ECFVG launches new platform

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) evaluated educational equivalency of veterinary school graduating from non-AVMA Council on Education-accredited institutions through The Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates’ (ECVFG) 4-step process. The process verifies the candidate’s education, clinical science knowledge, English proficiency, and hands-on skills.

However, the AVMA is now working to modernize the ECFVG certification program by introducing updates that are designed to improve candidate experience but also maintain the credibility and rigor of the credential. For example, a new online candidate is launching this fall, which will give applicants a streamlined access to the program requirements, improved communication tools, and real-time status updates.

"The AVMA’s commitment to ongoing quality assurance following peer-reviewed assessment best practices and modern psychometric principles has been the cornerstone of the ECFVG certification program since its inception," said Jim Weisman, DVM, AVMA chief of academic affairs, research and accreditation.¹

"The current enhancement work has been in progress for several years. We are excited about the future of the ECFVG program as it is an essential program for our profession."

According to the AVMA, the association also increased the number of program staff members and started a comprehensive review of its Clinical Proficiency Examination (CPE), which is the final portion of the program. At this time, the CPE is a 3-day, hands-on clinical skills examination administered at a veterinary college or other authorized testing institution.

The updates being made to the ECVFG are in response to "AVMA leadership’s desire to continuously improve the program to certification best practices" as well as candidates and staff member feedback.

Notable changes

The most visible change to candidates will be the updated ECFVG candidate portal, which will provide users with individualized dashboards. Through the update, candidates who are eligible to take the CPE will be able to join a waitlist for upcoming test dates.

"This new feature will provide candidates with a clearer sense of when they may be scheduled for the CPE, easing the uncertainty and anxiety that previously surrounded the registration process," said Marci Kirk, DVM, AVMA ECFVG program manager.¹

A review of the CPE is still in early stages and will explore the potential for technology-based performance examinations in the certification process. The commission will rely on the expertise of psychometricians who will be working on with subject matter experts who can offer their insight into required knowledge that needs to be assessed.¹

"The veterinary profession is constantly evolving, and it is important that the assessments we use remain contemporary. The goal of this review is to better understand what can be assessed through technology and what must remain as an in-person, hands-on, clinically based assessment," Weisman explained.

Weisman stated that although modernization is central to updating the ECFVG program the program’s rigor and credibility remains nonnegotiable. The AVMA has also expanded its staff capacity to provide support of the ECFVG modernization.

"Candidate feedback is essential to any comprehensive review and action plan," Weisman said.¹ "At the same time, we are committed to aligning with the expectations of the practicing veterinary community and ensuring our standards are consistent with what is expected of day-one-ready graduates from AVMA Council on Education-accredited veterinary schools."

To register for the certification program, applicants must be a graduate from a AVMA ECFVG-listed school with a degree to practice veterinary medicine without any restrictions in their country. Each applicant must also completely an online application and submit payment of 1400 USD, which includes the program application fee and Quality Assurance Program Fee.²

References

1. Nolen RS. ECFVG updates continue as new online platform launches. American Veterinary Medical Association. Published September 29, 2025. Accessed October 8, 2025. https://www.avma.org/news/ecfvg-updates-continue-new-online-platform-launches
2. American Veterinary Medical Association. Steps of the ECFVG Certification Program. American Veterinary Medical Association. Published 2023. Accessed October 8, 2025. https://www.avma.org/education/ecfvg/ecfvg-policies-and-procedures/steps-ecfvg-certification-program