Examination Information

 The AVECCTN Certifying Examination is the final step in the Certification process.  Once successfully passed, a veterinary technician becomes a member of AVECCTN and is approved to use the designation VTS(ECC) behind their name. 

The examination is a comprehensive 200 question multiple-choice test, designed to thoroughly evaluate a candidate's knowledge in the field of emergency and critical care.  At this time, there is no practical portion to the examination.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where can I sit for the examination?

The examination is held once annually in September, in conjunction with the International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Symposium. The examination is all online now but takes place the day before IVECCS begins.  The exam is remotely proctored. You will receive information on the requirements for taking the exam online after your application passes.

2. How much does the examination cost?

The examination fee is set each year by the Board of Directors.  For the 2026 exam, the fee will be $325

3. What does the examination cover?

AVECCTN EXAMINATION BLUEPRINT

The following information may be helpful to you in preparing for the examination.  The examination will consist of 200 multiple choice questions with one correct answer out of four choices.  It is geared toward the level of a veterinary technician with 3 years full time experience in a well-equipped and staffed practice in emergency/critical care medicine.  For each discipline, questions may be asked about:  anatomy and pathophysiology; etiology and risk factors; triage; signs and symptoms; diagnostic procedures; monitoring; implications of failure on other systems; goals of therapy; patient management; or complications.  We want to test not only the candidate’s knowledge of a subject but also the ability to comprehend and apply that knowledge, and problem solve. To help you prepare for the examination we have included the  approximate examination blueprint:

`