Kentucky now accepts PAVE certification for veterinary licensure

Florida recently became the 44th U.S jurisdiction to accept certification from the Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE) as part of the licensure process for international veterinary graduates. Now Kentucky has become 45th, according to the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).

PAVE evaluates the education equivalence of graduates of international, non-accredited veterinary programs on behalf of participating AAVSB member boards. An international veterinary graduate who has attained PAVE certification has proven their English proficiency, passed the program’s Qualifying Science Examination (QSE), and completed an evaluated clinical experience at an institution accredited by the AVMA’s Council on Education. Candidates must also pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) and fulfill any other requirements set forth by the jurisdiction in which the individual wishes to practice.

“We're pleased the AAVSB's PAVE is continually being recognized and adopted by licensing bodies both within the AAVSB membership and beyond. The strength of the program is the continued involvement of veterinary medicine regulators in its development and administration,” said AAVSB Executive Director James T. Penrod, CAE, FASLA, in this release. “We look forward to working with the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners to make this program a success for them."

With the addition of Kentucky, 54 of the 62 AAVSB members boards now accept PAVE certification, in addition to states and provinces in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Learn more about PAVE certification here.