Steps to Becoming Licensed to Practice Veterinary Medicine 

  1. Completion of your DVM degree (or equivalent education) and 
  2. A passing score on the NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Examination) 
  3. In addition, some states have additional requirements such as additional clinical competency tests and/or state jurisprudence exam 
  4. Completion of licensure forms in the state you want to be licensed in along with payment of licensure fees 

Information on the NAVLE 

The National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners has established a single common examination for veterinary medical licensure in the United State known as the North American Veterinary Medical Licensing Examination (NAVLE). 

The NAVLE is currently offered twice a year in a November/December testing window and an April testing window.  Starting in 2025-2026, there will three testing windows offered-October/November, March and July/August.

Oregon State veterinary students are eligible to take the exam during fall or spring testing windows of their senior year.  (Please note: you must have an expected graduation date no later than ten months from the last date of the applicable testing window.) 

Please go here for detailed information on the NAVLE.


Transferring your NAVLE Scores for State Licensure 

If the state you registered to take the NAVLE through was different from the state that you are seeking licensure in, you will be required to have your official scores transferred to the licensing board of the state you want to be licensed in. 

Please go here for information on score transfer. 

State Specific Veterinary Information 

Whether you have already landed your dream job and just need to apply for your veterinary license or you are just starting your job hunt and want to get a feel for the job market and application process in a geographical area of interest, we recommend you visit the American Association of Veterinary State Boards licensing boards site, where state-specific licensing information is available. 

Please go here for information on licensing in the state of Oregon. In Oregon, if the applicant has less than one year’s experience (which pertains to all of our new graduates), an Intern Permit (intern license) will be issued. The intern license will expire following one year’s practice experience, under supervision of an Oregon licensed veterinarian.  Upon completion of the intern year, the intern may apply for an active license.  The supervising veterinarian shall complete an experience verification form attesting that the intern has satisfactorily completed the year and the intern shall submit this form with the application for an active license.