License GuideSOC 29-1131

Veterinarian
License.

Veterinarians diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries in animals. Their daily work varies by specialty. Some run clinical practices, examining pets and livestock, prescribing medications, and performing surgeries. Others work in research, developing new treatments for animal diseases. Still others inspect livestock for health and safety compliance on farms. Whether working in a clinic, laboratory, or field setting, veterinarians combine medical expertise with direct animal care to improve animal health and welfare.

At a Glance

Everything a Veterinarian needs to know.

The Work
What you actually do

Licensed veterinarians are regulated at the state level. Every state sets its own education, exam, and experience requirements.

Read more

Veterinarians diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries in animals. Their daily work varies by specialty. Some run clinical practices, examining pets and livestock, prescribing medications, and performing surgeries. Others work in research, developing new treatments for animal diseases. Still others inspect livestock for health and safety compliance on farms. Whether working in a clinic, laboratory, or field setting, veterinarians combine medical expertise with direct animal care to improve animal health and welfare.

The Exam
Two-part proctored test

The national board exam for veterinarians is the uniform test most states accept. Many states add a jurisprudence exam on state statute.

Read more

You'll face two parts on your veterinary licensing exam. The national section tests your clinical knowledge and professional competency across all states. The state-law portion covers regulations specific to your licensing jurisdiction. Most states outsource testing to vendors like PSI, Pearson VUE, or Prometric, who handle scheduling and administration. You'll typically need to pass both sections to earn your license. Each state sets its own passing score, so check your board's requirements before you test.

Renewal
Keeping it active

Continuing education is required between renewals in every state. Most boards require a mix of general CE and topic-specific units like ethics, patient safety, or opioid prescribing.

Read more

Your state's veterinary board sets continuing education requirements for license renewal. You'll need to complete a specific number of CE hours each cycle. Most states mandate training on ethics and state regulations. Check your board's website for exact hour counts and approved course topics.

Is This For You
Who fits this career

Strong candidates for the veterinarian role combine the technical knowledge tested on the exam with judgment and communication skills you build through supervised experience.

Read more

You need steadiness under pressure. Animals can't tell you where it hurts, so you read behavior, physical signs, and owner descriptions to form diagnoses. You work fast when necessary but don't rush decisions that matter. You explain treatment options clearly to anxious pet owners who may not understand medical terminology. You handle difficult conversations about costs and end-of-life care. The job demands you stay current with new drugs and procedures, but also that you stay grounded when a case goes wrong. Technical skill alone won't get you here. Your judgment and how you talk to people do.

Unlicensed Risk
Practicing without a license

Practicing as a veterinarian without an active license is illegal in every state. Typical penalties include civil fines, forfeited income, and in some states criminal charges on repeat offenses.

Read more

Practicing veterinary medicine without an active license violates state law everywhere. Violators face civil fines and must forfeit any income earned from unlicensed work. Repeat offenses can result in criminal charges in some states, potentially including jail time. The specific penalties vary by state and circumstance.

Career Outlook
+9.5% projected

Employment change 2024 to 2034. Flagged as a bright-outlook occupation.

The Path

How to Get a Veterinarian License.

To get your license, you'll follow a similar path across most states. First, complete accredited education in your field. Then pass a national or state exam. You'll need supervised experience (the required hours vary by state). Next comes a background check. Once licensed, you must complete continuing education before each renewal. Every state sets its own minimums for education hours, degrees, and experience length, so check your specific state's requirements.

1
Meet minimum education
Most states require graduation from an accredited veterinarian program. Degree level and accreditation body vary by profession.
2
Complete supervised clinical hours
Boards set required supervised practice hours under a licensed supervisor. Hours are logged, verified, and submitted with your application.
3
Pass the national board exam
The national certification exam for veterinarians is the uniform knowledge test most states accept. Some states add a jurisprudence exam on local statute.
4
Submit fingerprints and background check
Most boards collect electronic fingerprints through IdentoGO, Fieldprint, or a similar vendor and run a state and federal background check.
5
Apply for the license
Submit the state application with transcripts, exam scores, experience verification, and fees. Processing runs a few days to several months depending on state and board.
6
Pay fees and activate
Once approved, you pay the initial license fee, post any required bond or insurance, and the state issues your license number.
7
Track renewals and continuing education
Most licenses renew every one to three years with a set amount of continuing education. Missing CE or renewal deadlines risks license inactivation.
Timeline

How long it takes.

Background check and exam scheduling
2 to 6 weeks
License issuance after passing
Few days to several weeks
State processing times vary widely.
Cost Breakdown

What it costs out of pocket.

Required education
Degree program at an accredited institution. Varies massively by degree level.
$30,000 to $250,000
Application and license fee
Paid to the state board at submission. Varies widely by state.
$50 to $500
Fingerprint and background check
Flat vendor fee set by the state.
$40 to $120
Exam fee
Paid to the testing vendor when you schedule.
$50 to $400
Professional liability insurance
Annual policy. Required or strongly recommended in most states.
$300 to $2,500
DEA registration
Federal fee, three-year term. Required only for prescribers.
$0 to $900
Compensation

What Veterinarians Earn.

National annual wage by percentile.

Bottom 10%
$70k
25th percentile
$98k
Median
$126k
75th percentile
$162k
Top 10%
$213k
Resources

Where to train, certify, and connect.

Optional next steps once your Veterinarian license is active.

Specialty
Diplomate of the ACVPM - Epidemiology Certification
American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine
Specialty
Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists: General Veterinary Microbiology
American College of Veterinary Microbiologists
Advanced
Veterinary Anatomical Pathology Phase I
American College of Veterinary Pathologists
Specialty
ABVM Endovascular Medicine Examination
American Board of Vascular Medicine
Advanced
Veterinary Anatomical Pathology Phase II
American College of Veterinary Pathologists
Specialty
Diplomate of the ACVR - Veterinary Radiation Oncology
American College of Veterinary Radiology
Specialty
Diplomate, American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine
American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine
Specialty
Certificate in Neurology
American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Specialty
Veterinary Technician Specialist in Nutrition
Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians
Specialty
Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists: Immunology
American College of Veterinary Microbiologists
Specialty
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists
American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists
Specialty
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology
American College of Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology
State vs State

Compare any two states.

Pre-license hours and fees vary widely. Pick two states to see the gap.

Left
Right
Varies
Pre-license hours
Varies
Varies
Exam fee
Varies
Varies
License fee
Varies
Veterinary Medical Board
Issuing board
Texas Racing Commission
Frequently Asked

Questions people ask.

Ready to get licensed?

Tell us your state and how you plan to work. We build your license checklist, prepare every filing, and track renewals.

Paperwork prep · State fees handled · Renewal tracking