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United States · Licensing exams

The Veterinary Technician National Exam: how the VTNE works

The Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) is a three-hour, 170-question test owned by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). You take it on computer at a PSI test center or at home with a live proctor. The AAVSB says most states and provinces require a passing score for a veterinary technician to be credentialed. It reports your score to your state, but it doesn’t license anyone.

  • 170Questions, 150 of them scored
  • 3 hoursTime limit, breaks included
  • 425 on 200 to 800Scaled score the AAVSB sets to pass
Start your VTNE application

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

What’s on the Veterinary Technician National Exam?

Of the 170 multiple-choice questions, 150 count. The other 20 are pilot questions for future exams, and they aren’t marked, so you can’t tell which they are. Each question has four choices and one correct or best answer. There’s no penalty for guessing, so the AAVSB’s handbook says to answer them all.

The exam is in English. If you live in Canada, you may ask to take it in French.

The VTNE content outline, by domain →AAVSB VTNE practice tests →

VTNE exam windows and application cutoffs

The VTNE runs in four windows a year. You can start your application at any time, and you pick from the two upcoming windows once your eligibility is reviewed. That review can take up to two weeks after the AAVSB has your documents, so don’t leave it until the cutoff. The AAVSB’s handbook prints these dates with no year, so check them against your application when you pick a window.

Exam windowCutoff
February 15 to April 15March 15
May 15 to July 15June 15
August 15 to October 15September 15
November 15 to January 15December 15
AAVSB: Applying to take the VTNE ↗

VTNE fees

ItemFee
VTNE application$375
One move to the following window$90
Manual rescore$50

The application and window-change fees are nonrefundable. You pay by card or with a prepaid voucher from a school or employer. A retake means a new application and the full $375. Changing your date inside the same window is done through your PSI portal, at least 48 hours ahead. The AAVSB also says withdrawals from a 529 education plan can cover qualifying VTNE costs, and it suggests asking a tax advisor or your state’s plan.

AAVSB: Rescheduling the VTNE ↗AAVSB: 529 plans and the VTNE ↗

PSI test center or at home

RulePSI test centerAt home
Arrive or log in30 minutes earlyUp to 30 minutes early
Too late ifMore than 15 minutes lateMore than 15 minutes late
BreaksAllowed, clock keeps runningOne 10-minute, at the start
Notes onScratch paper and pencil givenMini whiteboard only
Military IDAcceptedNot accepted

Being late costs you the exam fee either way. At home you’ll do a full 360-degree room scan, with a clear desk and no people or pets in the room. At a test center, the calculator is on screen. The AAVSB’s handbook lists the IDs it accepts. Book through PSI once your application is approved.

AAVSB: Scheduling and taking the VTNE ↗AAVSB: Live Remote Proctoring Guide (PDF) ↗PSI: Check VTNE test center availability ↗

VTNE passing score and results

A scaled score of 425, on a scale of 200 to 800, is a pass. The AAVSB doesn’t give scores as a number or percentage right, and it says all jurisdictions accept the scaled score.

You see pass or fail when you finish. Your score report reaches your MyAAVSB portal within three business days, and your chosen state or province gets the official score within 72 hours. You can ask for a manual rescore within 48 hours of your appointment, and it can take up to four weeks. Report any problems with your exam within 48 hours too. The AAVSB’s VTNE pages and handbook don’t publish a pass rate.

AAVSB: Getting your VTNE score ↗

VTNE retakes

You can test again at least 31 days after your last attempt, and no more than three times in a calendar year, the AAVSB’s handbook says. That can be in the same window if you finish a new application before the cutoff. The AAVSB allows five attempts, counted from January 1, 2006. A sixth or later attempt needs a letter from your board, a written statement and approval from the AAVSB’s Board of Directors, which can take up to 45 days.

  • Indiana, Tennessee and all Canadian provinces need the board’s approval after three attempts.
  • Missouri also needs approval after three, and it won’t accept scores from attempts over four.

If you’ve passed, you can’t sit the VTNE again unless your state board requires it.

AAVSB: Retake the VTNE ↗AAVSB: VTNE retake guidelines (PDF) ↗

Accommodations for the VTNE

If you have a disability covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Canadian Human Rights Act, say so on your application and upload the form by the same application cutoff. Review can take up to two weeks, and you can’t book an accommodated exam until you have the AAVSB’s approval letter.

AAVSB: VTNE Accommodations Guide (PDF) ↗
Sources: AAVSB and 7 more. Checked November 2026.

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

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