Certification

In order to qualify for certification, there is a list of requirements that you must satisfy. Read more to learn about specific qualifications, the VTNE, first-time certification and certification renewal.

Qualifications:

You must have graduated from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program and must have passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE)
You must have worked consecutively in the capacity of a veterinary technician for five or more years, and must have passed the VTNE by December 31, 2006
Reciprocity is granted for technicians currently registered, licensed, or certified in another state
Certification is not required in the state of Montana, but highly recommended

Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE):

An examination for certification as a veterinary technician in Montana will be held annually at a time, date, and place set by American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). For application and exam preperation please go to: www.aavsb.org
BSVTA will recognize test results for the exam conducted outside of Montana

First-Time Certification | New graduate:

Certification fee is $75 every even numbered year, due by Dec. 31st.
Provide proof that you have passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE)
Provide proof of graduation from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
New graduates of even years are exempt for the year of graduation
New graduates of odd years must have 8 hours of continuing education by the following January 1st (of an even year). Of those hours, only 4 can be online or magazine courses.

Certification Renewal

Certification fee is $75 every even numbered year, due by Dec. 31st
There is a late fee of $25 if postmarked after Dec. 31st
Continuing education credits are due on even years.
At least 16 hours of continuing education for every two years is required for renewal.
Approved hours include; in person lectures, wet labs, articles from magazines, and/or online courses that are AVMA, MVMA, AHHA, and RACE approved
Only 8 hours can be from an alternative continuing education such as online or magazine courses
CVT’s with less than 16 hours of CE will be put on probation and will have until the next MVMA meeting to earn and report these hours. A late fee will be due at this time also. If a CVT fails to meet these requirements, they will loose their certification and be required to re-test and re-apply.
Failure to pay the renewal fee on a timely basis, comply with other renewal requirements, or comply with continuing education requirements is grounds for the association to suspend or revoke a CVT’s certificate.

Out-of-State Transfers

Out-of-state transfers are not considered renewals, therefore the $25 late fee is waived.
For additional information on certification and out-of-state transfers, refer to the BSVTA Bylaws and Constitution.

If renewal application is received after the due date, your certification is suspended until the following fees & fines are paid and appropriate CE is provided.

If renewal application is late but received within 1 cycle (2 years)
- (Example: received after Jan 1, 2019 but before Dec 31, 2020)
- Pay current application fee of $75.00 (or current fee approved by board)
- Also include a penalty fee of $25.00. Accrued quarterly until current or next 2 yr cycle begins + CE
If renewal application is received after 1 cycle, but before 2 cycles have passed (under 4 years)
- (Example: received after Jan 1, 2021 but before Dec 31, 2022)
- Pay current application fee of $75.00 per cycle (or current fee per cycle approved by board)
- Also include a penalty fee of $25.00. Accrued quarterly until current or next 2nd 2 yr cycle begins + CE
If application is received after the 2nd cycle passes (over 4 years)
- Pay current application fee of $75.00 (or current fee approved by board) & Retake the VTNE and provide proof of passing score.