ECFVG certification program

How to apply

Quick links

Eligibility
Registration
Required documentation
Notarization
Certified English translations

Eligibility

To register for the ECFVG certification program, an applicant must be a graduate or final-year student from one of the AVMA ECFVG-listed schools with a degree to practice veterinary medicine without restrictions in their country.

Registration

An applicant will complete the online application to register as a candidate of the program. Once registered, an applicant's original application and application fee will be valid for two years, after which time the applicant need to reregister to remain an active candidate.

Required documentation

The following documentation is required to be received by the ECFVG within 10 calendar days of submitting the online application:

For graduates
  • Registration confirmation: A completed and notarized ECFVG application form, provided on the registration confirmation page at the end of the online application process.
  • Applicant photo: One recent photograph that meets U.S. passport photograph requirements:
    • Taken within 30 days before submission
    • Measuring 2 in x 2 in or 5.08 cm x 5.08 cm
    • In color
    • Showing the applicant's entire face

    If the photograph does not meet the U.S. passport photo requirements, the applicant will be required to resubmit the application.

  • Diploma: A copy, in PDF file format, of the diploma in the language of issuance as well as its certified English translation. Provisional certificates or certificates of schooling are not accepted as diplomas.
  • Transcripts: A copy, in PDF file format, of final transcripts for each completed year of study in the language of issuance as well as their certified English translations. A list of course work is not accepted.
For students in their final year who have not yet graduated
  • Registration confirmation: A completed and notarized ECFVG registration confirmation page, provided at the end of the online application process.
  • Applicant photo: One recent photograph (taken within 30 days before submission) that meets U.S. passport photograph requirements:
    • Taken within 30 days before submission
    • Measuring 2 in x 2 in or 5.08 cm x 5.08 cm
    • In color
    • Showing the applicant's entire face

    If the photograph does not meet the U.S. passport photo requirements, the applicant will be required to resubmit the application.

  • Transcripts: A copy, in PDF file format, of transcripts for those years of study completed in the language of issuance as well as their certified English translations. A list of course work is not accepted.
  • Official letter: A letter, in PDF file format, in English from an official of the veterinary college stating that the applicant will graduate within the year. The letter must be submitted directly by the school to the ECFVG by email at ECFVGatAVMA [dot] org (ECFVG[at]AVMA[dot]org) or by mail.
  • Diploma and final transcripts: After graduation, the candidate must provide a copy, in PDF file format, of the diploma and final transcripts in the language of issuance as well as their certified English translation. A list of course work is not accepted as transcripts.

AVMA will not return documents to applicants.

Verification of educational credentials

The ECFVG verifies all applicants' educational credentials.

The ECFVG Coordinator sends a certification of graduation (COG) form (Appendix 1) 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.

The time required to verify a candidate's credentials varies depending on the school, country, or language of communication. It may take weeks, months, or even longer to receive the necessary information about individual candidates. Candidates interested in registering for the ECFVG certification program should plan well in advance as the time required for some aspects of the certification process is beyond the control of ECFVG.

 

Proof of surgical experience

Note: Before taking the clinical proficiency examination, applicants will need to submit a document providing proof of surgical experience. This supporting document is not needed during the initial application process, but it will be required later in the certification process.

A completed surgical experience form will be required, indicating the applicant performed:

  • At least one (1) ovariohysterectomy as the primary surgeon and
  • At least five (5) additional surgical procedures as either the primary or the assistant surgeon

These surgeries must have been performed within the five years prior to the candidate's clinical proficiency examination application.

Notarization

Notarization of the ECFVG application form

The ECFVG recommends NotaryCam®, which provides convenient, online access to professionally licensed and certified notaries that meet ECFVG's standards for notarizing the ECFVG application form. Click here to review requirements and instructions on how to use NotaryCam. The use—or not—of the NotaryCam service impacts how applicants are expected to submit documents.

If NotaryCam® is used

  • The ECFVG will obtain the notarized ECFVG application directly from NotaryCam.
  • Applicants should submit their photograph through NotaryCam.
  • Applicants must email copies, in PDF file format, of the diploma and transcripts, in the language of issuance and as a certified English translation, to the ECFVG at ECFVGatavma [dot] org (ECFVG[at]avma[dot]org). Applicant's full name and ECVFG candidate ID number must be included in the email for the ECFVG to verify your identity.
  • Do not send documents or copies by mail if using NotaryCam.

If NotaryCam® is not used

  • The applicant will need to print the ECFVG application form provided with their registration confirmation.
  • Applicants must be staple or adhere their photograph to the ECFVG application form before form is notarized in person.
  • Online notarization is not accepted by the ECFVG if NotaryCam® is not used.
  • The notary public must follow the instructions on the ECFVG application form to notarize the ECFVG application form.
    • The seal or stamp of the Notary Public must cover both the lower part of the photo and part of the form. In the case that the seal or stamp of the official is prohibited by law from covering part of the photo and part of the form, the notary public must provide an official explanation document with the signature and date of the official attached to the ECFVG application form.
    • If a notary public is not available, the ECFVG will accept verifications of the applicant's identity by the veterinary college official or the legal counsel or the consular official.
  • The notarized ECFVG application form must be submitted by mail to the ECFVG address:
    American Veterinary Medical Association
    Attn: ECFVG
    931 N Meacham Road, Suite 100
    Schaumburg, IL 60173-4360
    USA
  • Applicants must email copies, in PDF file format, of the diploma and transcripts, in the language of issuance as well as their certified English translation, to the ECFVG at ECFVGatavma [dot] org (ECFVG[at]avma[dot]org). Applicant's full name and the ECFVG ID number must be included in the email for the ECFVG to verify the applicant's identity. Do not send these documents by mail.
Certified English translations
  • The document must be on the translation company's letter head with company's name, street address, telephone number, contact email, and website URL.
  • The translation must be accompanied by a signed statement affirming that the translation is accurate and complete to the best of the translator's knowledge and ability, a statement of the translator's qualifications, the identification of the translated document and language, and the translator's name, signature, and date.
  • The document in the language of issuance must be accompanied with the certified English translation documentation.

Next steps

Once a notarized ECFVG application form is approved and payment has been processed, candidates may proceed with steps 2 and 3 of the certification program—providing proof of their English language ability and scheduling their basic clinical skills examination—even if verification of their documents is still being obtained.

Step 1 will not be considered completed until documents are received and verified, and candidates will not be eligible to apply for the final step of the certification program—the clinical proficiency exam—until steps 1-3 are completed.