For people who have been or are currently veterinary technicians either in Colorado or desire to move to Colorado

• What are the requirements for certification of technicians wishing to transfer to Colorado who have not taken the VTNE?
• What are the requirements to transfer to another state?
• What are the requirements for certification for technicians wishing to transfer to Colorado who have previously taken the VTNE?
• How do I take the VTNE?
• Once I take the VTNE, am I automatically certified in CO?
• What do I do if my certification has lapsed?
• Can I belong to multiple state organizations?
• When are CACVT dues and CE credits due in Colorado?
• What CE credits do I need?

What are the requirements for certification of technicians wishing to transfer to Colorado who have not taken the VTNE? Currently, you must have passed the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) to become certified in Colorado. There are other states that offer the VTNE to people who have not graduated from an accredited program (although according to AAVSB, beginning January 2011, only graduates will be able to sit for the exam). Visit the AVMA website http://www.avma.org/ to find more information in this area.

What are the requirements to transfer to another state?
Each state has its own requirements so you should contact that state directly. One place to start is at www.aavsb.org. Click on "Boards and Agencies" in the left hand column.

You can also find NAVTA State Representatives at www.navta.net under "leadership."

What are the requirements for certification for technicians wishing to transfer to Colorado who have previously taken the VTNE?

• Graduation from an AVMA-accredited program in veterinary technology or current membership in another state association (must provide proof of current credentialing in other state).
• If you do not meet the above criteria, and you have recently (within the last 6 months) taken the VTNE, you may provide the requirements that you met in order to sit for the exam in the specific state.
• Receipt of scores on the VTNE from the AAVSB (American Association of Veterinary State Boards) with passing scores by CACVT's standards (425 or greater based on the scale score). Contact http://www.aavsb.org/ or call 877-698-8482 to transfer your scores to Colorado. We also accept an official copy of your scores.
• Receipt of membership application and corresponding fee.
• Fulfillment of Continuing Education requirements.

Gowning up!

How do I take the VTNE? The VTNE is administered through the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). Rules and requirements for sitting for the exam are exclusively that of AAVSB. For information or to apply for the VTNE, visit www.aavsb.org or call 877-698-8482.

Once I take the VTNE, am I automatically certified in CO?

• No. The VTNE and CO certification are totally separate processes.
• You must first pass the VTNE with an acceptable score of 425 or greater based on the scale score. CACVT is the certifying agency in Colorado. You do not have to be a member of CACVT, but the certification process is governed by CACVT. If you do become a member, your certification is included in membership.
• There are several levels of membership. See CACVT Membership area

What do I do if my certification has lapsed? If your certification has lapsed, contact the CACVT office directly. Each case is unique. In many cases, you can make up the CE hours and pay back fees if the lapsed time is not extensive. In general, if you have not maintained credentialing in some state, and if you have not taken CE for over four years, you will probably need to re-take the VTNE. Again, contact the CACVT office to discuss your specific circumstance.

Can I belong to multiple state organizations? Yes, as long as you follow the guidelines pertaining to each state. You do not have to live in Colorado to belong to the CACVT. This may be different for other states. In Colorado, CACVT maintains your certification through CE requirements.

When are CACVT fees and CE credits due in Colorado? We are on a two-year certification period with fixed dates that run from July 1 to June 30 on even numbered years (example July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2010). Fees are due at the beginning of this period and a minimum of 16 CE credits are due by the end of this period (but can be turned in at any time during this time). Everyone is scheduled to renew at the same time regardless of when you became a member of CACVT.

What CE credits do I need?

CE classes DO NOT carry over to the next certification period. Everyone starts fresh on July 1 of even numbered years. See CE Guidelines for more details.