ABVP Frequently Asked Questions

About ABVP

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About ABVP

What is ABVP?

Founded in 1978, the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) promotes and recognizes the highest standards in the art and science of contemporary veterinary clinical practice. They are veterinarians who have demonstrated expertise in the broad range of clinical subjects relevant to their practice and who display the ability to communicate medical observations and data in an organized, appropriate manner. Unlike other AVMA specialty boards, which are devoted to specific disciplines or organ systems, ABVP awards species-oriented certification.

To ensure that certification is accessible to active practitioners, the certification procedure relies upon high quality, practice-related experience, in lieu of lengthy, institution-based, multi-year training programs. Formal postgraduate education is not required. Nevertheless, demonstration of a thorough mastery of the field is essential for achieving certification.

Is ABVP recognized to offer veterinary certifications?

Yes. ABVP has been a recognized specialty organization by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) since 1978 and is accredited by the American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS).

What does ABVP certify in?

ABVP is accredited to offer board-certification in clinical practice for the following species-oriented practice categories:

• Avian Practice
• Equine Practice
• Beef Cattle Practice
• Feline Practice
• Canine/Feline Practice
• Exotic Companion Mammal Practice
• Food Animal Practice
• Dairy Practice
• Reptile and Amphibian Practice
• Swine Health Management

Don’t confuse Canine/Feline with Feline. Canine/Feline is a certification for both cats and dogs while Feline is a separate certification for cats only.

What are the fees and deadlines associated with ABVP?

The fees and deadlines are noted in the table below. Payment of the entire amount must accompany the submitted materials. You can pay by credit card or with a check drawn in US funds on a US bank. All fees are non-refundable and cannot be carried over to the next year.

Type	Amount	Deadline
Initial Application & Fee
—for Practice Track	$330	September 1
—for Residency Track	$330	September 1
Re-Application & Fee	$220	January 15
Recertification Application & Fee
—by Credit Accumulation	$275	January 15
—by Specialty Examination	$275	September 1
Swine Health Management
—Entry Exam Application & Fee	$110	January 15
Annual Diplomate Fee	$220	July 1
Annual Emeritus Diplomate Fee	$50	July 1
Examination Fee	$440	September 1
Re-Examination Fee	$440	September 1

What do the different names mean?

ABVP – American Board of Veterinary Practitioners

ABVS – American Board of Veterinary Specialties

Appeals – A formal request to a higher authority requesting a change in or confirmation of a decision

Applicant – A person who has submitted an application, application fee, and all credentials materials is defined as an applicant

AVMA – American Veterinary Medical Association

Candidate – Applicants whose credentials have been accepted become Candidates. Candidates are eligible to take the practical and specialty exam. They must pass both exams to become Diplomates.

COR – Council of Regents

Credentials – Credentials are composed of your veterinary diploma, curriculum vitae, synopsis of veterinary experience, self-report job experience, continuing education documentation, applicant evaluation forms, case reports and/or publication

Diplomate – A person who successfully passes credentials in both the Specialty and Practical portions of the certifying exam becomes a Diplomate

Inactive Diplomate – Diplomates who have not kept up with their annual Diplomate fees ($220). Inactive Diplomates essentially lose their Diplomate status. Their status can be restored if they pay their fees.

Expired Diplomate – Diplomate certification lasts for 10 years. Those who do not recertify after then will have an expired certification, meaning they lose their Diplomate status.

Entrant – A person who intends to apply for Swine Health Management certification must first pass an entry exam. This person is considered an entrant until the entry exam is successfully completed

JCA – Job content analysis

OC – Organizing Committee

P&P – Policies and Procedures

RVS – Recognized veterinary specialty

RVSO – Recognized veterinary specialty organization