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To register in the ECFVG certification program, an applicant who is a graduate of, or final-year student at, an AVMA-listed veterinary college must submit the following to the ECFVG office:

1. A completed and notarized ECFVG application form (Appendix 1) (PDF) that must include a passport, green card, or Social Security card number.
2. Two passport-sized photographs of the applicant.
3. Certified, notarized, or official (issued directly by school) photocopies of the applicant's veterinary college diploma and transcripts (for each year), both in the language of issuance and as a certified English translation if necessary. Provisional Certificates and Certificates of Graduation are unacceptable for ECFVG program purposes. If the applicant is enrolled in the final year of study at an AVMA-listed veterinary college (see Veterinary Colleges of the World [PDF]), a letter from an official of that college must also be submitted stating that the applicant will graduate within the year.
4. Payment of $1,000.00 (USD; $275.00 ECFVG program application fee; $725.00 ECFVG Quality Assurance Program [QAP] fee) can be made by credit card (Visa or MasterCard), by personal check from a US bank only, or by cashier's check or money order. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the AVMA. If paying by credit card, please submit the following information with your application:
   1. Type of credit card (Visa or MasterCard)
   2. Credit card number
   3. Expiration date
   4. Name and billing address for credit card if different from name and address on ECFVG application

All items must be sent to: ECFVG, American Veterinary Medical Association, 1931 N Meacham Road, Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173-4360, USA.

If a candidate wishes to withdraw from the program within 60 days after applying, the entire fee will be refunded upon written or E-mail request. No fees will be refunded for withdrawal requests received more than 60 days after initially applying to the program.

The original registration fee is valid for two years. To remain active in the program, candidates must re-register every two years by notifying the ECFVG and, beginning January 1, 2008, paying a $100.00 re-registration fee. Files of candidates who do not re-register in the ECFVG certification program will be made inactive. An inactive file may be reactivated within eight years upon the written request of the candidate and payment of all past-due re-registration fees. Inactive candidate files older than eight years will be destroyed. Future entrance into the ECFVG certification program would require new registration according to guidelines currently in effect.

The ECFVG verifies all applicants' educational credentials. The ECFVG Coordinator sends a "certification of graduation" form (Appendix 2) (PDF) with the applicant's photograph to the dean of the veterinary college from which the applicant graduated. The dean or other college official must verify the applicant's identification and graduation date and return the completed form with the college seal affixed to the ECFVG office. Applicants may proceed with the other steps of the program while verification is being obtained.

Once enrolled, candidates must submit address and name change requests in writing or E-mail, listing both the old and new address, or old and new name, and any relevant changes in telephone numbers or E-mail addresses. Name changes must be substantiated with a copy of appropriate legal documents.

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To complete Step 2, non-native English speaking candidates must provide the ECFVG with proof of comprehension and ability to communicate in the English language by attaining passing scores on the TOEFL, TWE, and TSE, or, beginning in September 2005, the internet-based TOEFL, or the IELTS, or the CAEL Assessment.

The TOEFL, TWE, and TSE and the internet-based TOEFL are offered by Educational Testing Service (ETS) at TOEFL/TWE & TSE Services, PO Box 6151, Princeton, NJ 08541-6151 (Web site: http://www.toefl.org/; telephone: 609-921-9000).

For ECFVG program purposes, candidates choosing to take the TOEFL (computer- or internet-based) MUST take each subsection of the TOEFL. Please note that the TWE is contained within the computer-based TOEFL as the essay rating, whereas the TSE is a separate examination. Also note that in September 2005, ETS will begin a phased introduction of its new internet-based (iB) TOEFL (see www.ets.org/toefl/nextgen/), which comprises four sections: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Candidates taking the iB-TOEFL will not be required to take the TSE. Once the iB-TOEFL is introduced in a given country, ETS will no longer administer the computer-based TOEFL or the separate TSE. Candidates must contact ETS for information regarding the new iB-TOEFL or the computer-based TOEFL/TWE and TSE, including dates and location of examinations, fees, and application procedures.

For ECFVG program purposes, the passing score on the computer-based TOEFL is 213 with at least 25 points in listening comprehension (section 1); the passing score on the TWE (TOEFL essay section) is 4.0; and the passing score on the TSE is 50. The passing score on the new internet-based TOEFL is 80 overall, with at least a 26 in listening, a 17 in writing, and a 26 in speaking; the TSE is not required for candidates taking the new internet-based TOEFL. The ECFVG CANNOT accept section scores from separate computer-based TOEFL/TWE or internet-based TOEFL exam administrations; candidates MUST achieve at least the minimum passing scores for all required sections of the computer-based TOEFL/TWE or internet-based TOEFL on the same exam administration.

The ECFVG requires original score reports directly from ETS. ECFVG candidates must request their TOEFL/TWE and TSE scores or internet-based TOEFL scores be reported directly to ECFVG by ETS. Please use institution code 1212 when requesting score reports. Because ETS only maintains score reports for two years from the date of examination, candidates should plan accordingly to ensure that score reports do not expire before requesting that they be submitted to the ECFVG. Moreover, the ECFVG office cannot hold score reports longer than two years for individuals who are not currently enrolled in the ECFVG certification program. The ECFVG will continue to accept computer-based TOEFL/TWE and separate TSE scores until ETS discontinues those examinations worldwide.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is administered by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate, the British Council, and IDE Education Australia. For information in North America, contact IELTS Inc at 100 East Corson St, Suite 200, Pasadena, CA 91103 (Web site: www.ielts.org; telephone: 626-564-2954).

For ECFVG program purposes, candidates choosing to take the IELTS MUST take the academic IELTS. The passing score on the academic IELTS is 6.5 (overall band score), with at least a 6.5 in the listening band, a 6.0 in the writing band, and a 7.0 in the speaking band. The ECFVG CANNOT accept section scores from separate exam administrations; candidates MUST achieve at least the minimum passing scores for all required sections of the IELTS on the same exam administration. The ECFVG requires original score reports directly from IELTS Inc.

The Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Assessment is administered by Carleton University. Please contact the CAEL Assessment Testing Office, Language Assessment and Testing Research Unit, 124 Paterson Hall, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5B6 (Web site: www.cael.ca; telephone: 613-520-2600, ext 2271).

For ECFVG program purposes, candidates choosing to take the CAEL Assessment MUST take each subsection of the CAEL Assessment. The passing score on the CAEL Assessment is 60 (overall score), with at least a 60 in the listening band, a 50 in the writing band, and a 60 in the speaking band. The ECFVG CANNOT accept section scores from separate exam administrations; candidates MUST achieve at least the minimum passing scores for all required sections of the CAEL Assessment on the same exam administration. The ECFVG requires original score reports directly from the CAEL Assessment Testing Office.

For candidates whose native language (ie, the common language of an individual's country of birth) is English, the English language examinations may be waived. To do so, eligible candidates must provide documentation of at least three years full-time attendance at a secondary (high) school at which the complete language of instruction was English. Acceptable documentation includes a letter directly from school officials stating dates of attendance and verifying that the complete language of instruction was English or, for graduates of US high schools, a certified, notarized, or official copy of the final diploma or transcript. A degree from an English-speaking college or university is not considered adequate proof of English language ability.

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To complete Step 3, candidates must attain a passing score on the Basic and Clinical Sciences Examination (BCSE), OR North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE; April 2007 and previous administrations ONLY), OR, prior to 2000, the National Board Examination (NBE) and Clinical Competency Test (CCT).

The AVMA owns and administers the BCSE, which is an approximately four-hour computer-based examination consisting of 225 scored multiple-choice questions designed to help assess basic and clinical veterinary sciences knowledge. Complete information on the BCSE, including application procedures and deadlines, rules of conduct, and testing accommodations, can be found in the BCSE Candidate Bulletin.

For candidates completing the BCSE, BCSE scores will be reported by the Testing Coordinator via US mail only. BCSE scores will not be available via telephone, E-mail, or fax.

For candidates who have successfully completed the NAVLE during or prior to the April 2007 administration or the NBE and CCT prior to 2000, the ECFVG requires original NAVLE or NBE/CCT score reports directly from the Veterinary Information Verifying Agency (VIVA) of the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). NAVLE and NBE/CCT scores are ONLY reported to the ECFVG at the request of the ECFVG candidate. Requests for score transfers must be directed to the VIVA, 4106 Central St, Kansas City, MO 64111 (Web site: www.aavsb.org; telephone: 877-698-8482) The ECFVG office will notify each applicant when his/her scores have been received. Again, VIVA will not report scores to the ECFVG without a request from the candidate, and the ECFVG will consider Step 3 complete only on receipt of a score report from VIVA indicating a passing score on the NAVLE (April 2007 and previous administrations only) or the NBE and CCT (prior to spring 2000).

Candidate addresses listed on Step 3 examination score reports (BCSE, NAVLE or NBE/CCT) that vary from the address on record must be explained in writing, listing both the old and new address, before ECFVG can record and acknowledge receipt of the score report. Therefore, it is important that all candidates provide the ECFVG office with address updates as soon as possible. Address changes must be in writing or E-mail.

For information regarding the NAVLE, which is a licensing examination, please contact the National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (NBVME), PO Box 1356, Bismarck, ND 58502 (Web site: www.nbvme.org; telephone: 701-224-0332).

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Beginning July 1, 2007, only the Clinical Proficiency Examination (CPE) approved by the ECFVG will meet the requirements for assessment of hands-on clinical skills. Previously, from May 1, 1987 through June 30, 2007, either the CPE or one year of postgraduate evaluated clinical experience at an AVMA-accredited veterinary college met the requirements for ECFVG Step 4.

To complete Step 4, candidates must attain a passing score on all sections of the CPE OR, prior to July 1, 2007 ONLY, must have successfully completed a postgraduate evaluated clinical year at an AVMA-accredited, ECFVG-approved college of veterinary medicine or petitioned for approval of clinical experience obtained out of sequence or at an AVMA-accredited school that is not ECFVG approved.

The Canadian clinical examination will be accepted as equivalent to the CPE currently approved by ECFVG for purposes of reciprocity.

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Eligibility—All candidates will be notified of their Step 4 eligibility by letter from the ECFVG Coordinator. ECFVG candidates who are graduates of AVMA-listed veterinary colleges become eligible to apply for and take the CPE after completing Steps 1, 2, and 3 of the certification program (Appendix 3 [PDF]). Candidates who register in the ECFVG program during their final year of studies at an AVMA-listed veterinary college become eligible to apply for the CPE after completing Steps 2 and 3 of the ECFVG certification program but cannot select or be assigned to a CPE date prior to their anticipated graduation date (Appendix 4 [PDF]). Furthermore, Step 1 must be completed before the first day of the assigned CPE, and Step 1 is considered complete only after the ECFVG processes copies of the candidate's veterinary college diploma and final transcripts. ECFVG policy also states that this documentation must be received not later than 60 days prior to the date of the assigned CPE, so candidates should plan accordingly. Additionally, candidates who complete any portion of their clinical education at an AVMA-accredited veterinary college (see Veterinary Colleges Accredited by the AVMA) cannot take the CPE administered at that college.

CPE format—Beginning January 1, 2008, the CPE is a 3-day, 6-section, hands-on clinical skills examination, administered by the faculty of a college of veterinary medicine or other authorized testing institution. The skill level expected for a passing grade on each of the 6 sections of the CPE is that of an entry-level graduate of an accredited veterinary college. Only well-prepared candidates will be able to pass the CPE.

The 6 sections of the CPE include: anesthesia, diagnostic techniques, equine practice, food animal practice, small animal practice, and surgery. The CPE Manual of Administration describes specific sections and skills to be assessed and serves as the guide for administering the CPE to all candidates. All sites offering the CPE must adhere to the standards set forth in the CPE Manual and 2 other quality assurance documents (Appendices 5 and 6) Examination sites reserve the right to accept no more than 8 qualified applicants for the examination and to cancel an examination if less than 4 candidates apply.

Rules of Conduct for the CPE—The ECFVG has established Rules of Conduct to govern administration of the CPE to ensure that no examinee or group of examinees receives unfair advantage on the examination, inadvertently or otherwise.

If there is a reason to believe that the integrity of the examination process is jeopardized, the ECFVG may invalidate all or any part of a CPE administration. If information indicates that continued testing would jeopardize the security of examination materials or the integrity of scores, the ECFVG reserves the right to suspend or cancel any CPE administration.

CPE site team members (ie, coordinators, examiners, technicians, and assistants) monitor all sections of the CPE. If CPE site team members observe a candidate violating the Rules of Conduct or engaging in other forms of irregular behavior during a CPE, the team members will not necessarily advise the candidate at the time of the examination, but shall report such incidents to the ECFVG. Each report shall be fully investigated.

By applying to take the CPE, a candidate agrees to the following Rules of Conduct:

• You are the person named on the CPE application.
• You will place in a locker or cubicle or other designated area all personal belongings, including cellular telephones, watches with computer communication and/or memory capability, pagers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), formulas, study materials, notes, papers, and your purse or wallet, before you enter the secure testing areas.
• You will not use a telephone at any time while you are in the secure areas.
• You will not give, receive, or obtain any form of unauthorized assistance during the testing session, including any breaks.
• You will not have in your possession any formulas, study materials, notes, papers, or electronic devices of any kind unless you are out of the secure testing areas of the CPE site.
• You will not remove materials in any form (written, printed, recorded, or any other type) from the secure testing area unless instructed to do so by the examiners.
• You understand and acknowledge that all examination materials remain the property of the CPE site and ECFVG, and you will maintain the confidentiality of the case content for all seven sections of the CPE. You will not reproduce or attempt to reproduce examination materials through memorization or any other means, nor will you provide information relating to examination content that may give or attempt to give unfair advantage to individuals who may be taking the examination, including, without limitation, by posting information regarding examination content on the Internet.

Unless specifically authorized, candidates may not bring personal belongings into secure testing areas of the CPE site. Failure to follow these rules shall constitute a violation of the Rules of Conduct for the administration of the CPE and may lead to adverse action regarding a candidate's examination. For the CPE, candidates should understand that the entire testing session over the 3 -day testing period, including all breaks, is considered a closed and secure testing session, and that the entire CPE site, including any on-site lunch room, break rooms, and restrooms, is a secure testing area. Therefore the rules regarding unauthorized possession during the CPE extend to lunch, if lunch is provided on site, and all breaks.

For the CPE, unauthorized personal belongings include, but are not limited to:

• mechanical or electronic devices other than simple calculators, such as cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), watches with computer communication and/or memory capability, electronic paging devices, recording or filming devices, radios;
• outerwear, such as coats, jackets, head wear, gloves;
• book bags, backpacks, handbags, briefcases, wallets; and
• books, notes, study materials, or scratch paper.

If candidates bring any personal belongings to the CPE site, they must store them in a designated locker or storage cubicle or other designated area as directed by the CPE site team. All stored mechanical or electronic devices must be turned off. Upon reasonable suspicion, a candidate's personal belongings and their contents may be inspected. Any materials that reasonably appear to be reproductions of any case material specific for the CPE administration in which a candidate is participating will be confiscated. Making notes of any kind during the CPE, except on the materials provided by the CPE site for this purpose, is not permitted. If candidates have any questions regarding the appropriateness of personal belongings to be brought into the CPE site, contact the ECFVG or a CPE site team member prior to admission.

Admission to the CPE—When candidates arrive at the CPE site for orientation and check in, they must present a photo ID with signature. Acceptable forms of identification include the following forms of unexpired identification:

• passport;
• driver's license;
• national identity card; or
• other form of unexpired, government-issued identification.

The identification must contain both the candidate's signature and photograph. If a candidate does not bring acceptable identification, he/she will not be admitted to the CPE. In that event, the candidate will be required to reschedule the CPE in accordance with current ECFVG policy.

The candidate's name as it appears on his/her CPE application must match the name on the form(s) of identification exactly. If a candidate's name listed on his/her CPE application is not correct, contact the ECFVG office immediately at ECFVG@avma.org or 800-248-2862, ext 6682 or 6623.

Test Centers and Testing Conditions—The time and location for arrival at the CPE site for orientation and check in will be sent to each candidate by US mail prior to the administration of the examination. If a candidate arrives late, he/she will not be admitted, and will have to reschedule the test date in accordance with current ECFVG policy.

At the time of check-in, candidates will be required to present unexpired identification. Prior to beginning each day of the examination, candidates will be directed to a small storage cubicle or locker or other designated area in which they must place personal belongings. These cubicles may not be secure, so do not bring valuables.

In addition, candidates should please note the following:

• You should bring only the equipment specified for each section within the CPE Manual of Administration; all other equipment is provided at the CPE
• You should wear comfortable, professional clothing.
• There are no waiting facilities for family and friends at the center; plan to meet them elsewhere after the examination ends.
• CPE site team members (wearing name tags) will direct you throughout each day of the CPE, and their instructions should be followed at all times.

There will be an on-site orientation to each section of the CPE to acquaint candidates with specific procedures and regulations.

Once candidates enter the secure testing area of the CPE site, they may not leave that area until directed to do so by a member of the CPE site team. Breaks, including a lunch break, are provided. CPE site team members will direct candidates to any on-site break and lunch rooms.

Candidates may not discuss the cases with fellow examinees at any time, and conversation among examinees in any language other than English is prohibited at all times. CPE site team members will monitor all examinee activity. See "Irregular Behavior" below.

CPE site team members are not authorized to answer questions from examinees regarding examination content or scoring.

Should a candidate wish to file a concern regarding the CPE testing experience, he/she may do so at the site on the test day(s). If a candidate does not file a report at the site, he/she must notify the ECFVG office in writing within three weeks of the final day of the administration of the CPE. Concerns that are reported in this way will be investigated in accordance with the current ECFVG Complaints Procedure (available at www.avma.org/education/ecfvg/ecfvg_pp_complaints.asp).

Irregular Behavior—Irregular behavior consists of any action by CPE candidates or others that subverts or attempts to subvert the examination process, including, without limitation:

• Falsification of information on the application form, including additional documentation, or failure to provide the ECFVG with information material to your application.
• Impersonating an examinee or engaging someone else to take the examination for you
• Giving, receiving, or obtaining unauthorized assistance during the examination, or attempting to do so.
• Unauthorized possession, reproduction, or disclosure of any materials, including, but not limited to, examination cases, before, during, or after the examination.
• Making notes of any kind during an examination except on the writing materials provided by the CPE for that purpose.
• Disruptive or unprofessional behavior at a CPE site.
• Offering any benefit to any CPE site team member or agent of the ECFVG in return for any right, privilege, or benefit which is not usually granted by the ECFVG to other similarly situated candidates.

If a candidate is determined to have failed to abide by the Rules of Conduct of the ECFVG or otherwise to have engaged in any form of irregular behavior, the ECFVG may terminate the candidate's participation in an examination, invalidate the results of an examination, withhold or revoke the candidate's scores or certification, bar the candidate's participation in future examinations, and/or take other appropriate adverse action. In addition, such determination shall become part of the candidate's permanent ECFVG record and the fact of such determination may be provided to third parties that receive or have received verification of ECFVG status. Such information may also be provided to other legitimately interested entities.

Candidates also should understand that the ECFVG may or may not require a candidate to retake one or more portions of the ECFVG if presented with sufficient evidence that the security of the examination has been compromised, notwithstanding the absence of any evidence of a candidate's personal involvement in such activities.

Appeal Process—Candidates determined to have violated the Rules or Conduct or otherwise engaged in irregular behavior may appeal the decision by following the current ECFVG Appeal Procedure (www.avma.org/education/ecfvg/ecfvg_pp_appeal.asp).

Scoring the CPE—Passing scores in all sections of the CPE are required to pass the examination. A candidate who fails 4 or more sections of the examination or a candidate who fails 1, 2, or 3 sections and does not successfully pass each of those sections within 12 months of the original CPE attempt must repeat the entire CPE.

Each CPE site will report scores to the ECFVG office within 15 working days of the last day of the examination. The ECFVG office will notify candidates of their results (ie, pass or fail) on each section. Such notification will be via US mail only. Scores cannot be reported via telephone, E-mail, or fax.

An unsuccessful candidate may request feedback on failed sections from the ECFVG office. This information will assist the candidate in identifying his/her deficiencies and to devise a plan for upgrading. Candidates are prohibited from contacting examiners for feedback either during or following completion of the CPE.

Fees—The full CPE fee is $6,000 for ECFVG candidates initially registered in the certification program prior to January 1, 2006; $1,000 covers the maintenance of the CPE Quality Assurance Program (QAP), while the remaining $5,000 is forwarded to the site administering the CPE to help defray examiners' salaries, facility and equipment costs, animal procurement and maintenance costs, and other associated expenses. The full CPE fee is $5,000 for ECFVG candidates initially registered in the certification program on and after January 1, 2006 and who have paid a one-time ECFVG QAP on program registration. The full $5,000 CPE fee is forwarded to the site administering the CPE. The following fee schedule applies:

1. For candidates initially registered in the certification program prior to January 1, 2006:
   • $1,000 CPE QAP fee (non-refundable/non-transferable)—$500 due when requesting an application, and the remaining balance due 60 days prior to examination.
   • $5,000 CPE fee (non-refundable/non-transferable)—$500 due when returning a completed application, and the remaining balance due 60 days prior to examination.
2. For candidates initially registered in the certification program on/after January 1, 2006:
   • $5,000 CPE fee (non-refundable/non-transferable)—$500 due when requesting an application, $500 due when returning a completed application, and the remaining balance ($4,000) due 60 days prior to examination.

The final balance must be sent (post-marked) to the AVMA/ECFVG no later than 60 days prior to the scheduled exam. Final payment must be in the form of a cashier's check or money order made payable to the AVMA. Failure to pay this balance by the required deadline will result in forfeiture of all fees and loss of the reserved examination space.

For ECFVG candidates initially registered in the certification program prior to January 1, 2006, the fee to retake 1, 2, or 3 sections of the CPE is $1,500 per section; $250 covers the maintenance of the CPE QAP, while the remaining $1,250 is forwarded to the site administering the CPE to help defray examiners' salaries, facility and equipment costs, animal procurement and maintenance costs, and other associated expenses. For ECFVG candidates initially registered in the certification program on or after January 1, 2006, the fee to retake 1, 2, or 3 sections of the CPE is $1,250 per section, with the total fee forwarded to the CPE site.

Application procedure—The ECFVG office will notify candidates in writing when they have attained CPE eligibility. After receiving written notification from the ECFVG office, eligible candidates must request a CPE application (Appendix 7 [PDF]) in writing. Candidates requesting testing accommodations must also request the ECFVG Test Accommodation Request Form for the CPE (Appendix 8). Candidates must include an initial deposit, in the form of a cashier's check or money order for $500 (non-refundable/non-transferable) payable to the AVMA, with the request. Once a candidate's request and initial deposit are processed, the Testing Coordinator will send the candidate a CPE application and Manual of Administration. Completed applications must be returned to the AVMA office together with the second deposit in the form of a cashier's check or money order for $500, made payable to the AVMA. Each candidate must submit the deposit and completed application in order to reserve an examination space. After processing a candidate's completed application, the Testing Coordinator will forward the candidate a letter confirming the date and location of the scheduled CPE. Examination dates are assigned on a first-come/first-serve basis.

Candidates retaking one or more sections must also request a CPE application in writing from the AVMA/ECFVG and must include a $250 non-refundable/non-transferable deposit for each section in the form of a cashier's check or money order made payable to AVMA. To reserve the examination space, candidates retaking sections must return the completed application to the AVMA/ECFVG together with the final payment in the form of a cashier's check or money order payable to AVMA in the amount of $1,250 per section for candidates initially registered in the ECFVG certification program prior to January 1, 2006 or $1,000 per section for candidates initially registered in the ECFVG certification program on or after January 1, 2006.

Rescheduling—Candidates may only reschedule an examination without forfeiture of all fees paid for medical reasons or a death in the family; written verification from a doctor or other appropriate authority is required to reschedule.