What is the timeline for the process of applying to AVTCP?
The following timeline demonstrates two possible examples of how the application process may work from the beginning of your vet tech career, to the AVTCP exam.
AVTCP Credentialing & Application Timeline
Why was AVTCP formed?
Based on survey results, input from veterinarians, ABVP members, veterinary technicians, veterinary technician students, and other members of the veterinary team, there is the presence of highly skilled, knowledgeable, and educated veterinary technicians that currently practice their advanced skills and understanding on a daily basis in clinical practice. These individuals are dedicated and invaluable to multidisciplinary contemporary veterinary medicine.
How would a technician benefit once recognized as a VTS by AVTCP?
The AVTCP offers contemporary, multidisciplinary, and comprehensive species-oriented categories (Canine/Feline, Feline, Exotic Companion Animal, and Production Animal). A VTS (Clinical Practice) will demonstrate they are capable of providing a level of clinical practice that is clearly superior to the general veterinary technician by successfully passing the comprehensive examination. Recognition by AVTCP provides a way to further your career, enhance your personal growth, and promote excellence in clinical practice. Obtaining your VTS demonstrates your commitment to providing superior care in veterinary medicine.
Where do I send my application?
The Pre-Application and both letters of recommendation are submitted by fillable forms on our Applications page. The Final Application will be submitted to the AVTCP Drop Box by invitation only after the Pre-Application has been accepted.
How much does it cost to become a VTS (Clinical Practice)?
Application/examination costs are subject to change, but the current fees are:
Pre-Application $50
Final Application $50
Examination $225
Please pay fees with the following Paypal link: www.paypal.me/AVTCP
The AVTCP exam will be administered ONLY as a virtual exam. It will NOT be offered live at ABVP or any conference site. Examinees will be able to choose from an approved testing site of their choice and we will facilitate the virtual exam in April, 2025.
Once accepted as a member, annual dues are $50 per calendar year. There is a $25 late fee for members who do not pay their dues by March 31st of the calendar year.
Pre-Application $50
Final Application $50
Examination $225
Please pay fees with the following Paypal link: www.paypal.me/AVTCP
The AVTCP exam will be administered ONLY as a virtual exam. It will NOT be offered live at ABVP or any conference site. Examinees will be able to choose from an approved testing site of their choice and we will facilitate the virtual exam in April, 2025.
Once accepted as a member, annual dues are $50 per calendar year. There is a $25 late fee for members who do not pay their dues by March 31st of the calendar year.
Do I need to work under an ABVP Diplomate in order to become a member of AVTCP?
No. However, you are required to have two letters of recommendation sent separately and confidentially to AVTCP. One letter must be from a member of any NAVTA recognized VTS academy, a Diplomate of any AVMA recognized veterinary specialty organization (RVSO), or a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner (CVPP). This person must currently, or previously, have observed your work and be willing to recommend you. The second letter of recommendation sent separately and confidentially to AVTCP from any of the above or a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM or VMD).
How do I find a specialist in my area for my recommendation letter?
A directory of the American Board of Specialties (ABVS) can be found at: www.avma.org/ProfessionalDevelopment/Education/Specialties/Pages/Recognized-veterinary-specialty-organizations.aspx
A list of the current Veterinary Technician Specialties (VTS) can be found at: navta.site-ym.com/?page=specialties
A list of the current Veterinary Technician Specialties (VTS) can be found at: navta.site-ym.com/?page=specialties
Does all of my experience need to be as a credentialed technician?
Yes. For the purposes of the AVTCP application process, your five years of experience (10,000 hours) begins on the date of your becoming legally credentialed as a veterinary technician in the state or province of the United States, Canada, or other country in which you work. If you work in a location that does not require legal credentialing, you still must pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam in order to start counting your experience as a technician for AVTCP qualification. Of that experience as a credentialed veterinary technician, no less than 75% of that time must be working with the species/type of animal of your chosen specialty.
What should I do if my practice does not have certain equipment or we do not perform some procedures on the skills list?
The AVTCP takes practice variability into consideration. That is why a minimum of 80% of the skills must be mastered.
When does the case year begin?
The case year begins July 1st and ends June 30th. Cases, skills, and reports must all be collected during that period and then presented with the Final Application at the due date specified above.
How many cases are required for the case logs and reports?
A minimum of 50 cases are required (maximum of 75) reflecting the mastery of advanced clinical practice knowledge and skills. Submission of > 50 cases is encouraged to allow for rejected case logs.
AVTCP requires 4 case reports, all of which must be accepted. Submissions of more than 4 will NOT be accepted.
AVTCP requires 4 case reports, all of which must be accepted. Submissions of more than 4 will NOT be accepted.
How do I know if my CE credits are acceptable to AVTCP?
Fifty (50) hours of acceptable advanced continuing education with a minimum of 75% in the applicable practice category within the last five (5) years of pre-application submission. All continuing education must be in advanced clinical practice, RACE certified or equivalent, and ALL instructors/lecturers/teachers of all CE must be at least one of the following:
**Applicants must indicate speaker credentials (e.g. DABVP (Avian), VTS (ECC), etc.) for approval and ALL instructors teaching a lab or class must have approved credentials.
Production Medicine ONLY: Due to the small number of Diplomates and VTS's that relate to PRODUCTION MEDICINE, all PM candidates with questions as to the credibility of their CE should be directed to the PM Member at Large, Sonia Clinton at soniaclinton@yahoo.com
- A Diplomate of the American board of Veterinary Practitioners
- A Diplomate of an American or European College i.e. DACVA, DECZM, DACVS, etc.
- A veterinary Technician Specialist (specialty recognized by NAVTA/CVTS)
- A Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner (CVPP)
- A Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM)
**Applicants must indicate speaker credentials (e.g. DABVP (Avian), VTS (ECC), etc.) for approval and ALL instructors teaching a lab or class must have approved credentials.
Production Medicine ONLY: Due to the small number of Diplomates and VTS's that relate to PRODUCTION MEDICINE, all PM candidates with questions as to the credibility of their CE should be directed to the PM Member at Large, Sonia Clinton at soniaclinton@yahoo.com
How do I prepare for the AVTCP exam?
Reading journals/articles, reviewing material from recommended reading lists, and attending advanced level continuing education courses in your practice category is recommended. Often candidates will organize study groups on Facebook or other social media which a mentor can help put you in touch with.
What type of exam will be administered?
The examination is multiple choice and will require applicants to bring their own laptop to the test location. Instructions will be given prior to the examination. The examination committee may choose to include any or all of the following as part of the testing process: oral examination, latent image, computer simulations, or audiovisual aids.
Can veterinary technicians outside of the US achieve recognition as a VTS in AVTCP?
Yes. Provide proof of graduation (photocopy of diploma) from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited veterinary technician school and/or proof of legal credentials to practice as a veterinary technician in some state or province of the United States, Canada, or other country.