Free NAVLE Exam Flashcards
Memorize 50 essential terms and definitions for the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). See the term, recall the definition, then flip to check yourself.
Which drug class is dangerous in dogs carrying the MDR1 (ABCB1-1 Delta) mutation, and which breeds are classically affected?
Macrocyclic lactones (e.g., ivermectin at antiparasitic-overdose or heartworm-treatment doses) and other P-glycoprotein substrates can cause fatal neurotoxicity. Collies, Australian Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs, and related herding breeds have the highest mutation prevalence.
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About These NAVLE Flashcards
These 50 flashcards are designed to help you memorize key terms and definitions for the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). Each card shows a term on the front and its definition on the back—the classic flashcard format for vocabulary memorization. Use these alongside our practice questions to build both recall and comprehension.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the NAVLE and how long do I have?
The NAVLE has 360 multiple-choice questions. Per the ICVA NAVLE Candidate Handbook (2026-2027 testing cycle), the exam takes about 7.5 hours and, beginning with the October-November 2026 NAVLE, is divided into 12 blocks of 30 questions (33 minutes per block) with 50 minutes of total break time between blocks. About 15-20% of questions include an image (photo or radiograph).
What is the NAVLE passing score, and does ICVA publish a pass rate?
The passing score is 425 on a scaled range of 200-800, set using a criterion-referenced modified-Angoff standard (a fixed competency bar, not a curve against other candidates). ICVA does not publish a consolidated annual first-time pass rate in its candidate materials. AVMA-reported data on the separate 'ultimate' pass-by-graduation rate for seniors at AVMA COE-accredited schools shows it has historically averaged over 90%, but declined from 95% (2019-20) to 86% (2022-23) over five testing cycles.
How many times can I retake the NAVLE, and how long do I have to wait between attempts?
Candidates get 5 lifetime NAVLE attempts; under the policy that took effect with the March 2026 testing window, any attempts before December 1, 2025 no longer count toward that limit. There is no fixed day-count waiting period. Instead, retakes are gated by the exam's three annual testing windows (October-November, March, and July-August) and their application deadlines, so the practical minimum gap between attempts is roughly one testing cycle (about 4 months).
What is the NAVLE species and competency blueprint?
The NAVLE blueprint has two independent dimensions. Competency domains: Clinical Practice 70% (Data Gathering and Interpretation 35%, Health Maintenance and Prevention 35%), Preventive Medicine and Animal Welfare 15%, Communication 8%, and Professionalism/Practice Management/Wellness 7%. Species distribution: Canine 25.6%, Feline 24.3%, Equine 14.7%, Bovine 13.3%, Porcine 5%, Other Small Mammals 3.3%, Ovine/Caprine 3.3%, Pet Bird 2.3%, Poultry 2%, Non-Species-Specific 2%, Camelid/Cervidae 1.7%, Reptiles 1.5%, and Aquatics 1%.
How much does the NAVLE cost?
The standard NAVLE fee for candidates testing in the U.S., U.S. territories, or Canada is $825. Candidates testing outside those regions pay an additional international fee, for a total of $1,220. The fee is nonrefundable and nontransferable - if you do not test during your approved window, you must reapply and pay again.