Free Practice Questions for ACVCP
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Key Facts: ACVCP Exam
AVMA RVSO
Recognized 1988
ACVCP (acvcp.org)
500 MCQ
Phase I
60% pass, $200, ExamSoft
Phase II
Essay/Written
Following Phase I
5 t1/2
Steady State
~97% plateau
ACVCP is the AVMA-recognized vet specialty board for clinical pharmacology. Phase I: 500 MCQ, 60% pass, $200. Master ADME + PK calculations (Vd, Cl, t1/2, F bioavailability), CYP induction (phenobarbital) vs inhibition (ketoconazole), MDR1 mutation in Collies (ivermectin/loperamide), antimicrobial PK/PD (T>MIC vs Cmax/MIC), cat acetaminophen toxicity (UGT deficiency), and AMDUCA-prohibited drugs in food animals.
Sample ACVCP Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to review concepts for the ACVCP exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1A drug administered IV has an AUC of 100 mg·h/L. The same dose given orally produces an AUC of 35 mg·h/L. What is the oral bioavailability (F)?
2A 20 kg dog receives a 200 mg IV bolus of a drug. Plasma concentration extrapolated to time zero (C0) is 10 mg/L. What is the apparent volume of distribution?
3A drug has a clearance of 0.5 L/h/kg and a volume of distribution of 5 L/kg. What is the elimination half-life?
4Approximately how many half-lives are required to reach steady-state concentration with constant-rate IV infusion?
5Which statement best describes a drug with a volume of distribution of 10 L/kg?
6First-pass metabolism most directly reduces which pharmacokinetic parameter for an orally administered drug?
7A loading dose is best calculated using which of the following?
8Which equation correctly defines clearance in terms of half-life and volume of distribution?
9After discontinuing an IV infusion at steady state, approximately what percentage of drug remains after 4 half-lives?
10A two-compartment open model is best characterized by which feature on a semilog concentration-time plot after IV bolus?
About the ACVCP Exam
AVMA-recognized veterinary specialty board for clinical pharmacology. Two-phase exam: Phase I (500 MCQ, 60% pass, $200, ExamSoft CBT) covers general pharmacology — pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, ADME, drug classes, regulatory; Phase II is written/essay. Domains include PK/PD principles, cardiovascular/respiratory/renal drugs, antimicrobials (beta-lactams, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides), analgesics/anesthetics, endocrine/GI, toxicology and adverse drug reactions, species-specific sensitivities (cat UGT deficiency, Collie MDR1), and AMDUCA regulatory.
Exam sponsor: ACVCP. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.
Questions
500 questions
Time Limit
Per ACVCP
Passing Score
60% Phase I
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.
Pharmacokinetics
ADME, half-life, clearance, Vd, bioavailability, compartment models, dosing math
Pharmacodynamics
Receptor theory, dose-response, EC50, efficacy vs potency, partial agonism
CV/Respiratory/Renal
Cardiac drugs, diuretics, ACEi/ARBs, antiarrhythmics, pimobendan
Antimicrobials
Beta-lactams, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, sulfas, macrolides; PK/PD index
Analgesics & Anesthetics
Opioids, NSAIDs, alpha-2 agonists, ketamine, inhalants, MAC concept
Endocrine & GI
Insulin, thyroid (methimazole), maropitant NK1, omeprazole, trilostane
Toxicology & ADRs
Drug interactions, CYP induction/inhibition, species sensitivities (cat UGT, Collie MDR1)
Regulatory
AMDUCA, FDA-CVM, withdrawal times (FARAD), ELDU rules, VFD
Preparing for the ACVCP Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 60% Phase I
- Exam length: 500 questions
- Time limit: Per ACVCP
- Exam / certification fees: $200 Phase I 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
ACVCP: Suggested Study Strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate steady state and loading dose?
Steady state is achieved at ~5 half-lives (97% of plateau); washout requires ~4-5 half-lives for >94% elimination. t1/2 = 0.693 × Vd / Cl. Loading dose (Cl-equivalent of dose at desired Cp): LD = Vd × Cp_target / F (oral) or Vd × Cp_target (IV). Maintenance dose = Cl × Cp_target × τ / F. Loading dose useful when t1/2 is long and immediate therapeutic concentration is needed (e.g., digoxin, lidocaine drips).
Why are Collies sensitive to ivermectin?
ABCB1-1Δ (formerly MDR1) gene mutation in Collies, Australian Shepherds, Long-haired Whippets, and ~10 other breeds produces a non-functional P-glycoprotein efflux transporter at the blood-brain barrier. Ivermectin and other P-gp substrates (loperamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, butorphanol) accumulate in the CNS at standard doses → severe neurotoxicity (mydriasis, ataxia, seizure, coma). Genetic testing available; affected dogs require dose reductions or alternative drugs.
Why is acetaminophen contraindicated in cats?
Cats lack glucuronyl transferase (UGT1A6 deficiency) — cannot glucuronidate acetaminophen for safe excretion. Acetaminophen is instead metabolized via cytochrome P450 to NAPQI (toxic intermediate). NAPQI depletes glutathione → methemoglobinemia (chocolate-brown blood, cyanosis), Heinz body hemolytic anemia, and facial/paw edema characteristic of cat acetaminophen toxicity. Treatment: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) IV/PO + ascorbic acid + supportive. Even small doses (50-100 mg) can be fatal.
How should I study for ACVCP?
Plan 500-800 hours. Master Riviere & Papich Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (current edition) cover-to-cover — primary reference. Practice PK calculations until automatic. Master AMDUCA-prohibited drugs for food animals (fluoroquinolones, chloramphenicol, DES, dimetridazole, etc.) and species-specific sensitivities (Collie MDR1, cat UGT deficiency, horse NSAID restrictions). Phase I is 60% pass — heavily weight time on PK math and antimicrobial PK/PD.