Which Veterinary Exam should I sit? Australia, North America, or United Kingdom? - Email #14
Helping you through the AVE journey - Australasian Veterinary Examination
Becoming a licensed veterinarian in a country different from where you studied requires passing specific board exams tailored to each country's standards. Here’s a comprehensive look at the differences between the Australasian Veterinary Examination (AVE) - Australia and New Zealand, Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) - North America, and the Statutory Membership Exam - UK.
Australasian Veterinary Examination (AVE) - Aus & NZ 🇦🇺
🗒️ Overview:
The AVE is designed for veterinarians trained outside Australia and New Zealand who wish to practice in these countries.
The exam ensures that overseas graduates meet the standards required for registration in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, etc; but won’t allow you to registered in United States or Canada.
📌 Structure:
Eligibility Assessment
Preliminary Examination:
Consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering basic and clinical sciences.
Normally held once a year, many venues are available each year in Australia, New Zealand and some other cities (London, New Delhi, Singapore, Dubai)
Final (Clinical) Examination:
Normally held once a year, many venues are available each year in Australia, New Zealand and some other cities (London, New Delhi, Singapore, Dubai)
Involves practical assessments including clinical skills, diagnostic abilities, and problem-solving in real-world scenarios.
Normally held on once or twice a year during June/July and November/December, at the University of Queensland and the examination takes 5 days to complete.
💲Cost:
Eligibility Assessment - Fee 455 aud
Preliminary Examination (MCQ) - Fee 3220 aud
Clinical Examination - Fee 8240 aud
Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) - North America 🇺🇸
🗒️ Overview:
The ECFVG certification program is for graduates of non-accredited veterinary schools who seek registered in the United States or Canada.
This examination will allow you to register in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA and other countries; but won’t allow you to registered in the UK.
📌 Structure:
1. Eligibility Assessment
2. Basic and Clinical Sciences Examination (BCSE):
Consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering basic and clinical sciences.
Normally held multiple times a year, many venues are available in the USA and in other countries.
3. Clinical Proficiency Examination (CPE):
It is a 3-day, 7-section, hands-on practical exam with stations testing clinical skills, surgery, anaesthesia, and diagnostic techniques.
It is administered multiple times each year in Mississippi and Las Vegas, USA.
💲Cost:
Eligibility Assessment - Fee 1400 usd
Basic and Clinical Science Examination - Fee 220 usd
Clinical Proficiency Examination - Fee 7630 usd
NAVLE (National Veterinary Licensing Examination - North American Veterinary Licensing Examination)
It is NOT a requirement for ECFVG certification. However, successful completion of the NAVLE IS one requirement for licensure as established by all state veterinary regulatory boards.Statutory Membership Exam - UK 🇬🇧
🗒️ Overview:
If your qualification is not recognised by the Royal college of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), you will need to sit the exam to be able to registered as vet in the United Kingdom (UK).
The exam ensures that overseas graduates meet the standards required for registration in United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, etc.
📌 Structure:
1. Registration Exam
2. The Written Exam
MCQs covering your clinical knowledge.
The exam is held once a year during Spring (Usually in April). It is delivered remotely, using live in-person invigilation. This means that you may attempt it using your own computer, from a suitable location of your choosing.
3. The Objective Structural Clinical Exam (OSCE)
It is a practical exam, in which your skills will be assessed as you complete a multi-station circuit of clinical scenarios
Usually held once a year, in September in England (For example, this year is held in Newport)
💲Cost:
Exam entry fee 2500 pounds (This includes the 2200 pounds exam fee and 300 pounds administration charge)
English exam -
English language requirements vary from each exam, and you should check the specific requirements on the official pages.
My Personal Opinion 🙋♀️
When it comes to choosing which exam to take, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on where you see yourself in the next few years. Each of these exams is designed to meet the specific standards and requirements of their respective regions. For example, passing the AVE will allow you to practice in Australia and New Zealand, but it won't automatically qualify you to work in North America.
If you aspire to work in a specific country, it's crucial to prepare for and take the corresponding exam. Consider where you want to establish your career and what kind of veterinary practices you are most interested in. Each exam has its own challenges, but they are all equally rigorous in ensuring that you meet the professional standards required for veterinary practice.
🌟 Ultimately, the "easiest" exam is the one that aligns with your career goals and the country where you want to practice 🌟
〰️ This information has been gathered from official sources. However, please visit the official pages for each exam before making any decisions, as the information can change over time 〰️
Links
American Veterinary Medical Association - ECFVG
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council - AVE
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons - Statuary Membership Exam
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Nat and Anto 🩺