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 [email protected]; 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 [email protected] or [email protected] (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 [email protected]. 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

21 National Examining Board Page 19 Candidates who fail the BCSE 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, 2012, he/she will be allowed to take it two more times prior to April 1, If a candidate fails all three attempts with the first being on April 1, 2012, he/she will not be eligible to take the BCSE again until April 1, Candidates must apply for each retest, meet the same registration deadlines as a first-time tester and pay the fee for each administration. Copyright All proprietary rights in the examinations, including copyright and trade secrets, are jointly held by the American Veterinary Medical Association and Prometric. In order to protect the integrity of the exam and to assure the validity of the scores that are reported, candidates must adhere to strict guidelines regarding proper conduct in handling these copyrighted, proprietary examinations. Any attempt to reproduce all or part of an examination is strictly prohibited by law. Such an attempt includes, but is not limited to: attempting to or removing materials from the examination room; aiding others by any means in reconstructing an examination in whole or in part; or selling, distributing in any form including electronic media, receiving in any form including electronic media, or having unauthorized possession of any portion of an examination. Alleged copyright violations will be investigated and, if warranted, prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. It should also be noted that examination scores may be invalidated in the event of a suspected breach. Comments and Complaints Should a candidate wish to file a complaint regarding the BCSE testing experience, he/she may do so by notifying the NEB office in writing within ten (10) days of the candidate's test date. Concerns that are reported in this way will be investigated by the NEB and the ECFVG. Sample BCSE Questions A tutorial and sample questions are available on the web site of the ECFVG/AVMA, the owner of the BCSE, at: B. NAVLE GENERAL INFORMATION This section contains procedural and policy information for the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE ), which you should read in full. Please note that while every attempt has been made to provide accurate and definite information, the National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (NBVME ) and the NEB may need to change or revise policies and procedures that affect the NAVLE program. Changes will be included in subsequent editions of the NEB Information for Applicants booklet, and will also be posted on the NBVME Web site ( as soon as they are determined. You should check this web site for the most current information about NBVME policies and procedures. All test questions used in the NAVLE are owned solely by the NBVME and are copyrighted. Any reproduction by any means or distribution of NAVLE questions without the express written authorization of the NBVME will result in appropriate legal action. Primary Objectives of the NAVLE The primary objectives of the NAVLE are as follows: To provide a comprehensive objective examination to state, provincial or territorial boards charged with the licensing of veterinarians To protect the public by ensuring that veterinarians demonstrate a specified level of knowledge and skills before entering veterinary practice To assess the professional competency of veterinarians in terms of their qualifications to enter private clinical practice To provide a common standard in the evaluation of candidates that will be comparable from jurisdiction to jurisdiction To contribute to the veterinary profession through development of improved definitions of the relationship between knowledge and professional practice To facilitate interstate/inter-provincial licensing reciprocity for practicing veterinarians Computer Based Testing The NAVLE is administered on computer during a four-week testing window in November-December and a two-week window in April. CBT gives you a wider range of scheduling options. In addition, you will be testing in a

22 Page 20 National Examining Board comfortable environment at a location you select from the many available test centers. CBT also offers enhanced security measures for the examination process. Security of the test materials is ensured by the encryption of data prior to transmission to the test centers. Audio and video monitoring in the test centers enhances the proctoring of the examination, and digital cameras are used to identify NAVLE candidates. Test forms are assigned from many different content-parallel test forms created from large banks of test questions. Different test forms are used on different examination dates, in different locales, and even on the same day within the same test center. These enhancements improve the ability to administer the NAVLE conveniently and securely and provide further assurance that veterinarians who successfully complete it have fairly met the examination requirement for veterinary medical licensing. Description of the Examination Each form of the NAVLE consists of an optional 15-minute tutorial and 360 multiple choice questions administered in six blocks of 60 questions each. You will have 65 minutes to complete each block, for a total of 390 minutes (or six and onehalf hours) of total examination time. All candidates will have the same number of questions and the same time allotment. Within each block, you may answer questions in any order and review and/or change your answers. When you exit a block, or when time expires, no further review of questions or changing of answers within that block is possible. The NAVLE is designed to assess your knowledge of veterinary medicine as it relates to entry-level private clinical practice. The examination covers all animal species commonly seen by private practitioners in North America. Approximately 15%-20% of the NAVLE questions will include graphic or pictorial information (such as a photograph or radiograph). Sixty of the 360 questions will be used as field test questions. They will not be counted in scoring and will be intermingled with scored questions. You will not be able to distinguish between the two. You will have 45 minutes of total break time which may be used to make the transition between blocks and for breaks. Breaks are not fixed - you will have the personal flexibility to use this time to suit your needs. Breaks may only be taken between blocks of questions. REGISTRATION AND APPROVAL PROCESS All candidates in Canada must apply for the NAVLE through the NEB. A registration form will be sent (via Canada Post) to all eligible candidates. The deadline for receiving the NAVLE registration form at the NEB office is indicated on the registration form and is typically about 92 days prior to the beginning of each testing window. Assistance for NAVLE Candidates The NEB and NBVME offices stand ready to help answer your questions or resolve problems you may encounter with the NAVLE application and registration process. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices by mail, telephone or if you need assistance. It is better to ask for assistance than to assume that everything is fine, only to discover too late that you are unable to take the NAVLE because of problems with your NAVLE application, or your Scheduling and Admission Permit. To reduce the potential for misunderstandings and to ensure the privacy of candidate information, the NEB and NBVME offices will correspond only with the candidate regarding NAVLE application, request for test accommodations, fee payment, registration, and score reporting questions, unless the candidate specifically authorizes the NEB or NBVME, in writing, to correspond with a third party. The NEB and NBVME may, however, correspond with the appropriate licensing body and/or veterinary school official regarding a candidate s status in the NAVLE program. Eligibility Requirements The NAVLE is administered only to bona fide candidates for licensure to practice veterinary medicine. If you have not graduated from veterinary school at the time of application, you must have an expected graduation date no later than eight months from the last date of the applicable testing window. Candidates with Documented Disabilities If you have a documented disability and require test accommodations, you must contact the NEB to obtain information regarding testing accommodations, application procedures and documentation requirements before you apply for the NAVLE. All accommodations must be approved by the NEB and the NBVME. An information sheet outlining the approval process is available from the NEB office. It takes time to review the documentation necessary to approve test accommodations. If you do not submit the required documentation to the NEB in time to allow the

23 National Examining Board Page 21 Board and the NBVME to review it, you will not be eligible for accommodations. All supporting documentation must be provided to the NEB prior to, or at the time of, submission of your NAVLE registration. Candidates Requiring Personal Items in the Testing Room Unauthorized possession of personal items while you are in the secure areas of the testing center is prohibited. However, in certain limited circumstances, exceptions to this policy may be made for medical reasons, provided that permission is granted in advance of test day. If you have a medical condition that requires you to use medication, an external appliance, or an electronic device in the secure areas of the test center, please submit a written request and documentation to the NBVME at the time of your NAVLE application. If the medical issue develops after you have submitted your application, please contact the NBVME immediately. Examples of appliances and devices to which this policy applies include insulin pumps, inhalers, medications, TENS units, hearing aids, wheelchairs, canes, crutches, and casts. If you are unsure whether you should request an exception, please contact the NBVME. You are not required to obtain advance permission to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses during testing, or to consume food or take medication on authorized breaks. All personal items, including those permitted as an exception under this policy, are subject to inspection at the test center. If you bring an item, including an appliance or device, to your examination without obtaining permission in advance, you may not be permitted to test, you may be required to relinquish the item, and/or you may be investigated for irregular behavior. Payment of the NAVLE Fee The NAVLE fee charged by the NEB is found in Appendix E. Candidates must include a cheque or money order, payable to CVMA, with their registration form, or one may provide a Visa or MasterCard account number and expiry date. You will not be permitted to take the NAVLE unless the examination fee has been paid. SCHEDULING Prometric Test Centers for Computer Based Testing The NAVLE is administered in Prometric Test Centers (PTCs). Prometric provides CBT services for professional licensure, academic assessment, certification and for various other professional and academic needs. Prometric administers testing programs for educational institutions, corporations, professional associations, and other organizations. All PTCs are set up similarly. This not only helps enhance security, but also provides the same standards of comfort and uniformity for all candidates. The NAVLE is administered in Canada, the United States and U.S. Territories, and at selected PTCs in 13 testing regions overseas, as listed on the NAVLE registration form. There is an additional fee of $300 CAD for overseas testing. Locations of PTCs available for the NAVLE can be found at the Prometric website ( Select the National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners in one of the drop-down lists on the Prometric home page to search for test center locations for the NAVLE. NAVLE Registration Process in Canada If you are applying to take the NAVLE in order to obtain a license to practice veterinary medicine in Canada, you must contact the National Examining Board (NEB) in Ottawa directly and follow its NAVLE registration procedures and requirements. NAVLE registration and fee payment must be made directly to the NEB (not to the NBVME) by their application deadline date. Provincial licensing board contact information can be found in Appendix D. The NEB will forward a list of approved candidates to the NBVME office. Scheduling and Admission Permits After you submit your completed application, have paid the NAVLE fees, and are deemed eligible by the NEB, the NBVME will send you, no later than September 25 for the November-December testing window and February 27 for the April testing window, an message with instructions on how to access your NAVLE Scheduling and Admission Permit on-line. Scheduling and Admission Permit information will also be posted on the NBVME s website as soon as permits are available. You must print your Scheduling and Admission Permit before contacting Prometric. Your Scheduling and

24 Page 22 National Examining Board Admission Permit will contain a Scheduling Number and instructions for making a testing appointment at a PTC, and will specify your testing region and the testing window during which you are eligible to take the examination. Review your first and last names on your permit and compare them to your first and last names as listed on the government-issued, signed, photo identification you plan to use for entrance into the PTC. If your first and last names do not exactly match, contact the NBVME immediately so that a revised permit can be issued for you prior to the start of the testing window. (The only acceptable difference would be the presence of a middle name, middle initial or suffix on one document and its absence on the other.) If you anticipate a name change prior to your test date (e.g., due to a change in marital status), be aware that whatever name appears on your identification must be the same name that appears on your permit. You will not be admitted to the testing center if there is a name mismatch. For additional identification requirements refer to the Scheduling and Admission Permit and Identification Requirements section on page 12. Keep your Scheduling and Admission Permit in a secure location until your test date, because you must have your printed Scheduling and Admission Permit with you for entrance into the PTC. If you do not bring your Scheduling and Admission Permit to the test center, you will not be permitted to take the NAVLE. Your Scheduling and Admission Permit contains a unique Candidate Identification Number that you must enter into the computer to unlock your examination. Test center staff do not have access to this number. Prior to reporting to the PTC on your scheduled test date, you can log into the permit website to access and reprint your Scheduling and Admission Permit if necessary, but you cannot print a copy of your Scheduling and Admission Permit at the Prometric center, and the NBVME will not provide a faxed copy. To avoid any unforeseen technical issues, we strongly encourage you to print your permit several days in advance of your scheduled appointment. Scheduling a Test Date The next available testing windows are November 14- December 10, 2011, and April 9-21, To obtain your preferred test center and date, contact Prometric as soon as possible after printing your Scheduling and Admission Permit on-line. Appointments are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. If you delay scheduling an appointment, you may not receive the location or test date you want. Try not to schedule on or near the last day of your eligibility period. If something unexpected happens (e.g., you become ill), you may need the extra time remaining in the testing window to reschedule. Please note that PTCs are closed on major holidays and some, but not all, centers are open on weekend days. If you do not take the examination during the testing window for which you were approved, but wish to take it in the future, you must reapply and pay the fees again. A new Scheduling and Admission Permit is issued to approved candidates for each testing window. When you contact Prometric, you will be asked for information from your Scheduling and Admission Permit and be given details regarding the test center and dates available on or near the date and location you specify. Please make sure to have alternate test locations and dates in mind, in case your first choices are not available. When scheduling, Prometric will provide you with a Prometric Confirmation Number, which you should record in the designated space on the bottom of your Scheduling and Admission Permit. You will need this number to confirm, reschedule, and/or cancel your testing appointment with Prometric. The NBVME does not have access to your Prometric Confirmation Number. Scheduling a testing appointment for a specific date at a PTC should not be considered a guarantee that the scheduled test time or location will be available. The PTC at which you are scheduled may become unavailable. In that event, Prometric will attempt to notify you in advance of your testing appointment to schedule a different time and/or center. However, on rare occasions, rescheduling an appointment for a different time or center may occur at the last minute because of the unavailability of a PTC. To avoid last-minute problems, reconfirm your appointment with Prometric at least one week in advance and maintain flexibility in any travel arrangements you may make. Changing Testing Appointment or Location If you are unable to keep a testing appointment on your scheduled date or at your scheduled location, you may change your date or location within that testing window and within your chosen testing region using the information on your Scheduling and Admission Permit to contact Prometric. You will need to provide your Prometric Confirmation Number when you reschedule. A request to reschedule an appointment must be made by noon local time (of the region you re registered to test in as noted on your permit) at least two business days before your testing appointment. When contacting Prometric by telephone, you must speak with a representative. Leaving a voice mail message does not satisfy the requirement to provide advance notice. If you need to reschedule your appointment but cannot provide at least two business days notice, you must contact

25 National Examining Board Page 23 the NBVME for further information. You will be charged a rescheduling fee ($285 US) and will have to wait to reschedule your appointment until your eligibility has been reset. Having your eligibility reset does not guarantee an opening will be available within the testing window or during any extension granted by the NBVME. If you need to change your testing region, your eligibility must be reset, and a new Scheduling and Admission Permit must be issued for you. You will be required to pay additional fees. Any changes in your testing region must be made at least 14 days prior to the start of the testing window. Change of Name or Contact Information In order to receive exam materials (SPs, score reports, etc.) without delay, you must notify the NEB in writing of any name or address changes. Notification of a name change must be accompanied by an attested photocopy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court judgment from a name change petition. A fee may be imposed for duplicate score reports or expedited delivery. recommended that you practice before your test date, because practice at the test center will be limited to a 15- minute tutorial. Self-Assessments NAVLE Self-Assessments are available for purchase through the NBVME website. Each 200-item assessment costs $50 US and the fee is non-refundable. Three English versions and two French versions are offered, and a score report is immediately available after completion of a selfassessment. The score report shows the percentage of items answered correctly for the total assessment, and for each of the main topic areas. It indicates the performance of a comparison group of candidates on the same items, and it includes a projected NAVLE score based on the participant s performance on the assessment. Answers to individual questions are not provided. See the NBVME website for more information. Strategies for Answering Single One Best Answer Questions PREPARING FOR THE NAVLE Test Question Format The NAVLE includes only single questions with one best answer. They consist of a statement or question followed, in most cases, by five options arranged in alphabetical or logical order (a few items may have four or six or more options). The response options for all questions are lettered (e.g., A, B, C, D, E). Examinees are required to select the best answer to the question. Other options may be partially correct, but there is only ONE BEST answer. Read each question carefully. It is important to understand what is being asked. Try to generate an answer and then look for it in the list of options. Alternatively, read each option carefully and eliminate those that are clearly incorrect. Of the remaining options, select the one that is most correct. If you are unsure about an answer, it is better to guess, because unanswered questions are counted as wrong. Sample Questions Sixty sample test questions and an answer key are available on the NBVME website at: Practice Examination and Tutorial The NBVME website has a practice examination with 20 additional sample items, formatted as a practice test with the same tutorial and general software interface that is used by Prometric to deliver the NAVLE. This software includes, among other features, clickable icons for marking questions to be reviewed, automated review of marked and incomplete questions, and a timer panel indicating the time remaining in the test. Although the software is simple and intuitive, it is highly SECURITY Testing Conditions Policies and procedures governing administration of the examination have been established to ensure that no candidate or group of candidates receives unfair advantage on the examination, inadvertently or otherwise. Efforts are made to ensure that the examination is administered under standard conditions and is consistent with the principles on which the examination is developed and scored. However, if the integrity of the examination process is jeopardized, the NBVME reserves the right to invalidate all or any part of an examination.

26 Page 24 National Examining Board Physical security of examination materials will be controlled through computerized, electronic transmission of encrypted data. Observation of the testing sessions will be aided by use of audio and video monitors and recording and other equipment available at test centers. All testing sessions for the NAVLE are monitored by staff at the test center. Failure to adhere to the instructions of the test center staff during the examination may result in a determination of irregular behavior. Candidates observed engaging in possible violation of test administration rules or other forms of irregular behavior during an examination will not necessarily be told of the observation by test center staff at the time of the examination. You may not bring any personal belongings into the testing area, including but not limited to mechanical or electronic devices, brimmed hats, book bags, backpacks, purses, books, notes, study materials, calculators, watches, recording or filming devices, radios, electronic paging devices, cellular telephones, food or beverages. If you bring any personal belongings to the test center, you must store them in a designated locker outside the testing area. Upon reasonable suspicion, such personal belongings and their contents may be inspected. Any materials that reasonably appear to be reproductions of any NAVLE materials will be confiscated. Making notes of any kind during an examination, except on the materials provided by the test centre for this purpose, is not permitted. Candidates may not use a telephone or other communication device or access reference materials at any point during the examination, including breaks, for any purpose related to test content. Candidates are not permitted to communicate with, seek aid from, or provide aid to any other candidate during the examination. Please be aware that there will be test takers taking other examinations during your test administration. Their exam formats and schedules will differ from your schedule. There may be low levels of background activity audible as they arrive, take their exams and depart. Candidates are allowed to bring soft-foam earplugs into the testing room. However, they must be removed from packaging and ready for inspection by test center staff during check-in. Earplugs must be left at your workstation during all breaks. Rules of Conduct As they begin their examination, all NAVLE candidates will see the screen presented in Appendix B. Irregular Behavior All NAVLE candidates must agree with the following statement before they will be able to take the examination: "This examination contains test materials that are owned and copyrighted by the National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (NBVME). Any reproduction of these materials or any part of them, through any means, including, but not limited to copying or printing of electronic files, reconstruction through memorization and/or dictation, and/or dissemination of these materials or any part of them is strictly prohibited." Irregular behavior is defined by the NBVME as any behavior that undermines the application, assessment, or certification processes of the NBVME or that threatens the integrity of the NAVLE certification process. Anyone having information or evidence that suspected irregular behavior has occurred should submit a written, signed statement to the NBVME providing a detailed description of the incident and/or circumstances and copies of any supporting documentation and evidence. Insofar as possible, reports of irregular behavior will be handled confidentially; however, the NBVME will not investigate and/or act on unsigned or verbal reports. Irregular behavior may occur prior to, during, and/or following examination application and administration. Such behavior may include, but is not limited to, the following: disclosing examination information by using language that is substantially similar to that used in questions and/or answers from NBVME examinations when such information is gained as a direct result of having been an examinee; this includes, but is not limited to, disclosures to students in educational programs, graduates of educational programs, educators or anyone else involved in the preparation of candidates to sit for the examinations; and/or receiving examination information that uses language that is substantially similar to that used in questions and/or answers on NBVME examinations from an examinee, whether requested or not; and/or copying, publishing, reconstructing (whether by memory or otherwise), reproducing or transmitting any portion of examination materials by any means, verbal or written, electronic or mechanical, without the prior express written permission of NBVME or using professional, paid or repeat examination takers or any other individual for the purpose of reconstructing any portion of examination materials; and/or

27 National Examining Board Page 25 possessing unauthorized materials during an examination administration (e.g., recording devices, photographic equipment, electronic paging devices, cellular telephones, reference materials); and/or failure to adhere to PTC regulations; and/or using or purporting to use any portion of examination materials which were obtained improperly or without authorization for the purpose of instructing or preparing any applicant for examination; and/or selling or offering to sell, buying or offering to buy, or distributing or offering to distribute any portion of examination materials without express written authorization; and/or removing or attempting to remove examination materials from an examination room, or having unauthorized possession of any portion of or information concerning a future, current, or previously administered examination of NBVME; and/or disclosing what purports to be, or under all circumstances is likely to be understood by the recipient as, any portion of or "inside" information concerning any portion of a future, current, or previously administered examination of NBVME; and/or communicating with another individual during administration of the examination for the purpose of giving or receiving help in answering examination questions, copying another candidate's answers, permitting another candidate to copy one's answers, or possessing unauthorized materials including, but not limited to notes (except on the laminated note boards at the test center); and/or looking in the direction of another candidate s computer monitor during the examination if such may reasonably be interpreted as affording the opportunity to copy the work of another candidate; and/or engaging in any conduct that materially disrupts any examination or that could reasonably be interpreted as threatening or abusive toward any examinee, proctor, or staff; and/or impersonating a candidate or permitting an impersonator to take or attempt to take the examination on one's own behalf; and/or falsifying information on application or registration forms; and or the use of any other means that potentially alters the results of the examination such that the results may not accurately represent the professional knowledge base of a candidate. Any irregular behavior will be reported to the NBVME and will constitute grounds for the NBVME to: bar you from one or more future examinations or permanently; and/or terminate your participation in the examination; and/or invalidate the results of your examination and any prior examinations; and/or withhold your scores; and/or fine you in an amount that reflects damages suffered by NBVME, including its costs of investigation and the costs of replacing any items that must be removed from the item bank; and/or censure you; and/or sue you for damages and civil remedies; and/or pursue prosecution of you for any conduct that constitutes a criminal or civil violation; and/or take any other appropriate action. Candidates also understand and agree that the NBVME may withhold their scores and may require them to retake one or more portions of an examination if the NBVME is presented with evidence demonstrating to the NBVME, in its sole discretion, that the security of those portions of the examination has been compromised, notwithstanding the absence of any evidence of their personal involvement in the compromising activities. Candidates further understand and agree that the examination and related materials utilized in the NBVME's examinations are copyrighted as the sole property of the NBVME and must not be removed from the test area or reproduced in any way, and that reproduction of copyrighted material, in whole or in part, is a federal offense and may subject them to the sanctions listed above. Any irregular behavior or violation of the test administration rules may, in the sole discretion of NBVME, be reported to the applicable board or boards of veterinary medicine, which could jeopardize your potential for licensure. In addition, if NBVME has reason to believe that a candidate may have engaged in irregular behavior, it may notify the applicable board or boards of veterinary medicine, even if the investigation is ongoing and no findings have been made. If you have any questions or doubts about whether an activity might constitute irregular behavior, you should contact the NBVME Executive Director for clarification. EXAMINATION DAY Arrival Instructions You should arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled test time. If you arrive late, you may not be admitted. If

28 Page 26 National Examining Board you arrive more than 30 minutes late, you will not be admitted to the test center. After you present the required identification, you will sign a test center log, be photographed and store your personal belongings in your assigned locker. Scheduling and Admission Permit and Identification Requirements Upon arrival at the test center, you must present your Scheduling and Admission Permit and an unexpired government-issued form of identification (such as a driver s license or passport) that includes both a photograph and your signature. The first and last names on your identification form must exactly match the name on your Scheduling and Admission Permit. The only acceptable difference would be the presence of a middle name, middle initial or suffix on one document and its absence on the other. You will not be admitted without these items or if there is a name mismatch. Name changes or corrections cannot be made within 7 business days of a scheduled testing date. If your government-issued identification form contains only a photograph, a second form of unexpired identification with your signature is required, such as a student ID or credit card. The first and last names on your secondary ID also must exactly match the name on your Scheduling and Admission Permit. If you cannot take the NAVLE due to the circumstances described above, you must contact the NEB or NBVME for further information. You will be charged a rescheduling fee and will have to wait to reschedule your appointment until your eligibility has been reset and the issue with your identification resolved. Having your eligibility reset does not guarantee an opening will be available within the testing window. General Instructions for Taking the Examination You will be provided with a laminated note board, dry erase markers, and an eraser. Test center staff will instruct you to write your name and Candidate Identification Number (CIN) on the laminated note board. After you write your name and CIN on the note board, test center staff will collect your permit and escort you to your assigned testing station and provide brief instructions on use of the computer equipment. You must enter your CIN to start the examination. Do not erase your name and CIN from the note board until the end of your test day, as you may need to enter the CIN several times throughout the day. You may then take the optional 15-minute tutorial prior to starting the first block of the examination. Once you begin a block of 60 items, no authorized breaks are provided during that block. You will have 65 minutes to complete each block. During blocks, the block and daytime clocks continue to run even if you leave the testing room, (e.g., for a personal emergency). If you leave during a block, the test center staff will report that fact as an irregular incident. In addition, the "unauthorized break" screen, described in the examination tutorial, may appear on the monitor at your workstation during a testing block. As explained in the tutorial, the unauthorized break screen will appear after a defined period of inactivity (no mouse click or key entry). Thirty seconds before the appearance of the unauthorized break screen, an "inactivity timeout" warning will appear. If you do not click as instructed on the warning screen, the unauthorized break screen will appear after 30 seconds. You will then have to enter your CIN to continue with the examination. Each time you leave the testing room, you are required to sign out and sign in when you return. You must present your government-issued photo identification each time you sign in. Each block ends when its time expires or when you exit from it. The test session ends when you have started and exited all blocks or the total time for the test expires. You will sign out as you leave the test center and receive a Test Completion Notice. After you start taking the examination, you cannot cancel or reschedule unless a technical problem prevents you from completing your examination. If you experience a computer problem during the test, notify test center staff immediately. The testing software is designed to allow the test to restart at the point it was interrupted. In most cases, your test can be restarted at the point of interruption with no loss of testing time. However, it is possible that a technical problem may occur that does not permit you to complete your examination. In that event, arrangements will be made to allow you to test at a later date at no additional charge. Break Time Your entire testing session is scheduled for a fixed amount of time. The computer keeps track of your overall time and the time allocated for each block of the test. At the start of the testing session, you have a total of 45 minutes of break time. This allotment of time is used for authorized breaks between blocks. Authorized breaks include any time taken between test blocks whether you take a brief break at your seat or you leave the testing room. If you complete the tutorial or other

29 National Examining Board Page 27 blocks of the test early, the remaining time will be available as additional break time. It will not be available to complete other blocks of the test. As you progress through the blocks of the test, you should use the features available in the testing software to monitor how many blocks are remaining and how much break time is remaining. If you take too much break time and exceed the allocated or accumulated break time, your time to complete the last block(s) in the testing session will be reduced. When time in a block runs out, you will not be able to move to any new screens within that block and the computer will close the block. After you complete or run out of time for each block during the test, you must respond when the computer asks you to indicate whether you want to take a break or continue. After you complete all of the test blocks, you may be asked to complete an additional block that contains survey questions about your testing experience. SCORING AND SCORE REPORTS Scoring, Analysis, and Standard Setting In the scoring of the NAVLE, one point is awarded for each correct answer. Test questions are not weighted, and additional points are not subtracted for incorrect responses. After all responses are recorded, an analysis is conducted for each examination question that produces statistics descriptive of difficulty and discrimination. When such analysis and/or candidate comments indicate the need, specific questions are reviewed again by one or more test committee members to ensure that the answer key is correct. Any question that fails to perform acceptably may be dropped from both the current scoring key and from the test question pool. Examinations are then scored for all candidates. The minimum passing score for the NAVLE is established by criterion-referenced (also known as content-based) methods. Using content-based standard setting means that an established level of proficiency in the content is required in order to pass. If all candidates meet this criterion (passing standard), then all candidates will pass; if only 50% meet the passing standard, then only 50% will pass. Whether a candidate passes or fails is not influenced by the relative performance of others taking the examination. Equating methods are used to maintain the same passing standard from administration to administration, despite potential differences in ability levels of candidate groups and/or question difficulty across administrations. Calculating the scores in this manner facilitates comparisons of individual performance and comparisons of exams from year to year. Your score report will be formatted to meet the specific requirements of the licensing board to which you applied. The information that may be included on your score report is outlined below. Score reports will show a pass or fail designation and either one or both of the score categories described. Pass or Fail Designation The NBVME recommends to licensing boards that an individual candidate's passing status on the NAVLE be determined based on the criterion-referenced passing score approved by the NBVME. The NAVLE passing standard is determined by a panel of veterinarians who are experts in the content areas assessed by the NAVLE. This panel reviews the NAVLE and makes judgments as to the test performance required of entry-level veterinarians. The collective judgments of the panel members are used to establish a NAVLE score representing the lowest acceptable passing score on the examination. Candidates who achieve a score equal to or higher than this criterion-referenced passing score receive a "pass" classification. Three-Digit Scaled Score This score is expressed on a numerical scale that ranges from 200 to 800. On this scale, a score of 425 is equivalent to the criterion-referenced passing score established by the NBVME. Two-Digit Scaled Score This is a locally derived score that ranges from 0 to 99, with the passing point set at either 70 or 75. The passing points used for locally derived scales are equivalent to the criterion-referenced passing point recommended by the NBVME. Thus, your passing status is unaffected by the conversion from the NBVME scaled score to the locally derived scaled score. Depending on the licensing jurisdiction's locally derived passing point, the scaled pass point of 425 is equivalent to different local scores. For example, a locally derived passing score of 70 in Maine and a locally derived passing score of 75 in Georgia are equivalent to the 425 scale score pass point. These scaled scores are neither percent correct scores nor percentile ranks. Scoring Process, Score Reports and Diagnostic Reports

30 Page 28 National Examining Board As you take the NAVLE, your responses will be recorded and stored by the computer. After you complete testing, these responses are transmitted to the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) for scoring. The NAVLE score report shows your score and a pass/fail designation. Scores for the November-December examination will be reported to the NEB by February 1 st, and scores for the spring examination will be reported by mid-may. The NEB will then report your NAVLE score to you. If you fail the examination, your score report will be accompanied by a one-page diagnostic report, showing your areas of relative strength and weakness on the major content areas of the NAVLE. If you fail the examination, you may register for testing during the subsequent NAVLE testing window. The NEB will provide a registration form. If you sat for the NAVLE, but it is determined that you were not eligible, scores for that examination will not be reported or, if previously reported, may be rescinded. Examination Scores Uniform and precise procedures ensure that the score reported for each candidate to the licensing board is an accurate reflection of the responses recorded by the computer, and the validity of scores has been historically verified. You may confirm with the NBVME that the score reported to you by your licensing board is indeed the identical score as reported to the NBVME by the testing vendor. You may contact the NBVME office for additional information. NAVLE candidates are not permitted to review their examinations. School Score Reports by Candidate Consent The NAVLE registration form will include a consent statement, authorizing the NBVME to report individual NAVLE scores, identified by name, to the candidate's veterinary school. This consent is only for candidates who are senior students at AVMA/CVMA accredited veterinary schools. Scores for candidates who grant consent will be reported to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at the candidate's veterinary school (or his/her designee) as soon as possible after the scores are reported to licensing boards. In addition, for candidates who do not pass, the school will receive a copy of the candidate's diagnostic score report. A candidate's score and diagnostic score report will not be made part of such candidate's academic record. Schools will be required to keep the score reports confidential, and to use the information only for internal purposes at the veterinary school. Candidates are under no obligation to agree to the consent statement, and scores for candidates who do not grant consent will not be reported to their veterinary school. A candidate's decision whether to release his or her score will not affect the candidate's student status at the veterinary school. Consent for Canadian candidates will be collected by the National Examining Board of the CMVA as part of the NEB s NAVLE registration. Candidates may change their consent status by submitting a written request to the NEB by fax or at any time up to the opening of the testing window. Grievances If you believe that the administration of the examination or the examination conditions adversely affected your performance, for consideration, you must send a signed, written request to the NBVME for an investigation. Such requests must be received by the NBVME within ten (10) days following your test date. Indicate the date and location of the administration and provide a description of the event in as much detail as possible. Filing a complaint with Prometric staff, although advised, is not sufficient in and of itself. Each grievance filed with the NBVME will be evaluated. If your complaint can not be substantiated through analysis, or if it is determined that your performance was not adversely affected, the score as reported will stand. However, if your complaint can be supported, appropriate corrective action will be taken. NAVLE Score Transfers Your initial NAVLE score will be reported to the NEB and to the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). This initial score reporting service is included in your examination fee. All subsequent requests by you for NAVLE score reports may be directed to the Veterinary Information Verifying Agency (VIVA), operated by AAVSB. The NBVME does not process score transfers. Through an agreement with the NBVME, the AAVSB maintains all national veterinary licensure examination results in a secure file at its national headquarters. NAVLE scores may be used by the NBVME for statistical purposes and may be released to third parties provided all candidate identification has been deleted prior to release. When requesting your scores to be sent to one or more jurisdictions, you must make your request through the AAVSB s web site, or send a written request to the

31 National Examining Board Page 29 AAVSB's VIVA by mail. Contact the AAVSB for the current cost of score transfer requests. An AAVSB VIVA Score Transfer Application form is available on the AAVSB website. Your scores cannot be transferred until after they have been reported to the initial licensing board. For information regarding the AAVSB s VIVA Program, please visit the AAVSB web site ( or call (877) 698-VIVA. DEVELOPMENT AND CONTENT Examination Development Test questions for the NAVLE are written by veterinarians representing all aspects of the profession, including academicians and private practitioners, many of whom are members of specialty boards recognized by the American Board of Veterinary Specialties. With the assistance of staff of the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME ), each test question is reviewed by a test development committee. Questions that seem problematic are revised or discarded. All accepted questions are then reviewed and validated by at least three experts in the field of veterinary medicine for accuracy, content relevance, importance, and difficulty. The NAVLE is prepared in a manner to meet the testing standards of the American Psychological Association. Test forms are assigned from many different contentparallel test forms created from large banks of test questions. Examination Content The NAVLE is constructed using an examination blueprint, outlined in Appendix B, which was derived from a job analysis conducted by the NBVME in There are two dimensions to the blueprint: activities and animal species. Activities are tasks that veterinarians perform in practice, and they are grouped into three main categories. Weights are assigned to each category and subcategory, based on their relative importance in practice. Animal species is the other dimension of the NAVLE blueprint. Weights are assigned based on the relative importance of the various animal species categories to the overall practice of veterinary medicine in North America. The numbers listed in Appendix B represent targets for the number of items for each category out of the 300 scored items on each form of the NAVLE. For additional information on the blueprint and the NAVLE job analysis, visit the NBVME s website. C. Clinical Proficiency Examination The Clinical Proficiency Examination (CPE) consists of seven (7) sections. Each section requires between 45 minutes to four hours to complete, with the entire exam administered over a period of several days, depending on the exam administration site. In each of the major topic areas, the candidate will be evaluated on the clinical skills and behaviour appropriate to that subject/discipline. Throughout the CPE there are frequent requirements of the candidate to communicate with a client (a role played by the Examiner), to demonstrate the ability to take a history by asking relevant questions and to communicate a clinical message. The major topic areas are: Anaesthesia, Equine Practice, Food Animal Practice, Necropsy, Radiographic Positioning, Small Animal Medicine and Surgery. The rationale for the Anaesthesia and Surgery sections is that surgery is a major therapeutic measure in veterinary medicine. At entry level a veterinarian should have basic surgical and anaesthesia skills and the ability to perform routine procedures. The species involved is usually canine. The estimated total time for the Anaesthesia section is approximately 4 hours, whereas the total time for the Surgery section is 2.5 hours. The Equine Practice section rationale is that veterinarians providing health care must be able to utilize a variety of knowledge and skills to define and correct medical problems. The estimated time for this section is 2.25 hours. The Food Animal Practice section rationale is that veterinarians providing animal health care must be able to utilize a variety of knowledge and skills to define and correct medical problems. Veterinarians practicing economic animal medicine are expected to have clinical and management knowledge to detect and prevent diseases in populations of animals and to enhance the efficiency of food animal production units. The species involved may be bovine, caprine, ovine and/or porcine. The estimated duration of this section is 3 hours. The Necropsy is a single station section. The rationale is that practicing veterinarians are expected to perform and interpret routine tests and procedures in order to provide comprehensive health care. The candidate will be expected to perform a complete necropsy using an acceptable

32 Page 30 National Examining Board procedure and collect tissue samples for histopathology. Species involved may be bovine, canine, equine, feline, ovine, porcine and/or caprine. The estimated time for the Necropsy section is 1 hour and 30 minutes. The Radiographic Positioning section also comprises a single station. Candidates will be required to determine anatomical structures and views, and produce diagnostic quality radiographic images of thereof. The estimated total time for this station is 45 minutes. The Small Animal Medicine section rationale is that veterinarians providing animal health care must be able to utilize a variety of knowledge and skills to define and correct medical problems. Veterinarians are also expected to provide medical care to animals in life-threatening and emergency situations. They must be able to recognize the need to take appropriate action in dealing with zoonotic diseases, including those that must be reported to public health and disease control officials. Species involved may be canine and/or feline. This section lasts 2.25 hours. VII. FURTHER INFORMATION Further information, including exam registration forms and fees, exam dates and sites, may be obtained from: National Examining Board CVMA 339 Booth Street Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7K1 [email protected] or [email protected] Telephone: (613) Fax: (613)

33 National Examining Board Page 31 APPENDIX A: BCSE TEST CONTENT OUTLINE 2012 BCSE Schedule After submission of your registration for the BCSE to the National Examining Board (NEB) and after having paid the nonrefundable and nontransferable testing fee, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter inviting you to book a testing date. Since the beginning of April 2012 the BCSE is being offered at Prometric Testing Centers on a continuous basis. BCSE Test Content Outline Test Content Area/Domain Number of Questions 1. Anatomy Pharmacology, Physiology, and Toxicology Pathology Medicine Principles of Surgery and Anesthesia Diagnostics Preventive Medicine TOTAL 225 questions

34 Page 32 National Examining Board APPENDIX B: NAVLE - RULES OF CONDUCT AND LIST OF VETERINARY ACTIVITIES AND SPECIES Rules of Conduct Screen

35 National Examining Board Page 33 List of Veterinary Activities and Species I. Data Gathering and Interpretation (140 items) A. Obtain history, perform physical examination, and evaluate the environment (35 items) 1. Gather information from client, trainer, herd manager, etc., by asking appropriate questions and using interpersonal skills to: a) clarify concerns, presenting problems, and expectations b) identify possible epidemiological problems and public health concerns c) analyze previous medical history and/or production record B. Determine the status (normal/ abnormal) of the animal(s) and/or environment by (24 items) 1. Observation and physical examination 2. Medical or production record evaluation C. Record pertinent information in a legible and orderly system of medical records to promote retrieval and sharing of information (11 items) D. Develop a problem list, and a differential diagnosis list (47 items) 1. Correlate clinical signs or abnormalities with organ systems 2. Formulate a complete problem list and differential diagnosis list(s) to determine the need to collect additional information 3. Recommend relevant procedures to the client, trainer, herd manager, etc., to obtain specific information about the problem(s) 4. Order or perform appropriate diagnostic procedures to further define the problem(s) E. Interpret collected information and establish an a working or final diagnosis or conclusion (23 items) II. Health Maintenance and Problem Management (140 items) A. Identify and evaluate prevention, treatment, and management options (64 items) 1. Develop a plan of action by assessing the following: a) expected outcome b) feasibility c) urgency d) client expectations e) economic considerations (e.g., ability to pay, value of animal) f) humane considerations, including pain management g) ethical and legal implications h) environmental and public health implications (including food safety issues) i) professional abilities, resources, and facilities 2. Communicate case management options and prognosis to the client, trainer, herd manager, etc., including prevention, treatment, and husbandry alternatives 3. Obtain assistance through information retrieval, consultation, and/or referral B. Implement Plan of Action (47 items) 1. Obtain informed consent as needed from client or authorized representative 2. Protect animal and human health and the environment by doing the following: a) order or perform indicated tests b) apply epidemiological principles c) comply with regulations (e.g., government, show, legal transport, drug use and withdrawals, organic vs. conventional) 3. Perform preventive and/or therapeutic procedures (surgical, medical, etc.) 4. Communicate to the client or staff procedures that will optimize compliance with the treatment plan

36 Page 34 National Examining Board 5. Monitor the effectiveness of preventive and/or therapeutic measures 6. Advise the client on relevant additional issues (e.g., nutrition, behavior, genetics, husbandry, production management and performance, environment, public health) C. Assess outcome (29 items) 1. Evaluate interventions by a) reviewing existing data b) collecting additional information c) assessing client compliance d) validating working diagnoses 2. Modify therapeutic and preventative plans as needed III. Professional Behavior, Communication, and Practice Management (20 items) A. Conduct oneself in a professional, ethical, and legal manner B. Adhere to regulations regarding the veterinarian-client-patient relationship C. Pursue educational opportunities to enhance continued personal and professional development D. Communicate effectively with colleagues and staff E. Evaluate practice methods to enhance productivity and knowledge (e.g., task delegation, time management) F. Educate staff and public in proper animal care and health G. Ensure safety (e.g., occupational hazards, handling/restraint, drug interactions, food safety) H. Address client concerns in an empathetic and understandable manner (e.g., crises, grief management, economic restraints, compliance issues) I. Preserve and protect the human animal bond Species Number of Items Canine 70 Feline 68 Pet Birds 10 Other Small Animals 10 Bovine 45 Porcine 17 Ovine/Caprine 10 Cervidae 2 Equine 47 Camelidae 2 Poultry 6 Public Health 10 Non-Species Specific 3 Total 300

37 National Examining Board Page 35 APPENDIX C: CANADIAN VETERINARY COLLEGES COLLEGE COORDINATES DEAN Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Calgary Western College of Veterinary Medicine University of Saskatchewan Ontario Veterinary College University of Guelph Faculté de médecine vétérinaire Université de Montréal Atlantic Veterinary College University of Prince Edward Island G #359, 330 Hospital Drive NW Calgary, AB T2N 4N1 Tel: (403) Campus Drive Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B4 Tel: (306) Fax: (306) Corner of College and Gordon Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 Tel: (519) Fax: (519) , rue Sicotte St-Hyacinthe (Québec) J2S 2M2 tél: (514) fax: (514) University Avenue Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 4P3 Tel: (902) Fax: (902) Dr. Alistair Cribb Dr. Douglas Freeman Dr. Elizabeth Stone Dr. Michel Carrier Dr. Donald Reynolds

38 Page 36 National Examining Board APPENDIX D: COORDINATES OF PROVINCIAL VETERINARY LICENSING BODIES NEWFOUNDLAND/ TERRE-NEUVE Newfoundland & Labrador College of Veterinarians P.O. Box 718, Carbonear, NL A1Y 1C2 Tel.: (709) Fax: (709) Registrar: Dr Andrew Peacock, [email protected] PRINCE EDWARD Prince Edward Island Veterinary Medical Association ISLAND/ILE-DU- Box 21097, 465 University Ave, Charlottetown, PEI C1A 9H6 PRINCE-ÉDOUARD Tel.: (902) Fax: (902) Registrar: D r Gary Morgan, [email protected] NOVA SCOTIA/ Nova Scotia Veterinary Medical Association NOUVELLE-ÉCOSSE 15 Cobequid Road, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 2M9 Tel.: (902) Fax: (902) Registrar: D r Frank Richardson, [email protected] NEW BRUNSWICK/ New Brunswick Veterinary Medical Association NOUVEAU Manawagonish Road, Saint John, NB E2M 3Y5 BRUNSWICK Tel.: (506) Fax: (506) Registrar: D r George Whittle, [email protected] QUÉBEC ONTARIO MANITOBA SASKATCHEWAN L'Ordre des médecins vétérinaires du Québec 800 avenue Ste-Anne, bureau 200 St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 5G7 Tél. : (514) télécopieur: (514) Secrétaire : Suzie Prince, [email protected] College of Veterinarians of Ontario 2106 Gordon Street, Guelph, ON N1L 1G6 Tel.: (519) or Fax: (519) Registrar: Jan Robinson, [email protected] Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association 590 Inkster Blvd Winnipeg, MB R2X 2W4 Tel.: (204) Fax: (204) Registrar: Michelle Martin-Strong, [email protected] Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association Pacific Ave Saskatoon, SK S7K 1N9 Tel.: (306) Fax: (306) Registrar: D re Judy Currie, [email protected]

39 National Examining Board Page 37 ALBERTA Alberta Veterinary Medical Association 950 Weber Centre, 5555 Calgary Trail South Edmonton, AB T6H 5P9 Tel.: (780) Fax: (403) Interim Registrar: D r Darrell Dalton, [email protected] BRITISH COLUMBIA College of Veterinarions of British Columbia COLOMBIE Harbourside Drive BRITANNIQUE North Vancouver, BC V7P 3R9 Tel.: (604) Fax: (604) Registrar: Mr. Larry W. Odegard, [email protected] NORTHWEST Health and Social Services, GNWT TERRITORIES/ 8 th Floor, Centre Square Tower TERRITOIRES DU Box 1320, Yellowknife, NWT X1A 2L9 NORD-OUEST Tel: (867) Fax: (867) Contact : Samantha Van Genne, [email protected] NUNAVUT Nunavut Registrar Professional Licensing Department of Health and Social Services Government of Nunavut Box 390, Kugluktuk, Nunavut X0B 0E0 Tel: (867) Fax: (867) Contact: M me Barb Harvey, [email protected]

40 Page 38 National Examining Board APPENDIX E: SCHEDULE OF FEES SCHEDULE OF FEES as of April 1, 2013 APPLICATION FEES (for graduates of non-canadian schools only) Application and Re-activation fees are non-refundable Amount GST or HST* Total Application Fee: Review and assessment of credentials, file set-up, etc. Residents of BC, AB, SK, MB and QC Residents of ON, NB and NL Residents of PEI Residents of NS Re-activation Fee: After 2 year and 5 year deadline Residents of BC, AB, SK, MB and QC Residents of ON, NB and NL Residents of PEI Residents of NS $ $ $22.50 $58.50 $63.00 $67.50 $8.00 $20.80 $22.40 $24.00 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ EXAMINATION FEES (for all candidates) Amount GST or HST* Basic and Clinical Sciences Examination (BCSE) $ Residents of BC, AB, SK, MB and QC $10.25 Residents of ON, NB and NL $26.65 Residents of PEI $28.70 Residents of NS $30.75 North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) Residents of BC, AB, SK, MB and QC Residents of ON, NB and NL Residents of PEI Residents of NS Clinical Proficiency Examination (CPE) Residents of BC, AB, SK, MB and QC Residents of ON, NB and NL Residents of PEI Residents of NS Retake of one section of the CPE Residents of BC, AB, SK, MB and QC Residents of ON, NB and NL Residents of PEI Residents of NS $ $7, $1, $45.75 $ $ $ $ $ $1, $1, $75.00 $ $ $ Total $ $ $ $ $ $1, $1, $1, $7, $8, $8, $8, $1, $1, $1, $1, N.B.: All fees are payable in Canadian dollars and subject to change without advance notification. Fees may be remitted by cheque or money order payable to CVMA, or one may provide a Visa or MasterCard account number and expiry date. *For those who reside in Canada, all fees are subject to sales tax as follows: the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 5% for residents of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Quebec; Harmonised Sales Tax (HST) of 13% for residents of Ontario, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador; Harmonised Sales Tax (HST) of 14% for residents of Prince Edward Island; and Harmonised Sales Tax (HST) of 15% for residents of Nova Scotia.

41 National Examining Board Page 39 APPENDIX F: SUGGESTED BIBLIOGRAPHY FOR PREPARING FOR THE NEB EXAMINATION You are advised that the following list is not intended to be exhaustive. Some or all of the following text books may be available from the library of a university in your region or one of the four veterinary college in Canada, the coordinates of which are found in Appendix C. 1. Miller's Guide to the Dissection of the Dog, Evans E.H. and De LaHunta, Fourth edition, 1996, W.B. Saunders. 2. Evans E.H., and Christensen G.C., Anatomy of the Dog, Third edition, 1993, W.B. Saunders. 3. Getty R., Sisson and Grossman's the Anatomy of Domestic Animals, Fifth edition, 1975, W.B. Saunders. 4. De LaHunta and Habel, Applied Veterinary Anatomy, First edition, 1986, W.B. Saunders. 5. Banks W.J., Applied Veterinary Histology, Third edition, 1993, Williams and Wilkins. 6. Harpers Biochemistry, Murray R.K. et al., Twenty-fifth edition, 1999, McGraw-Hill. 7. Duke's Physiology of Domestic Animals, Edited by Swanson M.J., Eleventh edition, 1993, Cornell University Press. 8. De LaHunta, Veterinary Neuroanatomy and Clinical Neurology, Second edition, 1983, W.B. Saunders. 9. Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Edited By Adams, H.R., Seventh edition, 1995, Iowa State University Press. 10. Clinical and Diagnostic Veterinary Toxicology, Edited by Osweiler G.et al., third edition, 1985, Kendal Hunt Publishing Co. 11. Tizard, I., Veterinary Immunology. An Introduction, Fifth edition, 2000, W.B. Saunders. 12. Gillespie J.H. and Timoney J.F., Hagan and Bruner's Infectious Diseases of Domestic Animals, Eighth edition, 1988, Cornell University Press. 13. Carter G.R., Diagnostic Procedures in Veterinary Bacteriology and Mycology, Fifth edition, 1990, Charles C. Thomas. 14. Soulsby, Helminths, Arthropods and Protozoa of Domestic Animals, Seventh edition, 1982, Lea and Febiger. 15. Georgis, Bowman, Parasitology for Veterinarians, Seventh edition, 1999, W.B. Saunders. 16. Schwabe et al., Veterinary Medicine and Human Health, Third edition, 1984, Williams and Wilkins. 17. Martin et al., Veterinary Epidemiology, Principles and Methods, First edition, 1987, Iowa State University Press. 18. Thomson R.G., General Veterinary Pathology, Second edition, 1984, W.B. Saunders. 19. Carlton et al, Thomson s Special Veterinary Pathology, Second edition, 1995, B.C. Decker. 20. Jubb, Kennedy-Palmer, Pathology of Domestic Animals (Vols. I, II, III), Fourth edition, 1993, Academic Press. 21. Duncan J.R. and Prasse K.W., Veterinary Laboratory Medicine, Third edition, 1994, Iowa State University Press.

42 Page 40 National Examining Board 22. Coles E.H., Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Fourth edition, 1986, W.B. Saunders. 23. Current Veterinary Therapy - Small Animal Practice XIII, Edited by J.D. Bonagura, 1999, W.B. Saunders. 24. Ettinger, Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Vols. I and II), Fifth edition, 2000, W.B. Saunders. 25. Catcott E.J., Feline Medicine, First edition, 1983, American Veterinary Publications. 26. Kirk R.W. et al., Handbook of Veterinary Procedures and Emergency Treatment, Seventh edition, 2000, W.B. Saunders. 27. Slatter D.H., Textbook of Small Animal Surgery. Vols I, II, Second edition, 1993, W.B. Saunders. 28. Bojrab M.J., Current Techniques in Small Animal Surgery, Fourth edition, 1998, Lea and Febiger. 29. Bistner, Atlas of Veterinary Ophthalmic Surgery, First edition, 1977, W.B. Saunders. 30. Short C.E., Principles and Practice of Veterinary Anaesthesia, First edition, 1987, Williams and Wilkins. 31. Thrall D.E., Textbook of Veterinary Diagnostic Radiology, Third edition, 1997, W.B. Saunders. 32. Muller, Kirk, Scott, Small Animal Dermatology, Fifth edition, 1995, W.B. Saunders. 33. Radostits, O.M. et al, Veterinary Medicine, Ninth edition, 2000, W.B. Saunders. 34. Current Veterinary Therapy - Food Animal Practice 4, Edited by J.L. Howard, 1999, W.B. Saunders. 35. Current Therapy in Theriogenology 2, Edited by D.A. Morrow, 1986, W.B. Saunders. 36. Oehme F.W., Textbook of Large Animal Surgery, Second edition, 1988, Williams and Wilkins. 37. Jennings P.B., The practice of Large Animal Surgery. Vols I and II, First edition, 1984, W.B. Saunders. 38. Equine Medicine and Surgery Vols I and II, Multiple editors, Fifth edition, 1999, W.B. Saunders. 39. Current Therapy in Equine Medicine 4, Edited by E. Robinson, 1997, W.B. Saunders. 40. Stashak T.S., Adam's Lameness in horses, Fifth edition, 1998, Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins. 41. Diseases of Swine, Edited by B.E. Straw, Eighth edition, 1999, Iowa State University Press. 42. Diseases of Poultry, Edited by B.W. Calnek, Tenth edition, 1997, Iowa State University Press. 43. Hrapkiewicz, K. et al, Clinical Laboratory Animal Medicine: An Introduction, Second edition, 1998, Iowa State University Press. 44. Cohen and Loew, Laboratory Animal Medicine, 1984, Academic Press. 45. Report of the AVMA Panel on Euthanasia, JAVMA 188: pp , The Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian, Published monthly by Veterinary Learning Systems, Princeton Junction, N.J

43 National Examining Board Page The Veterinary Clinics of North America, Published three times yearly by W.B. Saunders. 48. Advances in Veterinary Science, Published irregularly, Academic Press. 49. Merk Veterinary Manual, Eighth edition: Practices in Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine in the United States, Edited by T. Woods, First edition, 1986, Iowa State University Press. 51. Schnurrenberger R. et al., Attacking Animal Diseases: Concepts and Strategies for Control and Eradication, First edition, 1987, Iowa State University Press. 52. Wilson J.F., Law and Ethics of the Veterinary Profession, First edition, 1988, Priority Press Ltd. 53. Gracey J.F., Meat Hygiene, Tenth edition, 1999, W.B. Saunders.