What is the AAVSB?

The American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) is a nonprofit organization that serves the veterinary regulatory boards (state, provincial, and territorial) of the United States and Canada. The AAVSB was established to support and assist these boards in their responsibilities of regulating the practice of veterinary medicine in their respective regions.

Key Functions of the AAVSB include:

• Developing and Administering Exams: The AAVSB is responsible for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) and the development of other assessments, such as the Qualifying Science Examination (QSE) for the Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE).
• PAVE Program: The AAVSB manages the PAVE, which is designed for veterinarians who graduated from non-AVMA accredited veterinary schools outside the United States and Canada. PAVE evaluates whether these graduates meet educational standards comparable to those set by AVMA-accredited institutions.
• Credentialing Support: The AAVSB assists veterinarians and veterinary technicians with credentialing, particularly through its Veterinary Information Verifying Agency (VIVA), which verifies credentials for individuals applying for licensure in different states.
• Resource for Regulatory Boards: It provides a variety of resources to member boards to aid in their mission of protecting the public, including educational programs, model regulations, and policy development support.
• Inter-jurisdictional Practice: The AAVSB also addresses issues related to the mobility of veterinary professionals across different jurisdictions, promoting uniform standards and easing the licensure process for veterinarians moving between states or provinces.

The AAVSB plays a crucial role in the standardization and regulation of veterinary practice across North America, ensuring that veterinary care meets consistent standards of professionalism and public safety.