CVOM FAQs

Qualification

Do I have to be a member of the VHMA to apply for the CVOM certification program?

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.

What qualifies for practice management experience?

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.

Do I need to have the title of office manager to meet the requirements?

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.

Application

Do all the requirements have to be completed when I submit in my application?

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. 

Letter of Recommendation - who qualifies as a practice management professional?

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

Can the letters of recommendation be submitted before the application?

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.

Examination

Is there a deadline to take the exam?

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.

How is examination delivered?

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.

How often is the examination administered?

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.

Do I have to wait to retake the test if I don't pass?

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.

Is there a re-examination fee should I not pass the exam?

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.

How many test versions are offered?

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

Recertification

I earned my CVOM certification, what's next?

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.