11 Answers to Your Questions About the Veterinary Assistant Exam

If you’ve recently finished a veterinary assistant program, you’re likely planning to take the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) exam.

This exam is the final step you’ll take before interviewing for veterinary assistant jobs. 

To ease your worries (and save you research time!), we’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about the veterinary assistant exam!

Here’s a look at the most common questions:

1. How much does the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) exam cost?

The exam costs $100. One attempt is included/covered in the MedCerts VetBloom Vet Assistant Program. However, if you don’t pass on your first attempt, you’re responsible for additional exam retake costs.

2. How do I sign up for the Approved Veterinary Assistant Examination?

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) created the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) designation. The exam was written by NAVTA’s AVA committee and can be taken through VetMedTeam, on behalf of NAVTA.

The exam is open to all graduates of a NAVTA approved training program such as the MedCerts VetBloom Veterinary Assistant Program. All MedCerts VetBloom Veterinary Assistant Program graduates receive a specific AVA Exam Code which is required to take the AVA exam.

3. Where do I take the test?

It depends. But all exams require an exam mentor to proctor the exam while you take it.

NAVTA has approved the following proctors:

• Any credentialed veterinary technician (CVT, RVT, LVT) licensed by their state
• Any veterinarian (DVM, VMD) licensed by their state
• Any college or university internal testing center

The exam may also be done at a licensed testing center.

4. How long is the exam? How many questions are on the exam?

You have 150 minutes to complete the 100-question exam.

5. What’s a passing score for the AVA exam?

You need 75% to pass.

6. What happens if I fail the exam?

You may retake the exam up to five times. Each retake costs $100.

7. What kinds of questions can I expect on the exam?

The NAVTA AVA Committee doesn’t publish information on the exam questions. We are confident the MedCerts VetBloom Veterinary Assistant Program will prepare you for the AVA Exam.

8. How can I best prepare for the exam?

There are a few ways you can go about preparing for the exam:

• Review your coursework
• Ask a mentor for clarification on material
• Take the MedCerts VetBloom Veterinary Assistant “mock exam” multiple times
• Prep a little bit each day leading up to the exam
• Watch any videos and re-read any material you didn’t understand
• Get a good night’s sleep before the exam
• Arrive a little early on exam day

9. How long after graduation must I take my exam?

Within one year.

10. How often do I need to renew my AVA designation?

Your designation is good for 2 years after the day of the exam. You will need to renew every two years to keep your designation in good standing. Before your designation expires, you may submit proof of continuing education credits. You can find additional details on the renewal process here.

11. How can I get more details on what’s required?

For the most updated details on exam requirements, visit the NAVTA website.

We hope this gives you a better insight into the veterinary assistant exam. Need more answers? Feel free to reach out to our student support team at 800–734–1175. We’d be happy to help!