CVOM FAQs

You do not need to be a member of the VHMA to submit a CVOM certification program application. However, there are substantial benefits to becoming a VHMA member, including financial discounts on products and services.

The application details fifteen (15) duties common to most veterinary practices. Candidates must have performed at least thirteen (13) of the fifteen (15) listed functions for at least one (1) year within the preceding three (3) years to qualify as having the necessary management experience needed for certification. The fifteen duties are outlined on the CVOM program page here.

No, your job title does not have to be office manager to meet the requirements. However, you must meet the veterinary practice management experience requirements outlined in the application. 

The application details fifteen (15) duties common to most veterinary practices. Candidates must have performed at least thirteen (13) of the fifteen (15) listed functions for at least one (1) year within the preceding three (3) years to qualify as having the necessary management experience needed for certification. The fifteen duties are outlined on the CVOM program page here.

The minimum requirements must be accomplished at the time of your application submission. The application requires documentation that the candidate has met the minimum experience requirements to qualify to take the examination. Recommendation letters are required, and the references will complete them separately for confidentiality. 

This recommendation must be from a person who is actively involved in the field of veterinary practice management with whom you have worked.

No, candidates will identify who will submit letters of recommendation on their behalf in their program application. Once the application is submitted, automated emails will be sent to these identified individuals with a link to complete their recommendation form (which is then attached to the candidate's application). Program candidates can monitor the collection of their recommendation letters in the Certification Dashboard. Recommendations must be received within 90 days of the candidate's application submission.

Once approved, the application is active for one (1) year from the date of acceptance. Candidates have one (1) year to earn the CVOM certification before their application expires. Candidates who do not earn certification prior to their application's expiration must reapply to continue to qualify to take the examination.

The examination is delivered through a computer based testing format in a proctored setting at testing centers throughout North America.  The examination may only be taken in an approved test center. Remote testing is not available.

The examination is administered four (4) times a year at testing centers throughout the U.S. and Canada. Upcoming examination dates can be found here.

Candidates may only take the examination once per administrative cycle until their application expires. There is a fee each time a candidate takes the examination.

Yes, the fee to retake the exam is $100 less than the application fee.

For candidates who not successfully pass the examination current fees are:
$395 for VHMA Members
$645 for non-VHMA Members

Upcoming examination dates and fees can be found here.

There is only one English test version that is offered at test centers throughout North America. 

To maintain certification, every CVOM must earn eighteen (18) continuing education hours and submit documentation along with a recertification fee every two (2) years. Professional credits for recertification may be accumulated in a wide variety of ways. CVOMs involved in the profession have no difficulty maintaining certification. Visit Documents & Resources page for continuing education guidelines.