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