100+ Free ACVD Veterinary Dermatology Practice Questions

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Question 1

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Which layer of the epidermis is responsible for producing the lipid barrier through lamellar granule exocytosis?

Stratum basale

Stratum granulosum

Stratum spinosum

Stratum corneum

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: ACVD Veterinary Dermatology Exam

100

FREE Practice Qs

OpenExamPrep 2026 ACVD question bank

3 yr

Min Residency

ACVD-approved dermatology residency requirement

~11%

Autoimmune Weight

Largest single domain on ACVD content blueprint

~$1,500-$2,500

2026 Exam Fees

ACVD (verify current schedule)

Publication Required

ACVD peer-reviewed research credential

2-part

Written + Practical

ACVD Certifying Examination format

The ACVD Certifying Examination is a multi-part assessment from the American College of Veterinary Dermatology comprising a 2-part written exam plus a clinical/practical component. Content spans autoimmune (~11%), bacterial (~10%), parasitic (~10%), diagnostics (~10%), fungal (~9%), atopy treatment (~8%), cornification (~8%), neoplasia (~7%), allergic (~7%), anatomy (~6%), endocrine (~6%), environmental/drug (~4%), psychogenic (~3%), and credentialing/ethics (~1%). Total Certifying Examination fees are approximately $1,500-$2,500; requires an ACVD-approved 3-year dermatology residency plus a published peer-reviewed research credential.

Sample ACVD Veterinary Dermatology Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your ACVD Veterinary Dermatology exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which layer of the epidermis is responsible for producing the lipid barrier through lamellar granule exocytosis?

A.Stratum basale

B.Stratum granulosum

C.Stratum spinosum

D.Stratum corneum

Explanation: Keratinocytes in the stratum granulosum contain lamellar granules (Odland bodies) that extrude ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids into the intercellular space, forming the lipid mortar of the stratum corneum. Disruption of this lipid barrier is central to canine atopic dermatitis pathogenesis.

2Which phase of the hair follicle cycle is characterized by active growth and pigment production?

A.Catagen

B.Telogen

C.Exogen

D.Anagen

Explanation: Anagen is the active growth phase where matrix cells divide rapidly and melanocytes transfer pigment to the hair shaft. Catagen is the regression phase, telogen is the resting phase, and exogen refers to the shedding of the club hair. Dogs have predominantly telogen-dominant cycling unlike humans.

3Apocrine sweat glands in dogs and cats are primarily located in which anatomic distribution?

A.Generalized throughout haired skin, associated with hair follicles

B.Only in footpads and nasal planum

C.Only on the ventral abdomen

D.Only in the perianal region

Explanation: Unlike humans, dogs and cats have apocrine (epitrichial) sweat glands distributed throughout the haired skin, opening into the hair follicle infundibulum. Eccrine (atrichial) glands are restricted to the footpads. Apocrine gland neoplasia commonly arises in the anal sacs.

4Langerhans cells in the epidermis are derived from which lineage and serve what primary function?

A.Neural crest; melanin production

B.Bone marrow-derived dendritic cells; antigen presentation

C.Mesenchymal; collagen synthesis

D.Endodermal; barrier formation

Explanation: Langerhans cells are bone marrow-derived dendritic cells that reside in the stratum spinosum. They capture antigens, migrate to regional lymph nodes, and present to naive T cells, serving as the cutaneous immune sentinels central to allergic contact dermatitis and atopic inflammation.

5The primary protein of the cornified envelope that cross-links keratin filaments is:

A.Filaggrin

B.Desmoglein-1

C.Loricrin

D.Involucrin

Explanation: Loricrin is the most abundant cornified envelope protein (~80%), cross-linked by transglutaminases. Filaggrin aggregates keratin filaments and its degradation products form natural moisturizing factor. Mutations in filaggrin are associated with ichthyosis vulgaris and predisposition to atopic dermatitis.

6Melanocytes in haired skin are primarily located at which anatomic site?

A.Stratum corneum and sebaceous glands

B.Basal layer of epidermis and hair follicle matrix/bulb

C.Dermal papilla only

D.Subcutis

Explanation: Melanocytes are dendritic, neural crest-derived cells located at the basal layer of the epidermis and within the hair follicle matrix/bulb. They transfer melanosomes via dendrites to adjacent keratinocytes. Follicular melanogenesis is coupled to the anagen phase, which explains graying patterns.

7When performing a deep skin scraping for suspected demodicosis, what is the clinical endpoint?

A.Until hair is cleanly shaved

B.Until capillary bleeding is observed

C.A single scrape of superficial scale

D.Until the skin blanches white

Explanation: Deep scrapings must be performed until capillary bleeding occurs because Demodex canis and D. injai reside deep within hair follicles. Squeezing the skin before scraping extrudes mites from follicles. Superficial scrapings are appropriate for Sarcoptes, Cheyletiella, and D. gatoi (which lives in the stratum corneum).

8What is the approximate sensitivity of Wood's lamp examination for diagnosing Microsporum canis dermatophytosis?

A.Approximately 50% of M. canis strains fluoresce

B.Nearly 100%

C.Less than 5%

D.All dermatophytes fluoresce

Explanation: Only about 50% of Microsporum canis strains produce the apple-green fluorescence from pteridine metabolite on hair shafts. Trichophyton mentagrophytes and M. gypseum do not fluoresce. Wood's lamp requires a 5-minute warm-up and proper darkroom. A negative Wood's lamp never rules out dermatophytosis.

9What is the recommended minimum duration of a strict elimination diet trial for diagnosis of cutaneous adverse food reactions in dogs?

A.2 weeks

B.8 weeks

C.6 months

D.24 hours

Explanation: Current WAVD/ICADA guidelines recommend a strict novel protein or hydrolyzed (e.g., Hill's z/d, Royal Canin Ultamino, Purina HA) elimination diet trial of at least 8 weeks, followed by provocative challenge to confirm. Over 90% of food-allergic dogs show improvement by 8 weeks.

10When selecting an intradermal test (IDT) injection volume and threshold wheal for dogs, what are the standard parameters?

A.0.5 mL injected, wheal >30 mm

B.0.05 mL injected, wheal >2 at 15-20 minutes

C.1.0 mL injected, wheal read at 72 hours

D.No volume standard exists

Explanation: Standard IDT uses 0.05 mL of allergen injected intradermally, read at 15-20 minutes. Reactions are graded 0-4 against saline (negative) and histamine (positive) controls. Wheal sizes greater than or equal to 2 with erythema/turgor are considered positive. Concurrent steroids and antihistamines must be withdrawn.

About the ACVD Veterinary Dermatology Exam

The ACVD Veterinary Dermatology Certifying Examination is the gateway to board certification as a veterinary dermatology diplomate. Content spans autoimmune/immune-mediated dermatoses (pemphigus complex, DLE/SLE, bullous pemphigoid, vasculitis, VKH-like uveodermatologic), bacterial skin disease (Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, MRSP, superficial and deep pyoderma), parasitic dermatoses (Sarcoptes, Demodex, Cheyletiella, flea allergy, isoxazolines), diagnostics (cytology, histopathology, intradermal allergy testing, elimination diets), fungal disease (dermatophytes M. canis, Malassezia, subcutaneous/systemic mycoses), atopic dermatitis treatment (Favrot/ICADA, Apoquel/Cytopoint/Atopica, allergen-specific immunotherapy), cornification disorders (ichthyosis, sebaceous adenitis, primary seborrhea), cutaneous neoplasia (mast cell tumor — Patnaik/Kiupel, cutaneous lymphoma, SCC, melanoma), allergic disease (food, flea, atopy), comparative anatomy, endocrine skin disease (Cushing's, hypothyroidism, alopecia X), environmental/drug-induced dermatoses, psychogenic disease, and credentialing. Requires an ACVD-approved 3-year residency and a peer-reviewed research credential.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

Multi-day Certifying Examination (2-part written + clinical practical)

Passing Score

Criterion-referenced standard set by the ACVD Credentials and Examination Committee

Exam Fee

~$1,500-$2,500 total Certifying Examination fees (ACVD 2026 — verify current schedule) (American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD))

ACVD Veterinary Dermatology Exam Content Outline

~11%

Autoimmune & Immune-Mediated Dermatoses

Pemphigus foliaceus (acantholytic keratinocytes, subcorneal pustules — most common in dogs/cats), pemphigus vulgaris/erythematosus/vegetans/paraneoplastic, bullous pemphigoid (anti-BP180/230), epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (anti-collagen VII), DLE (nasal planum depigmentation/crusting) and SLE (ANA), vasculitis, erythema multiforme and SJS/TEN, cutaneous adverse drug reactions, sterile nodular panniculitis, juvenile cellulitis (puppy strangles), VKH-like uveodermatologic syndrome (Akitas, Samoyeds, Siberian Huskies — depigmentation plus uveitis).

~10%

Bacterial Skin Disease

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (canine primary pyoderma pathogen), S. schleiferi, S. aureus, methicillin resistance (mecA — MRSP/MRSA), surface (intertrigo, pyotraumatic 'hot spot'), superficial (impetigo, superficial bacterial folliculitis, mucocutaneous pyoderma) vs deep pyoderma (furunculosis, cellulitis, interdigital), empirical (cephalexin, clindamycin, amoxicillin-clavulanate) vs culture-directed therapy with minimum 21-28 day courses for deep disease, topical chlorhexidine and mupirocin, biofilm, antimicrobial stewardship.

~10%

Parasitic Skin Disease

Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis (pinnal-pedal reflex; skin scrapings often negative — treat empirically), Demodex canis/injai/cati (deep skin scrapings, trichograms; generalized vs localized juvenile/adult onset), Cheyletiella, Otodectes cynotis, Notoedres cati, chiggers, pediculosis (Trichodectes, Linognathus), Ctenocephalides felis flea allergy dermatitis (FAD — dorsal lumbosacral, tail base, caudomedial thighs), myiasis, Leishmania (sand fly vector). Isoxazolines (afoxolaner, fluralaner, sarolaner, lotilaner) highly effective for Demodex, Sarcoptes, fleas, ticks.

~10%

Diagnostics & Laboratory Techniques

Cytology (impression smear, tape prep, FNA — Diff-Quik, Wright-Giemsa), bacterial and fungal culture with susceptibility, skin scrapings (superficial vs deep for Demodex), trichograms, Wood's lamp (M. canis ~50% fluoresce), DTM/RSM fungal culture, PCR, serology (allergen-specific IgE), intradermal allergy testing (IDT — gold standard for atopy environmental allergens), histopathology (punch vs wedge, 6 mm, multiple sites), direct immunofluorescence/IHC, elimination diets (novel protein or hydrolyzed, 8-12 weeks strict).

~9%

Fungal Skin Disease

Dermatophytosis (Microsporum canis — cats zoonotic reservoir, M. gypseum geophilic, Trichophyton mentagrophytes), Malassezia pachydermatis overgrowth (ventral neck/interdigital/ears; hyperpigmentation, greasy seborrhea), Malassezia hypersensitivity, Candida, subcutaneous mycoses (sporotrichosis — Sporothrix schenckii, zoonotic from cats; phaeohyphomycosis; pythiosis — Pythium insidiosum), systemic mycoses (blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis — FeLV/FIV cats). Itraconazole, terbinafine, ketoconazole, lime sulfur, enilconazole.

~8%

Atopic Dermatitis — Treatment & Immunotherapy

Canine and feline atopic dermatitis multimodal management, ICADA (International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals) guidelines, flare factor control (ectoparasites, infections, food), skin barrier repair (ceramides, essential fatty acids — omega-3 EPA/DHA), allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT — SCIT and SLIT) ~60-70% efficacy, oclacitinib (Apoquel — JAK1 inhibitor targeting IL-31/IL-4/IL-13/IL-2/IL-6), lokivetmab (Cytopoint — caninized anti-IL-31 monoclonal antibody), cyclosporine (Atopica — calcineurin/T-cell inhibitor), glucocorticoids, topical tacrolimus.

~8%

Cornification Disorders & Keratinization

Primary seborrhea (Cocker Spaniel), ichthyosis (Golden Retriever — PNPLA1; Jack Russell — TGM1; American Bulldog — NIPAL4), epidermal dysplasia (West Highland — Malassezia-associated), sebaceous adenitis (SND — granulomatous destruction of sebaceous glands in Standard Poodle/Akita/Samoyed; propylene glycol/oil soaks, cyclosporine, vitamin A), hereditary nasal parakeratosis (Labrador — SUV39H2), zinc-responsive dermatosis (Huskies syndrome I; rapid-growth puppy syndrome II), vitamin A-responsive dermatosis (Cocker), lethal acrodermatitis (Bull Terrier — MKLN1).

~7%

Cutaneous Neoplasia

Mast cell tumor (canine — Patnaik I/II/III, Kiupel 2-tier low vs high grade, mitotic index; c-KIT exon 11 ITD — toceranib/masitinib; vinblastine/prednisone; cats — splenic vs cutaneous), cutaneous lymphoma (epitheliotropic T-cell — mycosis fungoides, Sézary; non-epitheliotropic; lomustine, chlorambucil, retinoids), squamous cell carcinoma (white cats — nasal planum, pinnae, solar-induced; imiquimod, SRT), melanoma (oral/mucocutaneous high-grade; Oncept vaccine), histiocytoma (Langerhans, regresses), plasmacytoma, hemangiosarcoma, apocrine gland tumors.

~7%

Allergic Dermatoses (Food, Flea, Atopy Diagnostics)

Canine atopic dermatitis (Favrot criteria sets 1 and 2; face/feet/ears, axillae/flexures, steroid-responsive pruritus), feline nonflea/nonfood hypersensitivity dermatitis, cutaneous adverse food reactions (CAFR indistinguishable clinically from CAD), elimination diet (hydrolyzed or novel protein, 8-12 weeks strict) is gold standard (serology/IDT are NOT reliable for food), flea allergy dermatitis (dorsal lumbosacral, tail base, caudomedial thighs in dogs; miliary dermatitis and eosinophilic granuloma complex in cats), contact hypersensitivity (glabrous skin).

~6%

Structure, Function & Comparative Anatomy

Epidermis (stratum basale/spinosum/granulosum/lucidum/corneum), adnexa (primary/secondary hair follicles — compound in dogs/cats, simple in horses/ruminants), hair cycle (anagen/catagen/telogen/exogen) and photoperiod control, hair types (tactile, guard, wool), sebaceous and apocrine/eccrine glands (footpads), lipid barrier (ceramides), anagen vs telogen defluxion, Merkel cells and Langerhans cells, dermatomes, species differences (equine, bovine, porcine, avian PBFD, reptile, exotic), nail/claw/hoof/beak anatomy.

~6%

Endocrine & Metabolic Skin Disease

Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's — PDH vs AT; bilateral truncal alopecia, thin skin, calcinosis cutis, comedones; ACTH stim, LDDST, UCCR), hypothyroidism (symmetrical non-pruritic alopecia, 'rat tail,' myxedema, tragic facies; total T4/fT4/TSH), sex-hormone dermatoses (Sertoli cell tumor feminization), alopecia X (post-clipping in Pomeranian/Chow — adrenal sex hormone imbalance; deslorelin, melatonin), diabetes, superficial necrolytic dermatitis (hepatocutaneous syndrome — necrolytic migratory erythema, glucagonoma).

~4%

Environmental, Physical & Drug-Induced Dermatoses

Solar/actinic damage (actinic keratosis, SCC — white cats and dogs), thermal burns and frostbite, caustic and irritant contact dermatitis, friction/pressure calluses and hygromas, acral lick dermatitis, callus pyoderma, snake bite envenomation, plant contact, cutaneous adverse drug reactions (sulfonamide trimethoprim-sulfa in Dobermans — KCS, polyarthritis, hepatopathy; vasculitis; pemphigus-like drug eruption; TEN; injection site alopecia — rabies vaccine-associated fibrosarcoma in cats), post-clipping alopecia, telogen and anagen effluvium.

~3%

Psychogenic & Behavioral Dermatoses

Feline psychogenic alopecia (ventral/inguinal symmetric barbering — diagnosis of exclusion after ruling out allergy/parasitic disease), canine acral lick dermatitis (obsessive-compulsive — boredom, separation anxiety; secondary deep pyoderma), tail biting/self-mutilation, flank sucking (Doberman), clomipramine and fluoxetine therapy, environmental enrichment and behavior modification, differentiating true psychogenic disease from underlying allergic or infectious causes.

~1%

Credentialing, Ethics & Professional Standards

ACVD training requirements (ACVD-approved residency minimum 3 years with qualified dermatology diplomate mentor), credentials packet (case logs, required peer-reviewed research publication), professional conduct, AVMA Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics, continuing education for maintenance of certification, scope of dermatology practice, referral and consultation standards.

How to Pass the ACVD Veterinary Dermatology Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Criterion-referenced standard set by the ACVD Credentials and Examination Committee
Exam length: 100 questions
Time limit: Multi-day Certifying Examination (2-part written + clinical practical)
Exam fee: ~$1,500-$2,500 total Certifying Examination fees (ACVD 2026 — verify current schedule)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

ACVD Veterinary Dermatology Study Tips from Top Performers

1Favrot's criteria for canine atopic dermatitis (Set 1 or Set 2; ≥5 of 8 features gives sensitivity/specificity ~80%): age of onset <3 years; mostly indoor; corticosteroid-responsive pruritus; chronic or recurrent yeast infections; affected front feet; affected ear pinnae; non-affected ear margins; non-affected dorsolumbar area. Always rule out ectoparasites, pyoderma/Malassezia, and CAFR (elimination diet) BEFORE diagnosing CAD. ICADA stepwise management: flare control, barrier repair, pruritus modifiers (Apoquel/Cytopoint/cyclosporine/glucocorticoids), allergen-specific immunotherapy.

2Atopic dermatitis biologic therapies — mechanism mastery: Oclacitinib (Apoquel) is a JAK1 inhibitor blocking IL-31, IL-4, IL-13, IL-2, and IL-6 signaling (rapid onset, daily oral; monitor CBC/chem for cytopenias and demodicosis reactivation). Lokivetmab (Cytopoint) is a caninized anti-IL-31 monoclonal antibody (monthly SQ injection, safe in young/old/comorbid dogs). Cyclosporine (Atopica) is a calcineurin inhibitor blocking IL-2 and T-cell activation (delayed onset 4-6 weeks; monitor for gingival hyperplasia, papillomatosis, GI). ASIT (SCIT/SLIT) ~60-70% efficacy.

3Pemphigus foliaceus — most common autoimmune skin disease in dogs and cats. Autoantibodies against desmocollin-1 (dogs) and desmoglein-1 (cats) in desmosomes. Lesions: pustules, crusts, erosions on face, pinnae, and footpads (nasal planum, periocular). Histopath: subcorneal to intragranular pustules with free-floating acantholytic keratinocytes ('raft' appearance). Treatment: glucocorticoids (immunosuppressive doses), azathioprine (dogs — NOT cats — fatal bone marrow suppression in cats), chlorambucil (cats), mycophenolate, cyclosporine.

4Isoxazolines (afoxolaner/NexGard, fluralaner/Bravecto, sarolaner/Simparica, lotilaner/Credelio) — GABA-gated chloride channel blockers highly selective for arthropods. FDA-approved for fleas and ticks; extra-label highly effective for demodicosis (juvenile generalized and adult-onset) and sarcoptic mange with excellent safety. Black box warning (2018) for possible neurologic adverse events (tremor, seizure); use caution in dogs with seizure history. Have largely replaced amitraz dips and daily ivermectin/milbemycin for Demodex.

5Mast cell tumor grading — canine cutaneous: Patnaik (3-tier: well/intermediate/poorly differentiated) has poor reproducibility between grades II and III. Kiupel (2-tier) is the current standard: HIGH grade defined by ANY of — ≥7 mitotic figures per 10 HPF, ≥3 multinucleated cells per 10 HPF, ≥3 bizarre nuclei per 10 HPF, or karyomegaly (≥10% nuclei with diameter variation ≥2×). c-KIT exon 11 internal tandem duplication (~15-25%) predicts response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (toceranib/Palladia, masitinib/Kinavet).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ACVD Veterinary Dermatology Certifying Examination?

The ACVD Certifying Examination is administered by the American College of Veterinary Dermatology and is the terminal assessment for board certification as a veterinary dermatology diplomate. It comprises a 2-part written examination plus a clinical/practical component assessing breadth of knowledge across allergic dermatoses, pyoderma and infectious disease, ectoparasites, fungal infections, autoimmune and immune-mediated disease, cornification disorders, cutaneous neoplasia, endocrine dermatoses, and comparative dermatology in exotic species.

Who is eligible to take the ACVD Certifying Examination?

Candidates must hold a DVM/VMD or equivalent degree, complete an ACVD-approved dermatology residency of at least 3 years under a qualified dermatology diplomate mentor, and satisfy a required peer-reviewed research credential (typically a first-author published manuscript). Credentials packets including case logs and documentation must be approved by the ACVD Credentials Committee before sitting for the examination.

What is the format of the ACVD Exam?

The ACVD Certifying Examination is a multi-day assessment comprising a 2-part written examination (didactic multiple-choice/short-answer items) plus a clinical/practical component that may include histopathology slide review, photograph and image identification, cytology interpretation, and case-based problem solving. The exam is blueprinted to the ACVD content outline spanning all major areas of veterinary dermatology.

How much does the 2026 ACVD Exam cost?

Total Certifying Examination fees are approximately $1,500-$2,500 — always verify the current schedule on the ACVD website. Candidates also pay credentials review fees, annual diplomate dues after certification, and continuing education costs. Cancellation and refund policies follow ACVD policy with decreasing refunds as the exam date approaches. Retakes require re-registration and full fee payment within the allowed eligibility window.

When is the 2026 exam administered?

The ACVD Certifying Examination is typically offered annually. Applications generally open well in advance with a submission deadline months before the test date to allow credentials review. Candidates receive examination logistics after credentials approval. Exact 2026 dates should be confirmed on the ACVD certification page.

How is the exam scored?

ACVD uses criterion-referenced scoring with a passing standard set by the ACVD Credentials and Examination Committee for each component. Candidates must achieve the cut-score on each component of the examination. Pass/fail is determined relative to the fixed standard, not curved against other candidates. Candidates who fail a component may retake that component per ACVD policy.

What are the highest-yield topics?

Highest-yield topics include Favrot's criteria and ICADA guidelines for canine atopic dermatitis, oclacitinib (Apoquel — JAK1) and lokivetmab (Cytopoint — anti-IL-31) mechanism, cyclosporine (Atopica), Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and MRSP management, isoxazolines for Demodex and Sarcoptes, dermatophyte (M. canis) and Malassezia diagnosis/treatment, pemphigus foliaceus (acantholytic keratinocytes), Kiupel 2-tier mast cell tumor grading, ichthyosis genetics (PNPLA1, TGM1, NIPAL4), VKH-like uveodermatologic syndrome, Cushing's and hypothyroidism endocrine alopecia, and elimination diet trial for CAFR.

How should I study for this exam?

Use a structured 18-24 month plan layered on residency. Map to the ACVD content outline: begin with comparative skin anatomy and diagnostics, then infectious (bacterial/fungal/parasitic), allergy and atopy management, autoimmune, cornification, endocrine, and neoplasia. Integrate core textbooks (Muller & Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology, Gross/Ihrke/Walder Skin Diseases of the Dog and Cat) and WAVD/ICADA consensus documents. Drill histopathology slides, clinical photographs, and cytology. Complete 2-3 timed full-length mock exams.