Examinations

PURPOSE: This rule describes the examination and passing scores required for licensure as a veterinarian. (1) All applicants for licensure as veterinarians in Missouri shall AND INSURANCE take both— (A) The North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE); and (B) The Missouri State Board Examination. 1. The board determines if an applicant is eligible to sit for the examination by reviewing the application and documentation required. No applicant will be approved to sit for the examination until their application file is complete. (2) Applicants shall submit— (A) The application for licensure and the registration fee to the Missouri Veterinary Medical Board; and (B) The NAVLE application and fee directly to the International Council for Veterinary Assessment (ICVA). The ICVA will determine applicant eligibility for the NAVLE examination. Once an applicant has taken the NAVLE, scores will be sent to the Missouri Veterinary Medical Board. Fourth year veterinary students that have selected Missouri as their licensing state may qualify for licensure by examination. (3) The passing score on the NAVLE shall be the minimum criterion referenced score as provided by the testing agency. The passing score on the Missouri State Board Examination shall be seventy percent (70%). (4) The requirements for transfer of the NAVLE scores are described under section 340.234, RSMo. (5) Veterinary students within ten (10) months of graduation may apply to take all of the required exams. However, no license will be issued until an official certified transcript verifying receipt of the degree in veterinary medicine is received by the board office sent by the degree-granting institution. It shall be the student’s responsibility to arrange with the school or university for the transmitting of the official transcript to the board office. (6) All applicants for veterinary licensure in Missouri shall take the Missouri State Board Examination and may be requested to meet with the board. In order to qualify for licensure, a passing score on the Missouri State Board Examination must have been received within two (2) years of issuance of the license. AUTHORITY: sections 340.210 and 340.234, RSMo 2016.* This rule originally filed as 4 CSR 270-2.031. Original rule filed Nov. 4, 1992, effective July 8, 1993. Amended: Filed April 14, 1994, effective Sept. 30, 1994. Amended: Filed July 31, 2000, effective Jan. 30, 2001. Moved to 20 CSR 2270-2.031, effective Aug. 28, 2006. Amended: Filed May 14, 2007, effective Nov. 30, 2007. Amended: Filed Nov. 21, 2008, effective May 30, 2009. Amended: Filed Jan. 3, 2012, effective June 30, 2012. Amended: Filed July 25, 2018, effective Jan. 30, 2019. Amended: Filed Jan. 23, 2024, effective July 30, 2024. Amended: Filed July 15, 2025, effective Feb. 28, 2026. *Original authority: 340.210, RSMo 1992, amended 1993, 1995, 1999, and 340.234, RSMo 1992, amended 1999, 2006.