Each year, thousands of veterinary students and graduates take the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) before they embark on their careers. However, recent trends indicate that while the number of NAVLE candidates has been increasing, the overall pass rate has been declining. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind these changes and explore the impact they have on the veterinary profession.
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The Surge in Test Takers
The NAVLE, administered by the International Council for Veterinary Assessment (ICVA), is a prerequisite for licensure to practice veterinary medicine in the U.S. and Canada. In the April 2023 testing window alone, 2,357 candidates took the NAVLE. This figure marks an increase of 676 candidates compared to the April 2022 window.
Moreover, during the 2022-23 testing cycle, a total of 8,230 candidates took the NAVLE, reflecting a 17.2% increase from the previous cycle. The ICVA reveals that there has been a significant 33.3% rise in the total number of examinations taken over the past five years.
Contributing Factors
Several factors have contributed to the growth in NAVLE test takers. Firstly, there has been a consistent increase in the number of first-year students in U.S. veterinary colleges, with enrollment rising by an average of 3% per year from 2019 to 2023. This trend has resulted in an overall 15% increase in first-year students during that period.
Additionally, new veterinary colleges have emerged, with their inaugural classes approaching graduation. The University of Arizona, Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine, and Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine are some examples of institutions that have recently graduated or will graduate their first classes.
Furthermore, there has been a rise in the number of candidates from educational equivalency programs such as the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) and Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE).
Continued Growth and Expansion
This upward trend in test takers shows no sign of slowing down. Established veterinary colleges are responding to the growing demand by expanding their class sizes. Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine plans to increase its class size from 84 to 120, while North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine will boost its incoming classes from 100 to 125 students per year.
Moreover, several veterinary colleges have received approval for infrastructure upgrades and expansions. For instance, Colorado State University (CSU) has secured $50 million in funding from the state government for its Veterinary Health and Education Complex. This initiative will allow CSU to accommodate an additional 30 veterinary students per year, increasing their class size from 138 to 168.
Exploring Test Scores and Challenges
Despite the surge in test takers, the ultimate performance passing rate has experienced a downward trend in recent years. The passing rates for senior students from AVMA COE-accredited schools have declined as follows:
- 94% for 2018-19
- 95% for 2019-20
- 92% for 2020-21
- 90% for 2021-22
- 86% for 2022-23
The NAVLE is a rigorous, standardized test consisting of 360 clinically relevant multiple-choice questions. While historically, graduates of AVMA COE-accredited veterinary medical schools have maintained an average pass rate of over 90%, the reasons behind the recent drop in scores are not yet clear.
The COVID-19 pandemic did pose some challenges for candidates seeking available testing locations. However, the ICVA promptly resumed testing as veterinary medicine was recognized as an essential part of healthcare. The organization implemented changes to facilitate the testing process, such as releasing scheduling permits earlier and expanding the testing windows.
New Retake Policy
In response to the increasing number of NAVLE retakes, the ICVA has introduced a new retake policy that will take effect from the November-December 2024 administration. Under this policy, candidates will be allowed to take the test up to five times, including incomplete attempts. All attempts made before the effective date will count toward the five-attempt limit.
Previously, while the ICVA recommended a maximum of five attempts in five years, licensing boards had the discretion to establish their own NAVLE retake policies. The new policy also includes provisions for candidates to appeal to the ICVA board of directors for permission to take the NAVLE beyond the five-attempt limit.
The ICVA believes that this revised policy aligns with assessment best practices, enhancing test security and providing a more accurate measure of a candidate’s knowledge level. It is also in line with the retake policy for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), providing more clarity for applicants and licensing board personnel.
As the number of veterinary students and graduates continues to grow, the ICVA remains committed to monitoring data from the NAVLE. This includes analyzing the ultimate performance passing rate variances and identifying any underlying factors that may contribute to these trends.
In conclusion, the increase in NAVLE test takers reflects the rising interest in the veterinary profession. However, the declining pass rates pose a challenge for both candidates and licensing boards. As the ICVA implements changes to adapt to this growth, it is crucial for veterinary schools and policymakers to ensure that students receive the necessary support and resources to succeed in their careers.
