GVMA offers a simple, cost-effective option for certification. The GVMA Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) Training Program is standardized and documents the basic skills and competencies required for animal care and assistance. The program will educate veterinary assistants in the essential skills and knowledge needed to become effective contributors to the veterinary medical care team. The best thing about this program is it can be completed in a clinic.

In order to receive CVA certification, certain standard requirements must be met. These include:

• 90 days of work experience under the supervision of a Licensed Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician
• Mastering all required material for level of desired certification, as well as previous levels
• Gaining and demonstrating the hands-on skills listed on the Skills Validation Checklist
• Exam Application and Skills Validation Checklist completed and approved by the supervising Licensed Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician
• Completion of the certification examination (70%)

For GVMA certification, applicants must demonstrate 100% of required skills, even if not regularly practiced in their clinic. Responsibility lies with the applicant to develop all listed skills. For instance, if a required skill involves horse care, and the clinic doesn’t treat horses, the supervisor may assess understanding through verbal explanation instead of a live demonstration.

Upon completion, submit the Exam Application, Skills Validation Checklist, and payment to the GVMA office for processing. While the Exam Application can be completed online, the exam is sent only after all items are received. The certification exam is sent to the supervisor, administered within a week, and results are mailed back to the clinic. Successful applicants receive a congratulatory letter and certification; those who fail can retake the exam with a $35 re-examination fee.

CVA – LEVEL I

CVA Level 1 offers comprehensive learning through a textbook and paper exam.

Hard-copy Training Manual:

• $169 – GVMA premier members
• $249 – GVMA individual members

Hard-copy Certification Exam

• $139 – GVMA premier members
• $199 – GVMA individual members
• $55 re-examination fee for non-passing scores.
• Already completed the hard-copy course? Access the Level I Exam Application here.

CVA – LEVELS II & III

CVA Levels 2 & 3 are offered through online training via Animal Care Technologies (ACT).

Please Note: Applicants must have passed examination for CVA Level I to receive certification for level II and have passed examination for both levels I & II to receive certification for level III.

Learn more about CVA Levels II and II

The profession of veterinary medicine is ever changing and new knowledge and treatment procedures are developed continuously. Veterinarians must remain current in their license and education and the same is true for Veterinary Assistants. In order to maintain CVA status, the CVA must renew their certification annually.

Renewal Fee: $30

CE Requirements: 5 hours

Renewal deadline: Due by the renewal date that is indicated on the CVA certificate.

The 5 hours of CE required per renewal period may all be taken online.

If requirements are not received by the renewal date, the individual is given a two week grace period. If the renewal fee is not paid and/or required CE is not completed by the end of the two week grace period, the CVA will be required to successfully pass testing again to reinstate their status.