Veterinary Assistant Certification (CVA)

Veterinary Assistant Certification & Certification Brochure

A. Students completed the career-oriented, job-trained educational program in veterinary science.

  1. Students completed a curriculum of 100 lessons and 50 activities – Veterinary Science: Preparatory Training for the Veterinary Assistant.
  2. Students completed an apprenticeship under the supervision of veterinarians in veterinary practices and obtained a minimum of 500 skill hours.

B. Students graduated with the title of classification of Veterinary Assistant (VA).

C. Graduates are qualified to take TVMA’s certification exam for the title classification of Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA).

D. State certification of graduates from VA programs is an examination process offered by a state certifying entity approved by the state veterinary licensing board to certify VAs for practice in CVA positions in a clinical career field. Presently, state certification is not offered for VAs in the laboratory and one health career fields.

The VA certification by examination is offered by the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA), which is an approved state certifying entity in Texas. Other states may accept the TVMA certification of VAs. TVMA offers examinations for CVA Level I, Level II, and Level III. Eligibility for the Level I  examination includes completion of a study course, documentation of 500 minimum clinical skill ours through employment or internship in veterinary clinics, and validation of clinical skills checklist.

Upon completing the required study program and apprenticeship, application is made by the VA for TVMA certification by examination. The information for eligibility for CVA examination for the three levels may be obtained at http://tvma.org under the following weblinks: