established as follows: You should always use the same form of your name. Do not change the spelling or the order of your name. Use the same form of your name that is on your NEB registration form. When you arrive at the test centre, you will be required to present a primary photo ID with a signature and your Authorization to Test (ATT). A secondary signaturebearing ID will also be required. You will not be admitted to the examination without both proper forms of identification and your ATT. Both pieces of identification must be signed and one must bear a recent photograph of you. The name on both forms of identification must be the same as the name that appears on your ATT. If your name has changed since you applied for the BCSE, you will need to bring legal documentation of this change (eg, a marriage license, divorce decree, court action) with you to the test centre for identification purposes. Examples of acceptable forms of primary identification (which must include your signature and photograph) are a current (valid) government issued: passport, driver's license, or state or federal identification card. Examples of acceptable forms of secondary identification (signature required, photograph optional) include all those listed above under acceptable primary forms of identification plus a current (valid): employee identification card, student identification card, military identification card, citizenship card, or credit card.

18 Page 16 National Examining Board The following regulations and procedures are observed at every test centre. The test will be administered only on the day and at the time scheduled. Candidates must arrive at the test centre at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment. No candidate will be permitted to continue the test beyond the established time limits unless accommodations have been requested and granted as per the policy in Appendix 1 of this Bulletin. No questions concerning the content of the examination may be asked during the testing period. No personal materials should be brought to the centre, only identification will be allowed in the testing room. All other materials must be secured into small lockers that will be provided. Space within the lockers is limited. Test centre staff assumes no responsibility for candidates' personal belongings. The following items are prohibited: cell phones, PDAs, pagers, calculators, weapons, photographic devices, briefcases, computers, handbags, wallets, outerwear (coats, hats), food, beverages, tissues, books, reference materials and any others restricted by test centre policies. No smoking is allowed in the test centre. Visitors and/or family members may not accompany candidates to the test centre. They will not be allowed to wait at the test centre while testing is underway. Scratch paper may not be brought into the test centre. Should you need scratch paper, it will be provided. A candidate who wishes to leave the room during the administration must obtain the supervisor's permission. Please raise your hand and wait to be dismissed. No breaks are scheduled during the examination. Test session time for candidates who choose to leave the examination for unscheduled breaks will continue to count down toward completion of your testing appointment. Please note that a candidate's test session and appointment will be terminated if he/she leaves the test centre for any reason during the testing appointment. A supervisor may dismiss a candidate from the administration for any of the following reasons: using any unauthorized aids committing misconduct, including, but not limited to, disruptive behaviour, giving or receiving help, not following the regulations of the test centre, or other unacceptable behaviour attempting to remove or reproduce test materials or notes from the examination room (See the copyright notice and following rules of misconduct) impersonating another individual Constant surveillance is maintained during the testing session. Candidates may be photographed as well as video and audio recorded. Test centre personnel will maintain direct observation of candidates testing at all times. What to Expect on the Day of Your BCSE Plan to arrive at the test centre at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment to allow time for the checkin process. Most candidates will begin their testing session within 30 minutes of their scheduled appointment. On rare occasions, technical difficulties may occur at the test centre. Every effort will be made to correct those problems and resume testing as soon as possible. If you are not able to begin testing within 30 minutes, you will be offered the opportunity to continue to wait or to reschedule your appointment without an additional fee. We regret that the NEB will not compensate for any expenses associated with appointments that need to be rescheduled due to acts of nature or technology-related issues. If you arrive at the test centre more than 30 minutes after your scheduled appointment, you may be required to forfeit your appointment. While every opportunity will be made to accommodate the late arrival, you will not be guaranteed a testing appointment. If you forfeit your appointment, no refund or reschedule will be offered and you will need to reapply for another BCSE window. At the test centre, you will be required to present two (2) forms of identification as indicated in an earlier section of this booklet. You must present a primary form of identification, which must be a current government-issued picture ID that includes your signature. A second form of ID must also be presented and must include your signature but not your photograph. The name on both forms of ID must match and must be the same as the name under which you registered for the BCSE, which is also the name that must appear on your ATT. Slight variations in name are acceptable, such as one ID that contains a full middle name while the second ID has only an initial. If you have had a legal name change since the time of registration for your examination, you must bring legal documentation (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, court action) with you to the test centre to assure that you will be allowed to test. Both forms of identification presented must be current, carry your signature, and the government-issued primary form must contain a

19 National Examining Board Page 17 photograph of reasonable facsimile to your current appearance. Please remember, your name as it appears on your BCSE application must match the name on your ATT and on your primary and secondary forms of identification. If the name on your BCSE form or your ATT is not correct, contact the NEB immediately (before your test appointment) by at or by telephone at ext 123 or 125. You will not be admitted to the test without proper ID. If you arrive at the test centre without proper ID to gain admission to your testing appointment, your appointment will be forfeited and you will be required to reapply and repay the testing fee to take the BCSE. Irregular Behaviour and Candidate Misconduct The BCSE serves an important public function and NO misconduct will be tolerated. Rules of Conduct govern the administration of the BCSE, which are designed to ensure that no candidate or group of candidates receives unfair advantage on the examination, inadvertently or otherwise. At the beginning of the examination, you will be required to confirm that you have read and that you agree with the following confidentiality and conduct agreement: I understand and acknowledge that I must abide by the Rules of Conduct and not engage in any form of irregular behaviour. My failure to do so may be sufficient cause to terminate my participation in the examination, invalidate the results of my examination, withhold or revoke my scores or certification, bar my participation in future exams, or take other appropriate action. Test Centre Administrators monitor the BCSE. A monitor who observes a candidate violating the Rules of Conduct or engaging in other forms of irregular behaviour or misconduct during a BCSE shall report such incidents to Prometric, who in turn will report to the NEB and ECFVG. In addition, one of the following actions may occur: 1. A Test Centre Administrator will file an irregularity report with Prometric describing his or her observations but may not advise the candidate of those observations during the examination. 2. A Test Centre Administrator may dismiss a candidate from the test and file a report with Prometric stating the action and the reasons for dismissal. 3. A Test Centre Administrator may choose to advise the candidate at the time of the observation but not dismiss the candidate from the test. Under such circumstances, the Administrator will file an irregularity report with Prometric describing his or her observations. Regardless of action taken, when a Test Centre Administrator reports to Prometric that a candidate might have committed misconduct during an examination, Prometric in turn reports to the NEB and ECFVG, and that candidate's test record is reviewed. Each report of irregular behaviour or misconduct shall be investigated by the NEB pursuant to the policy outlined in section V. Irregular Behaviour on page 12. If there is reason to believe that the integrity of the examination process has been jeopardized, the ECFVG may invalidate all or any part of a BCSE administration. Additionally, if information indicates that continued testing would jeopardize the security of examination materials or the integrity of scores, the ECFVG reserves the right to suspend or cancel any BCSE administration. Score Validity The ECFVG reserves the sole right to determine whether or not an examination is valid or invalid. The acceptance of a candidate's application to take the examination, the scoring thereof, or the release of said examination results to any party shall not act in any way to amend the right of the ECFVG to determine whether such examinations or the scores achieved thereon are valid or invalid in whole or in part. A determination that an examination and the scores achieved thereon are invalid may be made at any time by the ECFVG. The ECFVG also reserves the right to cancel any scores that may already have been reported when subsequent information raises doubt of their validity. Occasionally testing irregularities occur that affect a group of test takers. Such problems include, without limitation, administrative errors, defective equipment or materials, improper access to test content and/or the unauthorized general availability of test content, as well as other disruptions of test administrations. When group testing irregularities occur, Prometric will conduct an investigation to provide information to the ECFVG. Based on this information, the ECFVG may direct Prometric to either not score the examination or invalidate the examination scores.

20 Page 18 National Examining Board When it is appropriate to do so, the ECFVG and NEB will arrange with Prometric to give affected test takers the opportunity to take the examination again as soon as possible, without charge. Affected test takers will be notified of the reasons for the invalidation and their options for retaking the examination. Please note, the NEB and ECFVG Appeal Procedures do not apply to group testing irregularities. Limitation of Liability In no case shall the CVMA, NEB, AVMA, ECFVG, or Prometric be liable to any test taker or group of test takers, either in contract or tort, for cancelling, invalidating, withholding, or changing a test score or result, as provided in this booklet. When appropriate, the NEB, ECFVG and/or Prometric, at their discretion, may provide affected test takers with an opportunity to retake an examination or provide a refund of the testing fee paid. Reporting Test Results Ordinarily, candidates will receive test results approximately 20 business days following the end of each test date. Test results will be released by the NEB to the candidate via Canada Post only. Due to privacy and security stipulations, test results will not be released via telephone, facsimile, or any other electronic transmission. Any inquiries regarding test results should be directed to the NEB office. The NEB and ECFVG do not approve of the use of test results for any purpose other than that for which the examination is developed and conducted; namely, as one factor in assessing educational equivalency for purposes of NEB or ECFVG certification. BCSE results are not to be presented as evidence of eligibility for employment and are not to be used by any individual or institution for the purpose of comparing the quality of educational programs. Score Interpretation Scores on the BCSE are determined by converting the number of questions answered correctly out of the number of questions administered to a scale that ranges from approximately 300 to beyond 900. The scale passing score has been set at 580, which corresponds to a level of achievement judged to represent minimum competency. Candidates who fail the examination must retake the entire examination. Passing candidates will receive a score report with a "Pass" indicated; failing candidates will receive a report with a failing scale score (between 300 and 579). Also, failing candidates will receive diagnostic indicators for the domains included in the examination. The diagnostic indicators are intended to help identify areas of strength and weakness for failing candidates for further study; they are not to be used for pass/fail determination or any other use. The diagnostic indicators for each of the seven domains (test content areas) on the BCSE will be reported to failing candidates as follows: 1. Below the level of minimum competence 2. At or above the level of minimum competence Score Reliability Reliability refers to the consistency of test scores, the consistency with which candidates are classified as either passing or failing, and the degree to which test scores are free from errors of measurement. Errors of measurement may result from factors related to the test, such as the type of test given or the way it is scored, or from factors external to the test. A candidate's score will not be perfectly consistent from one occasion to the next. Determination of Passing Scores A criterion referenced method is used to determine the passing score for the BCSE. Verification of Scores Candidates failing any given examination may request a re-scoring of their test record for a fee of $50.00 US per test. However, every BCSE record is scored twice before releasing the results. Therefore, the likelihood of an erroneous score is remote. Re-score requests must be made in writing to Prometric within two (2) months after the examination was administered. To request a re-score, write to Prometric at the address noted below. Include a cashier's cheque for $50.00 US made payable to Prometric. Personal cheques are not accepted. Prometric Attn: AVMA Program Manager Canton Crossing Tower 1501 South Clinton Street Baltimore, MD BCSE Retake Policy