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Prerequisites for Licensure

​​​​​​​​The requirements for obtaining ​licensure from the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners (KBVE) vary by license type. Please refer to specific requirements in the table below and to the KBVE Forms page. If you have any questions after reviewing this ​material, please contact Vet@ky.gov or call 502-564-5433.

Candidates for licensure as a veterinarian are required to be a graduate of an AVMA accredited veterinary medical college (201 KAR 16:520). Graduates of non-AVMA approved programs are considered "foreign graduates" and should refer to the "Foreign Graduates" section below for alternate pathways to licensure. To determine if a veterinary medical college is AVMA accredited, visit the AVMA Council on Education (COE) official online list of accredited ​schools.

Graduates from non-AVMA accredited veterinary colleges must successfully complete the requirements of one of the following programs to be considered for licensure as a veterinarian in Kentucky. Click on the program title for an overview of each pathway. Candidates ​interested in completing one of these programs should contact the sponsoring organization directly through the links below. Only one program need be successfully completed, and only one time.

In Kentucky, a passing exam score on the NAVLE* is required for licensure as a veterinarian. Students attending an AVMA accredited program or individuals who are in the final stages of the ECFVG or PAVE program who are ready to sit for the NAVLE need to apply directly to the ICVA. Be aware that deadlines for application are strict, and there are no exceptions for delays in the application process.

*Per 201 KAR 16:530, Section 1(7), candidates who tested and achieved passing scores on national or state level exams, i.e., the National Board Exam (NBE) and/or the Clinical Competency Text (CCT), prior to May 2000 are still eligible for licensure without taking the NAVLE.

In Kentucky, once a passing score is achieved on the national exam candidates for licensure do not need to retest, regardless of how long ago the test was ​completed.

Per KRS 321.201, the KBVE can issue a Special Permit only to applicants who are qualified to become a licensed veterinarian but are waiting on exam results. The Exam may be the NAVLE, or the final exam stage of the ECFVG or PAVE program. Additionally, the applicant must be working under a veterinarian who is currently licensed and in good standing in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Applicants interested in a Special Permit may mark the appropriate box on either the Application for Licensure as a Veterinarian or on the Application for Retake of the NAVLE, pay the Special Permit Fee, and include a letter from the supervising veterinarian as described in the application checklist. I.e., on letterhead from the employing clinic, and including the following: (1) The name of the Kentucky licensed supervising veterinarian; (2) The license number of the Kentucky licensed supervising veterinarian; (3) A statement of recommendation about the applicant; and (4) A statement indicating that the applicant shall be supervised by the signing veterinarian.

Of note, the Special Permit expires one (1) day following the notification of exam results. Practice as a veterinarian must CEASE AND DESIST under the Special Permit following this notification. Applicants who pass the exam should ensure exam results are immediately forwarded to the Board so licensure can proceed without delay. If the exam is failed and the applicant wishes to​ continue working under a Special Permit, the applicant must apply to take the exam again and also apply again for a Special Permit. Contact Vet@ky.gov for more information.

Candidates must complete the Application for Licensure as a Veterinarian located on the Applications and Forms page under the “Veterinarian Applications” drop-down. There is a comprehensive checklist at the back of the application to assist candidates with their submission. All components of the application are due prior to the Board reviewing the file for licensure. Note that the State Exam Answer Sheet due with the application is located in the same area of the Board’s website at the licensure application. To prepare for the State Exam, please reference the Kentucky Laws and Regulations Booklet located on the Practice Act page.

Note that most required documentation must be “direct source” which means the verification cannot pass through the applicant, but instead must be provided directly to the KBVE from the agency or college from which it originates. This is true for college transcripts and verification letters. Electronic submissions are acceptable to Vet@ky.gov.

Candidates who applied to test for the NAVLE through Kentucky, if the application is less than two years old, need only complete the application already on file. I.e., submit a background check, final school transcripts, and confirm the NAVLE scores were received by the Kentucky Board. If licensure has been obtained in another jurisdiction in the interim following application, candidates must also request a licensure verification letter be sent directly to the Kentucky Board from the state/jurisdiction of licensure. If the application is more than two years old from the date signed or received, individuals must reapply for licensure.

Veterinarian license holders must renew their license every two years (even years only) by September 30, or with a late fee by November 30. Failure to renew by the deadline will cause the license to expire. For more information on renewal and CE requirements, visit the KBVE Continuing Education page. ​For information on available licensure status options and other questions, visit the KBVE FAQ page.

Endorsement candidates for licensure must complete the Application for Licensure as a Veterinarian located on the Applications and Forms page under the "Veterinarian Applications" drop-down. There is a comprehensive checklist at the back of the application to assist candidates with their submission. All components of the ​application are due prior to the Board reviewing the file for licensure. Note that the State Exam Answer Sheet due with the application is located in the same area of the Board’s website at the licensure application.

Note that most required documentation must be "direct source" which means the verification cannot pass through the applicant, but instead must be provided directly to the Kentucky Board from the agency or college from which it originates. This is true for college transcripts and verification letters. Electronic submissions are acceptable to Vet@ky.gov.

Candidates must also request a licensure verification letter be sent directly to the Kentucky Board from each state/jurisdiction of licensure ever held, regardless of licensure status or how long a license may have been expired. DO NOT collect these letters and submit them with the application. If a state does not issue licensure verification letters and instead only provides online verification, make a note in the application and Board staff will download these verifications directly.

Veterinarian license holders must renew their license every two years (even years only) by September 30, or with a late fee by November 30. Failure to renew by the deadline will cause the license to expire. For more information on renewal and CE requirements, visit the KBVE Continuing Education page. For information on available licensure status options and other questions, visit the KBVE FAQ page.

All veterinarian license holders are on the same renewal cycle, regardless of when the license was issued. Veterinarian license holders must renew their license every two years (even years only) by September 30, or with a late fee by November 30. Failure to renew by the deadline will cause the license to expire. For information on available licensure status options and other questions, visit the KBVE FAQ page.

Thirty (30) hours of CE are due each renewal. All CE can be earned online. Per 201 KAR 16:590, Section 3, licensees are responsible for keeping original certificates of completion (including the license name, license number, and signature) on file for four (4) years in case of a CE audit by the Board. Ten (10) percent of licensees are audited each year. In the event of an audit, copies (not originals) of CE certificates should be provided to the KBVE for review. For more information on renewal and CE requirements, visit the KBVE Continuing Education page.

In order to expedite the renewal process, license holders should apply to renew a license online through the KBVE eServices Portal, also accessible from the Board homepage by clicking on the icon next to the "Online Services" heading. If a license holder needs assistance creating an account online, please email Vet@ky.gov.

Following notice of an approved renewal application, licensees can login to their eServices Portal account to download an updated copy of their license. New laminated wallet cards may be ordered for a minimal fee by completing and submitting the Request for Printed Credentials form located on the Applications and Forms page under ​the "Requests and Other Forms" drop-down.

If a license expired less than five (5) years ago, individuals are required to apply for reinstatement (201 KAR 16:540, Section 2). Candidates for licensure reinstatement must complete the Reinstatement Application for Veterinarians located on the Applications and Forms page under the "Veterinarian Applications" drop-down. There is a comprehensive checklist at the back of the application to assist candidates with their submission. All components of the application are due, including the AAVSB VAULT Credential Report and personal FBI background check, prior to the Board reviewing the file for licensure. Not sure when a license expired? Verify a license status or date of expiration by visiting the Board’s Licensure Verification page and clicking on the "Verify a License" button. If the license has been expired more than five years from the date of application, the candidate must apply for a new license.

Note that most required documentation must be “direct source” which means the verification cannot pass through the applicant, but instead must be provided directly to the KBVE from the agency or college from which it originates. This is true for college transcripts and verification letters. Electronic submission is acceptable to Vet@ky.gov.

Candidates must also request a licensure verification letter be sent directly to the KBVE from each state/jurisdiction of licensure ever held, regardless of licensure status or how long a license may have been expired. DO NOT collect these letters and submit them with the application. If a state does not issue licensure verification letters and instead only provides online verification, make a note in the application and Board staff will download these verifications directly.

Veterinarian license holders must renew their license every two years (even years only) by September 30, or with a late fee by November 30. Failure to renew by the deadline will cause the license to expire. For more information on renewal and CE requirements, visit the KBVE Continuing Education page. For information on available licensure status options and other questions, ​visit the KBVE FAQ page.

Candidates for licensure as a veterinary technician are required to be a graduate with an associates or bachelor's degree from an AVMA CVTEA accredited veterinary technology / technician / nurse program (201 KAR 16:520). Graduates of non-AVMA approved programs are considered "foreign graduates" and should refer to the "Foreign Graduates" section below for alternate pathways to licensure. To determine if a veterinary technician program is AVMA accredited, visit the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) official online list of accredited programs. Candidates may also check the list of formerly accredited programs at by visiting AVMA CVTEA online and looking under the heading "Accreditation withdrawn history" to ​see if a program was accredited at the time of graduation.

Graduates from international, non-AVMA CVTEA accredited veterinary technician programs must successfully complete the requirements of the AAVSB PAVE Program for Veterinary Technicians to be considered for licensure as a veterinary technician in Kentucky. Candidates interested in completing this program should contact AAVSB directly through the ​link provided.

Students attending an AVMA accredited program who are ready to sit for the VTNE need to apply directly to the AAVSB for approval to take the exam. Do not delay in applying, as deadlines are very strict for available testing windows. A passing exam score on the VTNE* is required for licensure as a veterinary technician with the KBVE.

*Per 201 KAR 16:530, Section 2(1)(b), individuals who graduated from an approved program prior to 1990, and successfully completed one of the following tests prior to 1990 may also be eligible for licensure: the Animal Technician National Exam (ATNE) if taken during the years 1986 – 1989, or a passing score from a jurisdictional level competency exam if taken prior to 1986. Exam results must be submitted on official letterhead from the testing organization or official records custodian to be eligible for consideration.

In Kentucky, once the VTNE, ATNE, or other KBVE approved exam has been successfully passed, candidates for licensure do not need to retest, ​regardless of how long ago the test was completed.

Candidates must complete the Application for Licensure as a Veterinary Technician located on the Applications and Forms page under the "Veterinary Technicians Applications" drop-down. There is a comprehensive checklist at the back of the application to assist candidates with their submission. All components of the application are due prior to the Board reviewing the file for licensure.

Note that most required documentation must be "direct source" which means the verification cannot pass through the applicant, but instead must be provided directly ​to the KBVE from the agency or college from which it originates. This is true for college transcripts and verification letters. Electronic submissions are acceptable to Vet@ky.gov.

KBVE licensed veterinary technicians (LVTs) must renew their license each year by September 30, or with a late fee by November 30. Failure to renew by the deadline will cause the license to expire. For more information on renewal and CE requirements, visit the KBVE Continuing Education page. For information on available licensure status options and other questions, visit the KBVE FAQ page.

Endorsement candidates for licensure must complete the Application for Licensure as a Veterinary Technician located on the Applications and Forms page under the "Veterinary Technicians Applications" drop-down. There is a comprehensive checklist at the back of the application to assist candidates with their submission. All components of the application are due prior to the Board reviewing the file for licensure.

Note that most required documentation must be "direct source" which means the verification cannot pass through the applicant, but instead must be provided directly to the KBVE from the agency or college from which it originates. This is true for college transcripts and verification letters. Electronic submissions are acceptable to Vet@ky.gov.

Candidates must also request a licensure verification letter be sent directly to the KBVE from each state/jurisdiction of licensure ever held, regardless of licensure status or how long a license may have been expired. DO NOT collect these letters and submit them with the application. If a state does not issue licensure verification letters and instead only provides online verification, make a note ​in the application and Board staff will download these verifications directly.

KBVE licensed veterinary technicians (LVTs) must renew their license each year by September 30, or with a late fee by November 30. Failure to renew by the deadline will cause the license to expire. For more information on renewal and CE requirements, visit the KBVE Continuing Education page. For information on available licensure status options and other questions, visit the KBVE FAQ page.

All licensed veterinary technicians (LVTs) are on the same renewal cycle, regardless of when the license was issued. LVTs must renew their license each year by September 30, or with a late fee by November 30. Failure to renew by the deadline will cause the license to expire. For information on available licensure status options and other questions, visit the KBVE FAQ page.

Six (6) hours of CE are due each renewal. All CE can be earned online. Per 201 KAR 16:590, Section 3, licensees are responsible for keeping original certificates of completion (including the license name, license number, and signature) on file for four (4) years in case of a CE audit by the Board. Ten (10) percent of licensees are audited each year. In the event of an audit, copies (not originals) of CE certificates should be provided to the KBVE for review. For more information on renewal and CE requirements, visit the KBVE Continuing Education page.

In order to expedite the renewal process, license holders should apply to renew a license online through the KBVE eServices Portal, also accessible from the Board homepage by clicking on the icon next to the "Online Services" heading. If a license holder needs assistance creating an account online, please email Vet@ky.gov.

Following notice of an approved renewal application, licensees can login to their eServices Portal account to download an updated copy of their license. New laminated wallet cards may be ordered for a minimal fee by completing and submitting the Request for Printed Credentials form located on the Applications and Forms page under the "Requests and Other ​Forms" drop-down.

If a license expired less than five (5) years ago, individuals are required to apply for reinstatement (201 KAR 16:540, Section 2). Candidates for licensure reinstatement must complete the Reinstatement Application for Veterinarians located on the Applications and Forms page under the “Veterinarian Applications” drop-down. There is a comprehensive checklist at the back of the application to assist candidates with their submission. All components of the application are due, including the AAVSB VAULT Credential Report and personal FBI background check, prior to the Board reviewing the file for licensure. Not sure when a license expired? Verify a license status or date of expiration by visiting the Board’s Licensure Verification page and clicking on the “Verify a License” button. If the license has been expired more than five years from the date of application, the candidate must apply for a new license.

Note that most required documentation must be “direct source” which means the verification cannot pass through the applicant, but instead must be provided directly to the KBVE from the agency or college from which it originates. This is true for college transcripts and verification letters. Electronic submissions are acceptable to Vet@ky.gov.

Candidates must also request a licensure verification letter be sent directly to the KBVE from each state/jurisdiction of licensure ever held, regardless of licensure status or how long a license may have been expired. DO NOT collect these letters and submit them with the application. If a state does not issue licensure verification letters and instead only provides online verification, make a note in the application and Board staff will download these verifications directly.

KBVE licensed veterinary technicians (LVTs) must renew their license each year by September 30, or with a late fee by November 30. Failure to renew by the deadline will cause the license to expire. For more information on renewal and CE requirements, visit the KBVE Continuing ​Education page. For information on available licensure status options and other questions, visit the KBVE FAQ page.

Individuals under the employment of a certified animal control agency who plan to perform animal euthanasia as part of their job duties must become certified by the KBVE to conduct euthanasia. Candidates must complete a KBVE approved 16-hour animal euthanasia course​, be employed by a KBVE certified animal control agency, and be approved for a certificate​ from the KBVE in order to legally conduct animal euthanasia in the Commonwealth. (201 KAR 16:560).

To be eligible for certification, individuals must meet the following minimum requirements (201 KAR 16:560, Section 1):

  • Be 21 years of age or older
  • Within the 10 years prior to the date of application, not have been convicted of, or entered an "Alford" plea or plea of nolo contendere to, irrespective of an order granting probation or suspending imposition of any sentence imposed following the conviction or entry of the plea:
    • A felony;
    • An act involving moral turpitude or gross immorality; or
    • A violation of any law, rule, or administrative regulation of this state, any other state, or the United States government that involves the use or trafficking of illegal substances;
  • Have a high school diploma or general equivalency degree (GED);
  • Pay the initial certification fee as specified in 201 KAR 16:514;
  • Be employed by a board certified animal control agency; and
  • Have successfully completed a Board Approved 16-hour animal euthanasia specialist training course.

A certified animal euthanasia specialist (AES) who leaves the employment of a KBVE certified animal control agency (ACA), whether terminated or voluntary, must report to the KBVE the final date of employment with the affiliated ACA. Reports can be emailed to Vet@ky.gov. A certified AES will have their certificate moved to inactive status when not employed by a KBVE certified ACA.

Certified AES must renew their certificate each year by March 1, or with a late fee by April 30. Failure to renew by the deadline will cause the certificate to expire. For more information on renewals, visit the ​KBVE Continuing Education page. For information on available certificate status options and other questions, visit the KBVE FAQ page.

Certified animal euthanasia specialists (AES) are required to renew the KBVE certificate each year by March 1, or with a late fee by April 30. Failure to renew by the deadline will cause the certificate to expire. For information on available certificate status options and other questions, visit the KBVE FAQ page.

In order to expedite the renewal process, certificate holders should apply to renew a certificate online through the KBVE eServices Portal, also accessible from the Board homepage by clicking on the icon next to the "Online Services" heading. If a certificate holder needs assistance creating an account online, please email Vet@ky.gov.

Following notice of an approved renewal application, certificate holders can login to their eServices Portal account to download an updated copy of their certificate. New laminated wallet cards may be ordered for a minimal fee by completing and submitting ​the Request for Printed Credentials form located on the Applications and Forms page under the "Requests and Other Forms" drop-down.

If a certificate expired less than five (5) years ago, candidates are required to apply for reinstatement (201 KAR 16:560). Candidates for reinstatement must complete the Reinstatement Application for Animal Control Agencies located on the Applications and Forms page under the “ACA Applications” drop-down. There is a comprehensive checklist at the back of the application to assist with the submission. All components of the application are due prior to the Board reviewing the file for licensure. Not sure when a certificate expired? Verify a certificate status or date of expiration by visiting the Board's Licensure Verification page and clicking on the “Verify a License” button. If the certificate has been expired more than five years from the date of application, the candidate must apply for a new certificate.

Individuals applying for reinstatement who took a KBVE approved 16-hour animal euthanasia course more than ten (10) years prior to the date of application must retake an approved course and submit a current certificate of completion with the reinstatement application.

Certified AES must renew their certificate each year by March 1, or with a late fee by April 30. Failure to renew by the deadline will cause the certificate to expire. For more information on renewals, visit the KBVE Continuing Education page. For information on available certificate status options and other questions, visit ​the KBVE FAQ page.

Animal control agencies intending to conduct euthanasia and purchase, store, or administer controlled substances at a facility must obtain a DEA Registration for Controlled Substances. However, prior to applying with the DEA, animal control agencies must first apply to the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners (KBVE) for a Restricted Controlled Substance Registration Authorization Certificate (a.k.a., animal control agency certificate). The KBVE shall periodically inspect animal control agencies for compliance.

NOTE: The KBVE is not authorized to license or certify animal control agencies ​for operation, and does not inspect animal control agencies for compliance with standards of care, nor the animals under the care of the animal control agency.

To become certified with the KBVE to apply for a DEA Controlled Substance Registration, an animal control agency must download and complete the Application for Certification as an Animal Control Agency (ACA) located on the KBVE Applications and Forms page under the "ACA Applications" drop-down. There is a comprehensive checklist at the back of the application to assist applicants with the submission. All components of the application are due prior to the KBVE reviewing the file for certification. In addition, a KBVE Investigator will conduct an inspection at the facility prior to KBVE approval.

Note that the application requires a Designated Onsite Manager to be identified as the responsible party for compliance with DEA Registration requirements; a personal FBI background check on this individual is required to be submitted to the KBVE. A change in the Designated Onsite Manager must be reported to the KBVE within ten (10) business days, and a personal FBI background check on the new manager must be submitted to the Board ASAP.

Certified animal control agencies are required to renew the KBVE certificate each year by March 1, or with ​a late fee by April 30. Failure to renew by the deadline will cause the certificate to expire, and all animal euthanasia specialist certificates affiliated with the shelter will automatically be changed to Inactive status. For more information on renewals, visit the KBVE Continuing Education page. For information on available licensure status options and other questions, visit the KBVE FAQ page.

Following approval by the KBVE, certified animal control agencies must apply directly to the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for a Controlled Substance Registration. DEA applications are available online at the Diversion Control Division website. Certified animal control agencies must report the DEA Registration number ​to the KBVE.

Certified animal control agencies are required to submit the following notifications to the KBVE on a very short timeline:

  1. A change in the Designated​ Onsite Manager must be reported to the KBVE. Within ten (10) business days, the form Request to Designate a New Agency Onsite Manager must be completed and submitted to KBVE, and a personal FBI background check on the new manager must be submitted to the Board ASAP. This form is located on the Applications and Forms page under the "ACA Applications" drop-down.
  2. Whenever a certified animal euthanasia specialist (AES) is no longer employed by the animal control agency, the Designated Onsite Manager must report the termination to the KBVE within ten (10) business days so the AES certificate can be inactivated. Send reports of terminated or severed employment to Vet@ky.gov.

Certified animal control agencies are required to renew the KBVE certificate each year by March 1, or with a late fee by April 30. Failure to renew by the deadline will cause the certificate to expire, and all animal euthanasia specialist certificates affiliated with the shelter will automatically be changed to Inactive status. For information on available certificate status options and other questions, visit the KBVE FAQ page.

In order to expedite the renewal process, certificate holders should apply to renew a certificate online through the KBVE eServices Portal, also accessible from the Board homepage by clicking on the icon next to the “Online Services” heading. If a certificate holder needs assistance creating an account online, please email Vet@ky.gov.

Following notice of an approved renewal application, certificate holders can login to their eServices Portal account to download an ​updated copy of the certificate.

If a certificate expired less than five (5) years ago, animal control agencies are required to apply for reinstatement (201 KAR 16:550). Candidates for reinstatement must complete the Reinstatement Application for Animal Control Agencies located on the Applications and Forms page under the "ACA Applications" drop-down. There is a comprehensive checklist at the back of the application to assist with the submission. In addition, if a current inspection is not on file, a KBVE Investigator will conduct an inspection at the facility. All components of the application are due prior to the KBVE reviewing the file for reinstatement. Not sure when a certificate expired? Verify a certificate status or date of expiration by visiting the Board’s Licensure Verification page and clicking on the "Verify a License" button. If the certificate has been expired more than five years from the date of application, the candidate must apply for a new certificate.

Certified animal control agencies must renew their certificate each year by March 1, or with a late fee by April 30. Failure to renew by the deadline will cause the certificate to expire, and all animal euthanasia specialist certificates affiliated with the shelter will automatically be changed to Inactive status. For more information on renewals, visit the KBVE Continuing Education page. For ​information on available licensure status options and other questions, visit the KBVE FAQ page.