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Complete Your

PAVE Application

1 Task: Verify Your School

2 Task: Verify English proficiency

All applicants to the PAVE Program must demonstrate proficiency in the English language using one of the three options below:

For Options 1 and 2 only

  • TOEFL and IELTS scores are considered valid for two years after the test date. English proficiency scores must be valid at the time a PAVE candidate sits for the QSE.
  • Scores from multiple score reports cannot be combined. Candidates must achieve all section requirements on the same score report. There are no exceptions to this policy

Option 1: Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet (TOEFL iBT, or iBT TOEFL Home Edition)

  • There is no minimum overall passing score for the TOEFL iBT® Test. Candidates must achieve, at a minimum, the scores below in each section:
Reading 18
Listening 26
Speaking 26
Writing 20
  • The AAVSB Institution Code is 8216. You must put this number on the TOEFL exam forms for scores to be sent directly to the AAVSB office. For further information and to register for TOEFL, go to www.ets.org/toefl.

Option 2: IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic Examination, in person or online

  • You must score at least a 6.5 overall on the Academic Module. Section requirements are below:
    Listening 6.5
    Reading 6.0
    Writing 6.0
    Speaking 7.0
  • You must request that your scores be sent directly to the AAVSB. For further information and to register for IELTS, go to www.ielts.org.

Option 3: Alternative to English Proficiency Examinations

Substantiation that the PAVE candidate has attended at least three (3) years at a secondary high school or graduated from a post-secondary, professional veterinary school, under which the complete language of instruction was English.

Accepted documentation includes:

  • A letter received by PAVE directly from school officials stating the dates of attendance and verifying that the complete language of instruction was English and
  • A certified or notarized copy of the final high school or the professional veterinary school diploma or transcript received directly from the institution.
  • PAVE candidates who were homeschooled for all or part of their high school education (grades 9—12) may submit a letter from a school district official who had oversight on their home school curriculum to substantiate that the primary language of instruction was English.

Documentation that the candidate has met the English Proficiency criteria is due at the time of application. If this requirement has not been met upon the review of the candidate’s application, the candidate will be deferred to the next scheduled examination.

3 Task: Review Exam Dates

  • Applications are accepted during the designated application windows in the chart below.
    • Applications must be completed by the deadline. Late applications will not be accepted.
    • Applications are considered incomplete until all required documents have been received.
2024 - 2025 Qualifying Science Examination Dates
Examination Date Application Window Application &
Document Deadlines		 Retake Deadlines
Over 3 Attempts
Sept 12, 2024 Jun 1-31, 2024 Jun 30, 2024 Apr 1, 2024
Jan 9, 2025 Oct 1 - 31, 2024 Oct 31, 2024 Aug 1, 2024
May 15, 2025 Mar 1 - 31, 2025 Mar 31, 2025 Dec 1, 2024
Sept 11, 2025 Jun 1 - 30, 2025 Jun 30, 2025 August 1, 2025

4 Task: Send required documentation

  • Required documentation must be sent before or during the online application window.
  • Documents can be sent separately or Individually. All documents required for application are due by the application deadline.
    • Documents can be emailed directly from the veterinary school to [email protected].
    • Please note: Mailed documents cannot be returned.
  • Please send an email with contact information to [email protected] when documents are being sent and let us know when you expect to apply for PAVE.
  • Any document (including all seals and/or stamps) that is not in English must be prepared and certified by a professional translation service. You are required to submit original documents in addition to the certified translations.

Required documents for all applicants:

    1.   Proof of English Proficiency – one of the following sent directly from the institution to the AAVSB:
      •   Successful completion of the TOEFL examination; or
      •   Successful completion of the IELTS examination; or
      •   Documentation for Option #3 above. Refer to requirements in Task #2.
    2.   If you have graduated from a veterinary school, submit:
      • Official proof of veterinary degree or qualification (diploma), sent directly from the veterinary school; and
      • Official final veterinary transcripts sent directly from the veterinary school.
    3.   If you are currently enrolled in veterinary school, submit:
      • A letter from the Dean or Principal indicating your academic standing and the anticipated date of your graduation and verifying you have completed 50% of the program sent directly from your veterinary school; and
      • An unofficial transcript or grade report detailing courses and grades sent directly from each veterinary school attended.
    4.   If your name is different from your passport or birth certificate, submit one verification document:
      • a notarized copy of your marriage license; or
      • a notarized copy of your divorce decree; or
      • a notarized copy of your name-change document.

Request Accommodations

  • If you have a documented disability covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act of 2008 (ADAAA 2008) and want to test with accommodations, you must complete the request form.

    Click here to print the Request Form for Accommodations (PDF)

  • Supporting documentation must be provided prior to, or at the time of, submission of your PAVE application. Requests for accommodations will not be accepted after the deadline date.
  • All requests for accommodations must be approved by the AAVSB.

Submit the required documents by mail to the following address:

PAVE Program
12101 W 110th St
Suite 300
Overland Park, KS 66210
United States

5 Task: Submit application

Initial Fees
PAVE Application Fee $390 USD
Qualifying Science Examination Fee $1,550 USD
  • You will pay initial fees by credit card when you submit your online application. The AAVSB accepts
    • Visa®
    • Mastercard®
    • Discover®
    • American Express®
  • The first and last name on the PAVE online application must match the first and last name of your government issued, unexpired, photo ID with signature, that you will use on exam day. Email [email protected] if this is a concern.
  • Your MyAAVSB account may not be created until staff initially processes your PAVE online application. You will get an email from [email protected] to finalize your account. Please allow 1-3 weeks for processing.

Due to a high volume of applicants, please expect a waiting period for acceptance into an Evaluated Clinical Experience (ECE). Please understand paying associated fees and passing the Qualifying Science Exam (QSE) does not guarantee placement in an ECE.


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