Become a Candidate

Thank you for your interest in joining the ACVIM community!

Next Steps to enroll as an ACVIM Candidate

 

1. Requirements to be accepted into an ACVIM approved RTP:

  • Must be a graduate of a college or school of veterinary medicine approved by the AVMA, OR be legally qualified to practice veterinary medicine in  some state, province, territory, or possession of the United States, Canada or another country.
  • Complete a one-year rotating internship in medicine and surgery or equivalent broad based clinical experience.

For more information on Candidate Prerequisites, contact Certification@ACVIM.org.

2. Understand Residency Training Programs options and current minimum requirements.


3. Explore upcoming ACVIM approved Residency Training Program opportunities.

  • Visit the Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Programs for current openings and placement assistance (www.virmp.org).


4. Register as a Candidate of the ACVIM within 90 days of starting an RTP.

  • Register online.
  • You will receive confirmation of your registration via a “Candidate Welcome Letter” from the ACVIM office within 90 days of registration. This letter will outline your Candidate timeline (i.e. eligibility dates for credentials and exams) as well as your assigned Candidate ID# and other important information.


Candidate registration

Once in an approved residency training program (RTP), residents must register with the ACVIM within 90 days of beginning their RTP (e.g., by October 1 for programs beginning on July 1). The purpose of registration is to ensure that a candidate embarks on a training program that conforms to the requirements of the specialty in which he or she wishes to become certified. Failure to register, or registration after the 90-day deadline, may jeopardize the resident's certification process, as some of the training program may not be recognized or accepted. In 2016 a program of Maintenance of Credentials (MOC) became effective for new Diplomates. Please see section 4.K of the Certification Manual (CM) for additional information.

If you are a candidate who wishes to relocate to a new residency training program, please contact the ACVIM staff at Certification@ACVIM.org and DO NOT register online.

Candidate Registration Form
 

What's next?

After you've successfully enrolled as an ACVIM Candidate you will need to meet all the certification requirements for your specialty as outlined in the ACVIM Certification Manual (CM).

Minimum requirements include, but are not limited to:

  • Pass General Examination
  • Pass Credentials
  • Pass Specialty Examination
  • Successfully complete an ACVIM approved RTP