100+ Free VTS (Dermatology) Practice Questions

The VTS (Dermatology) certifying examination is a written specialty exam administered by the Academy of Dermatology Veterinary Technicians (ADVT, vetdermtech.org). It is the final step in earning the Veterinary Technician Specialist (Dermatology) credential, granted under NAVTA's Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties (CVTS), where ADVT currently holds provisional recognition. The exam covers skin anatomy, diagnostic dermatology, allergic skin disease, ectoparasites, pyoderma, dermatophytosis, Malassezia, otitis, autoimmune skin disease, endocrine dermatoses, keratinization disorders, and cutaneous neoplasia.

The 2026 ADVT examination fee is approximately $300, with an additional application fee required when credentialing materials are submitted. Candidates should also budget for dermatology continuing education (minimum 40 hours), travel to the exam site, and reference textbooks such as Miller, Griffin and Campbell's Small Animal Dermatology. Total out-of-pocket investment typically exceeds $500 before study materials.

Candidates must (1) be legally credentialed as a veterinary technician (CVT, LVT, RVT, or equivalent) in a US state or Canadian province, (2) have at least 3 years of dermatology-focused practice, (3) submit a minimum of 40 case logs documenting dermatology cases, (4) submit 4 detailed case reports selected from the case log, (5) complete at least 40 hours of dermatology continuing education, (6) submit the ADVT Skills List with documentation, and (7) obtain letters of recommendation from a VTS (Dermatology) or ACVD diplomate.

The ADVT certifying exam is held once per year, typically in conjunction with the North American Veterinary Dermatology Forum (NAVDF) or a similar continuing education event. Exact date, city, and venue are announced by ADVT each cycle. The exam is a written multiple-choice format. Candidates should verify the current format, location, and application deadlines on vetdermtech.org before applying.

The passing score is set each year by the ADVT Examination Committee based on the difficulty of that year's exam. The minimum passing score is not publicly published as a fixed percentage. Candidates are typically notified of their pass/fail result within 60-90 days of the exam, and written deficiency feedback is often available on request for those who do not pass.

Your primary reference should be Miller, Griffin and Campbell's Small Animal Dermatology (Muller and Kirk's), 7th or 8th edition — the definitive text for the field. Supplement with Hnilica and Patterson's Small Animal Dermatology: A Color Atlas and Therapeutic Guide. Master the diagnostic tests (cytology patterns, skin scraping technique for Sarcoptes vs Demodex, trichogram interpretation, DTM culture, intradermal allergy testing). Understand the current therapeutics for canine atopic dermatitis: oclacitinib (Apoquel, JAK-1 inhibitor), lokivetmab (Cytopoint, anti-IL-31 monoclonal antibody), cyclosporine, and allergen-specific immunotherapy. Expect 12-18 months of dedicated preparation.

A VTS (Dermatology) is an advanced CREDENTIALED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN with specialty certification — they perform dermatology nursing, assist with procedures (intradermal allergy testing, biopsies, cytology), counsel clients on long-term management, and support the veterinarian. An ACVD diplomate is a BOARD-CERTIFIED VETERINARIAN (DVM/VMD) who completed a residency and the ACVD board exam — they diagnose, prescribe, and perform surgery. Many VTS (Dermatology) technicians work alongside ACVD diplomates in referral dermatology practices. The two credentials are complementary.