Pass the VTNE Exam- Practice Questions & Guide
The VTNE Exam is the most critical and challenging final step in becoming a certified vet technician. In this exam, you will be required to answer 170 multiple-choice questions testing a wide variety of professional skills and knowledge.
On this page, we will guide you through the type of questions you can expect, and how to apply for taking the test.
The VTNE online application window is now open until Jun 15. The VTNE exam is expected to be held between Jul 15 – Aug 15.
If you have any inquiries regarding your VTNE Exam, please don't hesitate to contact us. We usually respond within 24 hours.
What is the VTNE Exam?
The VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam) is the most important competency exam for people looking to start their careers as veterinary technicians in the US or Canada. To become a certified vet tech, test takers must register with AAVSB and pass the exam, which assesses necessary skills and knowledge to take care of animals properly.
The VTNE is a 3-hour computer-based examination composed of 170 multiple-choice questions, with 150 of them being used to determine your score. The remaining 20 questions are included as pilot questions and will not affect your final score.
VTNE Practice Questions
The following questions were written and selected by AAVSB, to provide an example of the type of questions you can expect on the VTNE test.
Good luck!
1. Which of the following mouth-rinsing agents has the best antibacterial properties?
2. How many 68-mg enrofloxacin tablets will be needed to treat a 20-lb (9-kg) dog for 10 days at a dosage of 15 mg/kg/day?
3. Which surgery involves the removal of the claw and its associated third phalanx?
4. The primary reason for the use of a surgical mask during dental prophylaxis is to prevent the:
5. A serum sample that appears milky is best described as:
6. Antibodies belong to a class of:
7. In ultrasonography, which of the following terms refers to tissues that reflect more sound back to the transducer than to surrounding tissues?
8. A 15.4-lb (7-kg) patient under isoflurane general anesthesia exhibits a heart rate below 60 beats per minute, prolonged capillary refill time, centering of the eyes, pupil dilation, and muscle flaccidity. The most appropriate management option for this patient is to:
9. A 12.45 kg dog (2.2 pounds = 1 kg) presents to the clinic 8% dehydrated. What is the volume of fluids required to resolve the deficit?
10. The analgesic effects of NSAIDs occur mainly because of their ability to:
Which topics will appear on VTNE Questions?
VTNE questions cover nine primary topics (or “domains”):
- Pharmacy and Pharmacology (18 questions)
- Surgical Nursing (17 questions)
- Dentistry (12 questions)
- Laboratory Procedures (17 questions)
- Animal Care and Nursing (30 questions)
- Diagnostic Imaging (11 questions)
- Anesthesia (22 questions)
- Emergency Medicine/ Critical Care (12 questions)
- Pain Management/ Analgesia (11 questions)
Each domain of the VTNE includes task area statements, which are specific, goal-oriented actions, and knowledge area statements that measure the knowledge a successful vet tech should possess.
Passing the VTNE Exam
The passing score for the VTNE varies and is determined by the Veterinary Technician Examining Committee (VTEC).
Once you're done with your exam, you'll get a score report right away that lets you know if you passed or not. Don't worry, you can also check your results later in the MyAAVSB portal.
How many people pass the VTNE for the first time?
According to the American Association of Veterinary State Boards, which is responsible for administering the VTNE, the average pass rate among first-time test takers has been 70.3% over the past three years nationwide.
How to Apply for the VTNE Exam?
The VTNE exam is administered by AAVSB (Americal Association of veterinary state boards) in collaboration with PSI, a well-known test provider. You can choose to take it in PSI testing centers, or as a live remote proctored exam (LRP). To register for the LRP exam, make sure you meet all necessary requirements.
The VTNE exam registration fee is $340 and must be paid to the AAVSB when you submit your application online.
When to apply for the VTNE Exam?
The VTNE exam is administered three times each year. These are the VTNE dates for 2023:
| Online Application Deadlines | VTNE Exam Window |
| December 15 - February 15 | March 15 - April 15 |
| April 15 - June 15 | July 15 - August 15 |
| August 15 - October 15 | November 15 - December 15 |
*The Application Deadlines may be earlier in case state or province reviews eligibility.
For more detailed information about the AAVSB VTNE exam process, download the AAVSB candidate information handbook.