100+ Free VTS (Clinical Practice) Practice Questions

Pass your VTS (Clinical Practice) — Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Clinical Practice (AVTCP) Credentialing Examination exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Question 1

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Which vaccine is considered CORE for all dogs regardless of lifestyle per current AAHA guidelines?

Lyme

Leptospirosis

DAPP (distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza)

Canine influenza H3N2

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: VTS (Clinical Practice) Exam

100

FREE Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep VTS (Clinical Practice) question bank

Sub-Specialty Tracks

Canine/Feline, Avian/Exotic Companion Animal, Production Animal

3 yr

Experience Required

6,000 hours full-time in general/companion animal practice

~$300

2026 Exam Fee

AVTCP fee schedule (verify at avtcp.org)

40+

Case Logs + CE

40 case experiences + 4 case reports + 40 advanced CE hours

Case Reports

Detailed case reports demonstrating advanced clinical decision-making

The VTS (Clinical Practice) examination is a written computer-based advanced credentialing exam from the Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Clinical Practice (AVTCP) with a sub-specialty track (Canine/Feline, Avian/Exotic Companion Animal, or Production Animal). Content distribution emphasizes preventive care/parasitology ~15%, nutrition/dentistry ~12%, cardiology/endocrinology ~12%, emergency/critical care/oncology ~13%, GI/urology/repro ~11%, derm/ophtho ~10%, behavior/pharmacy/communication ~10%, diagnostics/anesthesia/surgery ~10%, and exotic companion ~7%. Fee ~$300 for 2026; eligibility requires CVT/LVT/RVT credential, 3+ years of full-time general practice experience, 40+ case logs, 4 case reports, and 40+ advanced CE hours.

Sample VTS (Clinical Practice) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your VTS (Clinical Practice) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which vaccine is considered CORE for all dogs regardless of lifestyle per current AAHA guidelines?

A.Lyme

B.Leptospirosis

C.DAPP (distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza)

D.Canine influenza H3N2

Explanation: DAPP (also written DHPP) plus rabies are core canine vaccines recommended by AAHA for every dog. Lyme, Lepto, Bordetella, and canine influenza are non-core (lifestyle-based) vaccines given based on exposure risk.

2What is the RER (Resting Energy Requirement) for a 10 kg patient using the most accurate formula?

A.177 kcal/day

B.370 kcal/day

C.700 kcal/day

D.1000 kcal/day

Explanation: RER = 70 × BW(kg)^0.75. For a 10 kg patient: 70 × 10^0.75 = 70 × 5.62 = 393 kcal/day (closest to 370). The linear formula 30×BW+70 = 370 kcal/day is used for patients 2-45 kg and gives an equivalent answer.

3A 9/9 Body Condition Score indicates which state?

A.Emaciated

B.Underweight

C.Ideal

D.Grossly obese

Explanation: On the 9-point Purina BCS scale, 1 = emaciated, 4-5 = ideal, 9 = grossly obese (>40% over ideal). Each point above 5 represents approximately 10-15% over ideal body weight.

4Hill's Prescription Diet k/d is formulated for which condition?

A.Urinary struvite dissolution

B.Chronic kidney disease

C.Pancreatitis

D.Hepatic disease

Explanation: k/d (kidney diet) is designed for CKD patients: restricted phosphorus, moderately restricted high-quality protein, added omega-3s, and potassium supplementation. It helps slow progression and manage uremia.

5Which drug is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor used for canine atopic dermatitis?

A.Cytopoint (lokivetmab)

B.Apoquel (oclacitinib)

C.Atopica (cyclosporine)

D.Prednisone

Explanation: Apoquel (oclacitinib) is a JAK1/JAK3 inhibitor that blocks IL-31 signaling to reduce pruritus in canine atopic dermatitis. It works within hours and is given PO BID for 14 days, then SID.

6A cat presents with hyperthyroidism. Which therapeutic diet can manage this condition when used exclusively?

A.k/d

B.y/d

C.m/d

D.w/d

Explanation: Hill's y/d is an iodine-restricted diet (<0.32 ppm iodine) that, when fed exclusively, normalizes T4 within weeks by limiting substrate for thyroid hormone synthesis. No other food, treats, or flavored medications may be given.

7On fluorescein stain of a dog's eye, you observe a faint halo of stain after rinsing. What does this most likely indicate?

A.Normal tear film

B.A descemetocele

C.A superficial corneal ulcer

D.KCS

Explanation: Fluorescein adheres to exposed corneal stroma (hydrophilic), indicating epithelial loss — a superficial ulcer. Descemetoceles show a central clear area with stained walls (Seidel-negative center).

8What is the first-line inotrope for CHF in dogs with DMVD (mitral valve disease)?

A.Digoxin

B.Pimobendan

C.Dobutamine

D.Atenolol

Explanation: Pimobendan is an inodilator (calcium sensitizer + PDE III inhibitor) that improves contractility and reduces afterload. The EPIC and PROTECT studies support early use before CHF onset in dogs with ACVIM Stage B2 DMVD.

9A cat with HCM is prescribed clopidogrel. The purpose is to prevent which complication?

A.Pulmonary edema

B.Aortic thromboembolism (ATE)

C.Arrhythmia

D.Pleural effusion

Explanation: Clopidogrel (Plavix) is an ADP-receptor antiplatelet given prophylactically to cats with HCM and left atrial enlargement to reduce risk of aortic (saddle) thromboembolism. The FATCAT study showed clopidogrel superior to aspirin.

10When performing a serial blood glucose curve, samples are typically taken at what interval?

A.Every 30 minutes for 24 hours

B.Every 2 hours for 12 hours

C.Every 4 hours for 8 hours

D.Only at the nadir

Explanation: A traditional BG curve samples every 2 hours for 12 hours (covering the duration of insulin action) to identify peak, nadir, duration, and glycemic range. Continuous glucose monitors (Freestyle Libre) now often replace serial sampling.

About the VTS (Clinical Practice) Exam

The VTS (Clinical Practice) credential from AVTCP is the advanced certification for credentialed veterinary technicians (CVT/LVT/RVT) working in general clinical practice, with sub-specialty tracks in Canine/Feline, Avian/Exotic Companion Animal, or Production Animal. Candidates must document 3+ years in general practice, log 40+ case experiences, submit 4 detailed case reports, complete 40+ hours of advanced CE, and pass a written examination. Content spans preventive care (AAHA canine life stage, AAFP feline, core vs non-core vaccination), nutrition (AAFCO, therapeutic diets, BCS/MCS/RER), dentistry, dermatology (atopy — Apoquel/Cytopoint, otitis), ophthalmology (Schirmer, fluorescein, KCS), cardiology (MMVD CHF, HCM cats, FATCAT clopidogrel), endocrinology (DM, hyperthyroid, Cushing's), GI (IBD, pancreatitis — cPL/fPL), urology (IRIS CKD, FLUTD), emergency (GDV, toxicities — chocolate/xylitol/lilies/ethylene glycol), oncology, behavior (FAS, Fear Free), exotic companion animals (rabbit GI stasis, ferret adrenal, guinea pig scurvy), anesthesia (Glasgow CMPS-SF, feline Grimace), surgery assistance, and safety (OSHA, zoonoses).

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

Written computer-based examination with sub-specialty track (~3-4 hours)

Passing Score

Criterion-referenced scaled score set by AVTCP (candidates measured against a fixed content-expert standard)

Exam Fee

~$300 exam fee (AVTCP 2026 — verify current schedule at avtcp.org) (Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Clinical Practice (AVTCP))

VTS (Clinical Practice) Exam Content Outline

~15%

Preventive Care & Parasitology

AAHA canine life stage guidelines, AAHA-AAFP feline life stage, core vs non-core vaccines (DAPP/DHPP, rabies, FVRCP, FeLV, Lyme, Lepto, Bordetella, canine influenza), heartworm prevention (ivermectin, selamectin, moxidectin — MDR1/ABCB1 Collie sensitivity), fecal flotation, giardia SNAP, isoxazoline flea/tick (Bravecto, NexGard, Simparica, Credelio), zoonotic parasites (hookworm, roundworm, toxoplasmosis).

~12%

Nutrition & Dentistry

AAFCO feeding trial vs formulation, life-stage diets, therapeutic diets (k/d, u/d, w/d, y/d, z/d, r/d, m/d, c/d, j/d), BCS 1-9 Purina scale, MCS 1-3, RER = 70 × BW(kg)^0.75 or 30 × BW + 70, feeding tube nutrition (NE, E-tube, G-tube). AAHA dental guidelines, periodontal disease Stages 0-4, dental radiograph interpretation, home dental care (VOHC-accepted).

~10%

Dermatology & Ophthalmology

Atopic dermatitis (oclacitinib/Apoquel, lokivetmab/Cytopoint, prednisolone, cyclosporine), flea allergy dermatitis, sarcoptic mange (skin scrape, isoxazolines), demodicosis, otitis externa (cytology — rods/cocci/Malassezia, Claro, Osurnia). Ophthalmology — corneal ulcer (Schirmer >15 mm/min, fluorescein, culture), KCS (topical cyclosporine or tacrolimus), cataracts, uveitis, cherry eye.

~12%

Cardiology & Endocrinology

Murmur grading I-VI, MMVD CHF (pimobendan, furosemide, spironolactone, ACEi), HCM cats (atenolol if LVOT obstruction; clopidogrel ATE prophylaxis per FATCAT). DM — canine (Vetsulin), feline (ProZinc/glargine), BG curves, Freestyle Libre CGM, hyperthyroid cats (methimazole, I-131, y/d iodine), hypothyroid dogs (levothyroxine), Cushing's (trilostane monitoring post-ACTH 1.5-5.5 μg/dL), Addison's (DOCP + prednisone).

~11%

GI, Urology & Reproductive

Acute diarrhea (probiotics, metronidazole controversy, bland diet), IBD (hypoallergenic/novel protein, tylosin, immunosuppressants), pancreatitis (SNAP cPL/fPL, low-fat diet, maropitant, opioid analgesia). UTI C&S, FLUTD (MEMO — multimodal environmental modification), struvite vs calcium oxalate uroliths, IRIS CKD Stages 1-4. Pyometra, dystocia, neutering timing, C-section prep.

~13%

Emergency, Critical Care & Oncology

Shock (hypovolemic, distributive, cardiogenic), GDV/bloat (trocharization, gastropexy), heatstroke (cool to 103°F then stop), toxicities (chocolate, grapes/raisins, xylitol, acetaminophen cat — NAC, Easter lily cat AKI, lily-of-the-valley cardiac glycoside, Sago palm hepatotoxicity, ethylene glycol — fomepizole/4-MP), snake bite. Lymphoma, mast cell tumor Patnaik/Kiupel grading, chemotherapy safety (PPE, closed-system, yellow chemo waste).

~10%

Behavior, Pharmacy & Communication

FAS 0-5 scales, Fear Free low-stress handling, resource guarding, feline inappropriate elimination (1+N litter box rule), aggression classification. Common drugs, mg/kg dose calculations, compounding, medication reconciliation. SOAP notes, 5th-grade reading discharge instructions, informed consent, written cost estimates, QOL HHHHHMM end-of-life discussions.

~7%

Exotic Companion Animals

Rabbit GI stasis (emergency — prokinetics, syringe feed Critical Care, analgesia; NEVER NPO), rabbit dental malocclusion, Pasteurella snuffles. Guinea pig scurvy (vitamin C). Ferret adrenal disease (deslorelin implant) and insulinoma (diazoxide, prednisone). Reptile husbandry (UVB, POTZ, humidity). Avian PBFD (circovirus), chlamydiosis.

~10%

Diagnostics, Anesthesia & Surgery Support

CBC/chem interpretation (anemia regenerative vs non, left shift, Na:K ratio), urinalysis (USG >1.030 dogs/>1.035 cats), fecal, cytology basics, heartworm SNAP, FeLV/FIV SNAP, parvo ELISA, Giardia SNAP. Anesthesia ASA I-V, premed-induction-maintenance, local blocks (dental, testicular, line/ring), Glasgow CMPS-SF, Feline Grimace Scale 0-10, recovery. Spay/neuter, mass removal, GDV assistance, aseptic technique; OSHA, zoonoses (rabies, ringworm, bartonella, Q fever, lepto), PPE, radiation safety.

How to Pass the VTS (Clinical Practice) Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Criterion-referenced scaled score set by AVTCP (candidates measured against a fixed content-expert standard)
Exam length: 100 questions
Time limit: Written computer-based examination with sub-specialty track (~3-4 hours)
Exam fee: ~$300 exam fee (AVTCP 2026 — verify current schedule at avtcp.org)

Keys to Passing

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

VTS (Clinical Practice) Study Tips from Top Performers

1AAHA canine life stage guidelines emphasize lifelong preventive care and evidence-based vaccination: core vaccines (rabies, DAPP — distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza) for all dogs; non-core (Lepto 4-serovar, Lyme, Bordetella, canine influenza H3N2/H3N8, rattlesnake) based on lifestyle risk. Puppies need series starting 6-8 weeks every 3-4 weeks through 16+ weeks, with 1-year boosters and then every 3 years for core per AAHA/WSAVA.

2AAFP feline life stage: FVRCP core (with rabies) for all cats; FeLV core for kittens under 1 year and non-core (lifestyle-based) thereafter. Use Feline Grimace Scale 0-10 for acute pain (ears, orbital tightening, muzzle tension, whiskers, head position — each 0-2, total 0-10, intervention typically if ≥4). Low-stress handling and Fear Free techniques reduce exam FAS and improve compliance.

3RER (resting energy requirement) = 70 × BW(kg)^0.75 for any body weight, OR simplified 30 × BW(kg) + 70 for patients between 2-45 kg. MER = RER × illness/life-stage factor. For tube feeding hospitalized patients, start at 25-33% of RER on day 1 and titrate up over 3 days to goal. Select feline-appropriate high-protein low-carb diets (e.g., recovery liquid diets) for critical care cases.

4HCM cats with LA:Ao ≥1.6 are at high ATE risk — the FATCAT study showed clopidogrel is SUPERIOR to aspirin for preventing recurrent feline arterial thromboembolism. Start clopidogrel 18.75 mg PO q24h after a first ATE or in high-risk cats. Atenolol is reserved for cats with dynamic LVOT obstruction (NOT routinely for all HCM); beta blockade does not prolong survival in non-obstructive HCM.

5Feline toxicities to know cold: Easter/Asiatic/tiger/Daylilies cause acute kidney injury — treat with IV fluids at 2× maintenance for 48+ hours; acetaminophen causes methemoglobinemia and hepatotoxicity (cats lack glucuronidation) — treat with N-acetylcysteine (NAC); ethylene glycol causes calcium oxalate monohydrate crystalluria and AKI — treat with fomepizole (4-MP) or ethanol CRI; xylitol in dogs causes hypoglycemia (within 30-60 min) and delayed hepatotoxicity — monitor BG and liver enzymes for 72 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the VTS (Clinical Practice) credential?

The VTS (Clinical Practice) credential is an advanced veterinary technician specialty credential awarded by the Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Clinical Practice (AVTCP), a NAVTA-recognized specialty academy. Candidates choose a sub-specialty track — Canine/Feline, Avian/Exotic Companion Animal, or Production Animal — and demonstrate advanced clinical knowledge through case logs, case reports, CE, and a written examination.

Who is eligible to sit for the AVTCP exam?

Candidates must hold an active credential as CVT/LVT/RVT (or state equivalent), have at least 3 years (6,000 hours) of full-time experience in general/companion animal practice within the past 5 years, log 40+ advanced case experiences, submit 4 detailed case reports, complete 40+ hours of advanced CE (with at least 25 specific to the chosen sub-specialty), and secure 2 letters of recommendation. Applications must be approved by AVTCP before scheduling the exam.

What is the format of the VTS (Clinical Practice) exam?

The AVTCP credentialing exam is a written computer-based examination covering general clinical practice content with a sub-specialty track. Items are single-best-answer multiple-choice questions with case-based vignettes across preventive care, nutrition, dentistry, dermatology, cardiology, endocrinology, GI, urology, emergency, oncology, behavior, exotic companion animals, anesthesia, surgery support, and safety.

How much does the 2026 VTS (Clinical Practice) exam cost?

The AVTCP exam fee is approximately $300 for 2026 — always verify the current schedule on avtcp.org. Candidates also pay an application review fee, CE course costs (typically $500-$1,500 to meet the 40-hour advanced CE requirement), and annual AVTCP/NAVTA membership dues. Retakes require re-registration and fee payment per AVTCP policy.

When is the 2026 exam administered?

The AVTCP written examination is typically offered once per year in a designated CBT testing window, often timed around NAVTA/AVMA conferences. Credentials applications are due several months before the exam date. Confirm 2026 dates and application deadlines on avtcp.org.

How is the exam scored?

AVTCP uses criterion-referenced scaled scoring with a passing standard set by subject-matter experts. A candidate's pass/fail result depends on performance against the fixed cut-score, not against peers. Candidates must pass the written examination to earn the VTS (Clinical Practice) designation in their chosen sub-specialty.

What are the highest-yield topics?

Highest-yield topics include AAHA canine life stage and AAFP feline life stage preventive care schedules, core vs non-core vaccination, AAFCO therapeutic diet indications (k/d, u/d, y/d, c/d, z/d), RER feeding tube calculations, MMVD CHF management, HCM cats with FATCAT clopidogrel, DM insulin selection (Vetsulin dogs vs ProZinc/glargine cats), Cushing's trilostane monitoring, Addison's DOCP protocol, GDV recognition, common toxicities (chocolate, xylitol, lilies cat, ethylene glycol fomepizole), Feline Grimace Scale and Glasgow CMPS-SF pain assessment, rabbit GI stasis emergency care, ferret adrenal disease and insulinoma, and OSHA/zoonoses safety.

How should I study for this exam?

Build case logs and refine 4 case reports over 12-18 months of clinical work in general practice. Complete 40+ hours of advanced CE across preventive, medical, surgical, and emergency topics (25+ specific to your sub-specialty). Use Norsworthy's Feline Patient, Ettinger's Small Animal Internal Medicine, Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, AAHA/AAFP guidelines, and AVTCP-recommended resources. Dedicate 3-6 months of final review with high-volume MCQ practice and 2-3 timed full-length mock exams.