How to Become Board-Certified
Becoming a Candidate
Our specialists, called Diplomates, undergo considerable post-graduate training beyond the six to eight years of college education normally required to earn a veterinary degree. This post-graduate training includes an internship, residency and documented clinical experience that lays the groundwork for a Candidate to become Board-certified.
ACVIM approved Residency Training Programs
Each specialty has a Residency Training Committee that specifies training criteria that must be met for certification. This committee will review training program applications submitted by institutions and rule on their acceptability.
All Residency Training Programs must have a designated Program Director. The Program Director is responsible for submitting the original residency training program registration information as well an annual renewal. Program renewal information will be sent to Program Directors. All Residency Training Programs must be approved prior to any residents starting their training program.