State veterinary licenses are issued by the veterinary regulatory board or licensure entity within each state. Therefore, each state determines its specific prerequisites for licensure eligibility and requirements for licensure.

The majority of states require graduates of non-AVMA accredited veterinary schools to hold an ECFVG certificate to meet, either in full or in part, the state-mandated educational prerequisite for licensure eligibility. However, because licensing requirements can change, the ECFVG and AVMA urge all veterinarians to contact the licensing agency in the state in which they wish to become licensed to determine current requirements, including educational prerequisites.

Please note that ECFVG certification does not equate with state licensure. ECFVG certificate holders must still complete all state licensure requirements, including passing the national licensure examination (which is currently the NAVLE) and any state-specific examinations. That is why it is essential for all veterinarians seeking state licensure to fully understand what is required by each state regulatory board.

Contact information for regulatory boards can be found on the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Web site (home page: www.aavsb.org) at www.aavsb.org/DLR/DLR.aspx.