Top 11 Veterinarian Certifications

Certifications are important for veterinarians in the job market because they demonstrate a level of professional knowledge and experience that employers are looking for. Having certifications can also help to increase a veterinarian’s credibility and show potential employers that they have the skills and qualifications necessary to do the job. Certifications also provide an opportunity for veterinarians to stay up-to-date with the latest advances in veterinary medicine, which can give them an edge over other applicants who may not have as much experience or knowledge. Certifications also give veterinarians access to specialized training courses, which can make them more attractive candidates when applying for jobs.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Veterinarians and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Veterinarian Certifications?

Veterinarian certification is a process by which veterinarians are recognized for their expertise in a particular area of veterinary medicine. The purpose of certification is to ensure that veterinarians have the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to provide quality care for animals. Certification is granted only after an extensive review process conducted by specialty organizations or certifying boards.

Receiving certification can help veterinarians demonstrate their commitment to providing quality care as well as setting themselves apart from other practitioners. It also provides an avenue through which they can stay current on the latest developments in their field and hone their skills through continuing education courses and workshops. In addition, many employers prefer to hire certified professionals because they know they have been evaluated and found competent in their specialty. Finally, having a certification can be beneficial when applying for advanced positions or promotions within the veterinary profession.

Pro Tip: Before hiring a veterinarian for your pet, make sure to check their credentials and certification. Ask for references from other clients or ask the veterinarian if they have any certifications from reputable organizations. Doing this will ensure that you are getting the best possible care for your pet.

Related: What does a Veterinarian do?

Top 11 Veterinarian Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Veterinarians today.

1. Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)

A Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) is a credentialed veterinary professional who has completed an accredited program of study and passed a national exam. They are responsible for providing medical care to animals, including performing diagnostic tests, administering medications, and providing nursing care.

It typically takes two to three years of full-time study to become a CVT. This includes completing an Associate's degree in Veterinary Technology from an accredited college or university. After completion of the degree program, applicants must pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).

To get certified as a CVT, applicants must submit an application to the AAVSB along with proof of graduation from an accredited program and passing scores on the VTNE. The application fee is $150 and there may be additional fees associated with obtaining transcripts or other documents needed for certification.

Once certified, CVTs must maintain their credentials by completing continuing education courses every two years and renewing their certification every five years.

2. Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM)

Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the expertise and knowledge of veterinary practice managers. The program is administered by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA). To become certified, applicants must meet specific educational and experience requirements and pass an exam.

The CVPM program requires applicants to have at least two years of full-time experience as a veterinary practice manager or supervisor, or five years of part-time experience in the field. Applicants must also complete 30 hours of continuing education in veterinary management topics within the past three years.

The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as financial management, human resources, legal issues, marketing, operations management, and client service. The cost for the exam is $395 USD for VHMA members and $495 USD for non-members.

Once an applicant has met all the requirements and passed the exam, they will receive their CVPM designation from VHMA. This certification is valid for five years after which time recertification is required.

3. Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner (CVPP)

A Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner (CVPP) is a professional who has completed specialized training in the assessment and management of pain in animals. This certification is offered by the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM). The CVPP program requires completion of a series of courses, an examination, and ongoing continuing education.

The CVPP program consists of three courses: Principles and Practice of Veterinary Pain Management, Clinical Application of Veterinary Pain Management, and Advanced Topics in Veterinary Pain Management. Each course is approximately 40 hours long and can be taken online or in person. After completing all three courses, candidates must pass an exam to become certified as a CVPP.

The cost for the entire CVPP program varies depending on how you take the classes. If you take the classes online, it will cost $1,995 for all three courses plus the exam fee ($200). If you take them in person, it will cost $2,295 plus the exam fee ($200). The exam fee covers both the written and practical components of the test.

In addition to completing all three courses and passing the exam, candidates must also complete 10 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain their certification. This continuing education can be completed through various sources such as conferences or webinars offered by IVAPM or other organizations.

4. Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA)

Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and promote the highest standards of animal welfare in the field. The certification is offered by the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement, a professional organization dedicated to advancing animal welfare through professional development, education, and advocacy.

The CAWA program requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in animal welfare or related fields, as well as a bachelor's degree in a related field. Applicants must also pass an online exam that covers topics such as animal behavior, nutrition, shelter management, and humane education. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To get certified, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of their qualifications and experience. Once approved, they will be required to pay an initial fee of $395 USD which includes the cost of the exam and the certification materials. After passing the exam and completing all requirements for certification, applicants will receive their CAWA certificate.

The CAWA certification is valid for three years from the date it is issued and can be renewed by submitting documentation of continuing education credits earned during that period.

5. Certified Equine Veterinary Technician (CEVT)

A Certified Equine Veterinary Technician (CEVT) is a professional who has achieved a specialized certification in equine veterinary care. The CEVT certification is awarded by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). It is the highest level of certification available for equine veterinary technicians and requires a minimum of two years of experience working with horses.

The process to become a CEVT includes completing an approved educational program, passing an exam, and completing a minimum of two years of full-time work experience as an equine veterinary technician. The educational program must include courses in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, clinical pathology, medical terminology, parasitology, nutrition and reproduction.

To become certified, applicants must pass the NAVTA-approved exam administered by Prometric Testing Centers. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as animal health care management; animal anatomy and physiology; pharmacology; clinical pathology; medical terminology; parasitology; nutrition; reproduction; diagnostic imaging; surgical techniques; anesthesia and pain management; emergency medicine and critical care.

The cost for the CEVT exam is $300 for NAVTA members or $350 for non-members. This fee covers the cost of the exam as well as any additional materials required to complete it. Once certified, CEVTs are required to renew their certification every three years by completing at least 30 hours of continuing education credits related to equine veterinary technology.

6. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician (CVT-D)

A Certified Veterinary Dental Technician (CVT-D) is a professional who has been certified by the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) to provide specialized dental care for animals. The certification requires that the technician has completed an accredited veterinary dental technician program, passed an exam administered by the AVDC, and met all of the requirements for continuing education.

It typically takes two or three years to complete a veterinary dental technician program. This includes classroom instruction in anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, radiology, and other topics related to animal dentistry. It also includes hands-on training in performing dental procedures on animals under the supervision of a qualified veterinarian.

To become a CVT-D, you must first complete an accredited veterinary dental technician program and then pass the AVDC exam. The exam consists of written and practical components that test your knowledge and skills in providing specialized dental care for animals. Once you have passed the exam, you are eligible to apply for certification through the AVDC.

The cost of becoming a CVT-D varies depending on which program you choose to attend and how long it takes to complete it. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $5,000-$20,000 to become certified as a CVT-D.

7. Certified Zoo and Aquarium Professional (CZAP)

Certified Zoo and Aquarium Professional (CZAP) is a professional certification program for individuals working in the zoo and aquarium industry. It is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the field. The CZAP program is administered by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), which sets standards for the highest level of animal care and welfare, conservation, education, and visitor services.

The certification process typically takes 3-5 months to complete. To become certified, applicants must demonstrate their knowledge of the AZA standards through written exams, interviews, and practical assessments. Applicants must also have at least two years of relevant experience in the zoo or aquarium field.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on whether you are applying as an individual or as part of an institution. For individuals, it costs $350 for application fees plus $150 for each exam taken. For institutions, it costs $500 for application fees plus $200 for each exam taken.

In addition to these fees, applicants may also need to pay additional costs such as travel expenses if they need to attend an interview or assessment session at another location.

8. American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP)

The American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) is a voluntary certification program that recognizes the highest level of professional achievement in veterinary medicine. The ABVP was founded in 1979 and is recognized as the leading organization for certifying veterinarians in the United States.

To become certified by the ABVP, a veterinarian must demonstrate expertise in one or more areas of specialty practice. Specialty practice areas include avian, canine/feline, equine, food animal, reptile/amphibian, and small mammal medicine.

It typically takes four to five years to complete the requirements for certification. To be eligible for certification, a veterinarian must have completed an accredited veterinary program and have been practicing for at least three years since graduation. The veterinarian must also complete additional coursework or training related to their chosen specialty practice area and pass an examination administered by the ABVP.

The cost of obtaining ABVP certification varies depending on the specialty area chosen. Generally speaking, it costs between $1,000 and $2,000 to apply for certification with an additional fee of $200-$400 for each exam taken.

9. American College of Zoological Medicine Diplomate

The American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) Diplomate is a professional certification for veterinarians specializing in zoological medicine. It is the highest level of certification available for veterinarians who specialize in the care of wild and exotic animals. The ACZM Diplomate is recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

In order to become an ACZM Diplomate, a veterinarian must first complete a three-year residency program in zoological medicine. During this time, they must demonstrate their expertise in areas such as clinical pathology, nutrition, reproduction, behavior, parasitology, and infectious diseases. After completing the residency program, candidates must pass both written and oral examinations administered by the ACZM board.

The cost of becoming an ACZM Diplomate varies depending on the individual's residency program and other associated costs. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 or more to become an ACZM Diplomate.

Once all requirements have been met and examinations passed successfully, the candidate will be awarded a certificate from the ACZM recognizing them as an official diplomate. This certification is valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

10. American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine Diplomate

The American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine Diplomate (ACLAM) is a professional certification offered to veterinarians who specialize in laboratory animal medicine. It is the highest level of recognition for laboratory animal medicine professionals and demonstrates an individual's commitment to excellence in the field. The ACLAM Diplomate is awarded by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM), which is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the science and practice of laboratory animal medicine.

To become an ACLAM Diplomate, individuals must have completed a veterinary degree from an accredited institution, have at least three years of experience in laboratory animal medicine, and pass a rigorous examination administered by ACLAM. The examination covers topics such as biology, anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, nutrition, husbandry, and regulatory compliance.

The process typically takes two to three years to complete. Individuals must first apply for candidacy status with ACLAM before taking the exam. Candidates must then submit documentation that verifies their qualifications and experience in laboratory animal medicine prior to taking the exam. After passing the exam, candidates are officially recognized as ACLAM Diplomates.

The cost to become an ACLAM Diplomate varies depending on the individual's qualifications and experience. The application fee for candidacy status is $150 USD; however additional fees may be required if additional documentation or verification is needed prior to taking the exam. The cost of taking the actual exam is $500 USD per attempt; however there may be additional fees associated with retaking it if needed.

11. American College of Theriogenologists Diplomate

The American College of Theriogenologists (ACT) Diplomate is a certification program for veterinarians who specialize in animal reproduction. It is the highest level of recognition that can be attained by a veterinarian in the field of animal reproduction. To become an ACT Diplomate, a veterinarian must have at least three years of experience in theriogenology and pass both written and practical examinations.

The process to become an ACT Diplomate typically takes two to three years. During this time, applicants must complete all required courses, including clinical training and research projects. They must also pass the written examination, which tests their knowledge of reproductive physiology, anatomy, endocrinology, pathology, pharmacology, genetics, nutrition and management. Finally, they must successfully complete the practical examination which assesses their diagnostic and therapeutic skills related to reproductive medicine.

To get started on the path to becoming an ACT Diplomate, prospective candidates should contact their local veterinary school or university for information about available programs and requirements. Additionally, they may contact the American College of Theriogenologists directly for more information about how to apply for certification.

The cost for becoming an ACT Diplomate varies depending on individual circumstances; however it typically ranges from $1,000 - $2,000 USD. This cost includes fees associated with taking the written and practical examinations as well as any additional coursework or research projects required by the program.

Do You Really Need a Veterinarian Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the circumstances. If you plan to own a pet, or if you are currently a pet owner, it is highly recommended that you obtain a veterinarian certificate. This certificate serves as proof that your pet has been examined and deemed healthy by a qualified veterinarian. The certificate also serves to verify that the pet has received all necessary vaccinations and treatments for any illnesses or conditions.

Having a veterinarian certificate is an important part of responsible pet ownership. It ensures that your pet receives proper care and attention, and helps protect other animals from any potential diseases or illnesses your pet may have contracted. Additionally, many landlords require a veterinarian certificate before allowing tenants to keep pets in their rental units. In these cases, having a valid veterinarian certificate can be critical in securing housing for you and your beloved furry family member(s).

In addition to providing evidence of health and wellness, obtaining a veterinarian certificate can also serve as an important record-keeping tool for tracking your pet’s medical history. This information can be helpful in diagnosing any future ailments or illnesses, as well as making sure your pet receives all necessary treatments in a timely manner.

Overall, having a valid veterinarian certificate is an important part of being a responsible pet owner and ensuring the well-being of both you and your furry friend(s). Even if it’s not required by law or by landlords, getting one is still highly recommended for the safety of everyone involved!

Related: Veterinarian Resume Examples

FAQs About Veterinarian Certifications

1. What is a veterinarian certification?

Answer: A veterinarian certification is an official recognition of a veterinarian's ability to practice veterinary medicine. It is issued by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and requires completion of an accredited veterinary medical school program, successful completion of the AVMA's examination process, and ongoing continuing education throughout a veterinarian's career.

2. How do I become certified?

Answer: To become certified, you must complete an accredited veterinary medical school program and pass the AVMA’s examination process. You must also complete continuing education courses throughout your career in order to maintain your certification.

3. What are the different levels of certification?

Answer: The AVMA recognizes three different levels of certification for veterinarians: Diplomate, Associate Member and Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT). The Diplomate level is the highest level of certification and is awarded to those who have completed additional training beyond their veterinary medical school program. The Associate Member level is for those who have completed their professional degrees but not yet taken the AVMA exam, while the CVT level is for those who have completed at least two years of college-level coursework in animal health technology or related fields but not yet taken the AVMA exam.

4. How often do I need to renew my certification?

Answer: Your certification must be renewed every two years in order to remain current with new advances in veterinary medicine and technology as well as any changes in state or federal regulations that may affect your practice. You will be required to complete continuing education courses during this time period to maintain your certification status.

5. What happens if I don't renew my certification?

Answer: If you fail to renew your certification before it expires, you may no longer be able to practice veterinary medicine until such time as you successfully pass all applicable examinations and demonstrate that you have met all requirements for recertification.