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Key Facts: ACT Exam
AVMA RVSO
Recognized 1971
ACT (theriogenology.org)
Multi-day
Exam Format
MCQ + essay + practical
3 yrs
Residency
ACT-approved program
Lifetime
Diplomate Status
With ongoing CE
ACT is the AVMA-recognized vet specialty board for animal reproduction. Multi-day exam with MCQ + essay + practical components. Master cow estrous cycle (21d, AM/PM AI rule), bovine BSE (SC ≥30 cm 1-2 yr / ≥34 cm 2+ yr, ≥30% motility, ≥70% normal morphology), mare cycle (ovulation 24-48h before end of estrus), bitch pregnancy (63d from LH surge), and species-specific abortion workup.
Sample ACT Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to review concepts for the ACT exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1What is the average length of the bovine estrous cycle?
2Standing estrus in the cow typically lasts how long?
3Ovulation in the cow occurs approximately when relative to the end of standing estrus?
4A cow is observed in standing heat at 7 AM. According to the AM/PM rule, when should she be inseminated?
5Average gestation length in the cow is approximately:
6Pregnancy in the cow can reliably be diagnosed by transrectal palpation starting at what stage?
7A bovine fetus is exposed in utero to non-cytopathic BVDV between days 30 and 125 of gestation. What is the most likely outcome if the fetus survives?
8Which Leptospira serovar is most commonly host-adapted to cattle and associated with chronic reproductive losses?
9Which vaccine is required for replacement dairy heifers in the United States to prevent abortion and undulant fever?
10What is the minimum acceptable scrotal circumference for a 2-year-old beef bull on a breeding soundness exam?
About the ACT Exam
AVMA-recognized veterinary specialty board for animal reproduction (theriogenology). Covers reproductive physiology, breeding management, andrology (BSE), assisted reproduction (AI/ET), parturition and dystocia, neonatology, abortion workup, and species-specific reproduction (bovine, equine, small animal, small ruminant, swine, exotic, lab animal). Question bank covers the MCQ portion of the multi-day exam.
Exam sponsor: ACT. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.
Questions
165 questions
Time Limit
Multi-day (per ACT)
Passing Score
Per ACT (sectional pass/fail)
Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.
Official sources
Our practice resources: topics covered
We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.
Bovine Reproduction
Estrous cycle, AI, ET, BVD/IBR/Lepto, dystocia, BSE bull (SC, motility, morphology)
Equine Reproduction
Mare cycle, semen evaluation, foaling, neonatal IgG (Brix ≥8.4 / IgG ≥800)
Small Animal Reproduction
Canine + feline, pyometra (OHE), dystocia, pregnancy diagnosis (relaxin, US)
Andrology & BSE
Breeding soundness exam — male/female, all species
Neonatal & Pathology
Neonatal care, abortion workup, stillbirth, mummification, FAD
Small Ruminant
Sheep/goat repro, EAE (Chlamydia abortus), Toxoplasma abortion
Swine
Gilt synchronization, sow weaning-to-estrus, parvovirus SMEDI, PRRS
Preparing for the ACT Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Per ACT (sectional pass/fail)
- Exam length: 165 questions
- Time limit: Multi-day (per ACT)
- Exam / certification fees: Per ACT Official sources
Using Our Practice Resources
- Work through all 100 available questions
- Review every answer and explanation
- Track weak areas and revisit them
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
ACT: Suggested Study Strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
What are bovine BSE morphology and motility thresholds?
Society for Theriogenology bovine breeding soundness evaluation: scrotal circumference ≥30 cm at 12-14 months, ≥31 cm at 15-17 months, ≥34 cm at >24 months. Sperm motility ≥30% gross or progressive. Sperm morphology ≥70% normal cells. Plus normal physical exam, intact reproductive organs. Failure to meet ANY criterion = unsatisfactory breeder.
What is the AM/PM rule for bovine AI?
Detect heat in the AM → breed in the PM (8-12 hours later). Detect heat in the PM → breed the next AM. The rule reflects that ovulation occurs ~12 hours after the END of standing heat, and sperm need ~6 hours capacitation. AI timed to place sperm at the oviduct ampulla shortly before ovulation maximizes conception. With visual detection failing, modern operations use Heatime activity monitors or fixed-time AI with synchronized protocols.
How is canine pregnancy timed?
Canine pregnancy is 63 ± 1 day from the LH SURGE (not from breeding). Because LH surge precedes ovulation by ~48 hours and ovum maturation takes another 48-72 hours, breeding-to-parturition can range 56-72 days depending on timing of breeding relative to LH surge. Relaxin assay is the gold standard for confirming pregnancy from day 25; ultrasound from day 20-25. Whelping signs: rectal temp drop <100°F 12-24 hours pre-partum.
How should I study for ACT?
Plan 500-1,000+ hours over residency. Use the ACT exam blueprint to weight study time across species (bovine 20%, equine 20%, small animal 20%, andrology 10%, neonatal 10%, small ruminant 10%, swine 10%). Master Society for Theriogenology BSE protocols, species-specific reproductive endocrinology, and abortion workup algorithms. Case logs and publications are application requirements alongside the exam.