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United States · Licensing exams

Veterinary license renewal: CE and the AAVSB’s RACE program

Veterinary license renewal is handled by the state or province that licensed you, and the rules differ from place to place. All jurisdictions require continuing education (CE) to renew, though the hours vary. RACE, the Registry of Approved Continuing Education, belongs to the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). It has nothing to do with passing your national exam, and it comes up only once you’re licensed.

  • AllJurisdictions require CE to renew
  • FreeTo record your CE in RACEtrack
  • Contact hoursWhat RACE approves, not CEUs
Browse RACE-approved CE courses

Updated November 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Who handles veterinary license renewal?

Your board does, for veterinarians and veterinary technicians alike. The AAVSB doesn’t issue or renew licenses, so it can’t give you one date or fee for every state. Your board’s entry in the AAVSB’s look-up links to its rules, and the AAVSB has a tool for checking your jurisdiction’s CE requirements.

AAVSB: Check CE by jurisdiction ↗Find your state’s board →

What is AAVSB RACE?

RACE sets uniform standards for veterinary CE, and it reviews and approves providers and programs. It doesn’t accredit them. It approves contact hours, also called credit hours, and not continuing education units (CEUs). You can search approved courses through CE Broker.

AAVSB: About approved CE (RACE) ↗

Will your state accept RACE courses?

The AAVSB says most of its member boards recognize RACE-approved CE, but each one keeps the right to refuse a provider or program. Boards may also limit hours in some categories or some delivery methods. New York requires providers to make an extra submission to its board. Check with your board before you pay for a course.

AAVSB: RACE acceptance by jurisdiction ↗

Keeping records with RACEtrack

RACEtrack is the AAVSB’s free tool for recording your CE in one place. You can download a CE transcript to send to your credentialing agency, and in some jurisdictions the AAVSB can send it directly.

AAVSB: Tracking continuing education ↗How AAVSB sign-ins work →

What can put a license at risk

A 2022 AAVSB survey of its member boards gave these as the top reasons for disciplinary action:

  • Improper record keeping
  • Negligence or malpractice
  • Unprofessional conduct
  • A violation of narcotic or prescription rules, or substance abuse
  • Practicing without a license
  • Failing to complete required CE
AAVSB: Maintaining your license ↗
Sources: AAVSB and 3 more. Checked November 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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