Earning Your CVOM

Who Can Apply for Certification?

Individuals actively involved in Veterinary Practice Management who meet the two qualifications may apply to the Certification Board for the CVOM designation.

Qualifications to sit for the exam include:

Active employment as a veterinary manager for a minimum of one (1) year within the last three (3)*
Two (2) letters of recommendation

The VHMA and Certification Board subscribe to all federal and state regulations that prohibit discrimination. All applications are considered regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status or class. Reasonable accommodations will be made for program candidates with disabilities.

*Fifteen (15) duties that are common to most veterinary practices are listed in the application. Candidates must have performed at least thirteen (13) of the fifteen 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.

Policies, Protocols, and Standard Operating Procedures: Implement policies, protocols, and standard operating procedures. Ensure all staff follow these guidelines and cultivate a workplace culture aligned with the practice’s mission.
Administrative Operations: Engage in and oversee the day-to-day administrative tasks necessary for the smooth functioning of the veterinary hospital.
Hospital Operations: Identify areas for improvement in hospital operations and workflows. Implement strategies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the hospital.
Duties, Tasks, and Scheduling: Assign specific duties and tasks to team members. Plan and manage staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage and smooth operations.
Client Scheduling: Manage and organize the scheduling of client appointments and procedures. Ensure the flow of clients is efficient and well-coordinated with the hospital’s operations.
Client Communications: Serve as the main point of contact for client interactions via phone, email, and other communication channels. Address client complaints, answer questions, and provide information as needed to ensure client satisfaction and clarity.
Medical Records Management: Keep medical records, client information, and financial data up-to-date and accurate. Safeguard the security and confidentiality of these records, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
Inventory: Assist in the ordering and tracking of hospital supplies. Make sure that necessary supplies are always available to support hospital operations without delays or shortages.
Technology: Train staff on how to use the hospital’s software and technology systems effectively. Troubleshoot issues and ensure all technology is used to its full potential.
Staff Maintenance: Involve yourself in the recruitment process, from interviewing potential new hires to making decisions on hiring support staff. Assist disciplinary actions and terminations when necessary.
Staff Meetings: Organize, schedule, and lead regular staff meetings to discuss updates, address issues, and plan future actions.
Staff Development: Support the professional growth of staff through training programs and development opportunities. Ensure that staff stay informed about the latest industry practices and protocols.
Staff Records Management: Ensure all staff records, such as employment, training, and performance data, are accurate and updated regularly. Maintain the confidentiality and security of these records as per legal and organizational standards.
Customer Service: Develop strategies and practices to foster positive relationships with clients. Ensure a high level of customer service to achieve client satisfaction and loyalty, addressing any issues promptly and effectively.
Finance: Participate in the management of client transactions, including billing and payment processes. Ensure accuracy and timeliness in client billing and handle any billing inquiries or issues. Also, engage in daily reconciliation of transactions to ensure financial accuracy and integrity.

Three Part Process

The Application

VHMA and the Certification Board subscribe to all Federal and State regulations that prohibit discrimination. All applications are considered regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status or class. Reasonable accommodations will be made for program candidates with disabilities.

The application documents your professional and educational background, achievements, and veterinary management experience. Instructions for properly completing each section are contained in the application. Certain documentation is required and explained when necessary. The Certification Board reserves the right to require additional documentation or explanation of any question or section of the application.

Applications will not be processed until the examination fee is paid. The fee is $495 for VHMA members and $645 for non-members. Incomplete or unacceptable applications will be returned to the applicant along with a refund check, and a $100 processing fee will be deducted.

Once approved, the application is active for one (1) year from acceptance. Candidates have one (1) year to earn the CVOM certification before their application expires. Candidates who do not earn certification before their application expires must reapply to continue qualifying for the examination.

When the application has been approved by the Certification Board, the candidate can schedule to take the examination. The examination is scheduled in advance in various locations throughout the United States and Canada.

A program candidate may appeal in writing to the Certification Board for review of the final determination of a candidate's non-eligibility or non-admittance to the Certification Program. Details for appeal are provided here and can be found in the CVOM Procedures document on the Documents & Resources page.

The Examination

The examination is composed of multiple-choice questions about relevant management knowledge in Leadership, Administrative Management/Daily Operations & Organization of the Practice, Human Resources, Staff Management, and Communication, Law and Ethics, Marketing and Finance. The items are traditional 4-option multiple-choice questions or multiple-select (more than one (1) correct answer items).

The total number of questions on each examination may vary, but the maximum number of points on any examination will be ninety (90).

An appeals process is made available to all program candidates who, upon receipt of their exam results, choose to contest these results. Details for the appeals policy and process are provided here and can also be found in the CVOM Procedures document which can be found on the Documents & Resources page.

Recertification

To maintain certification, the CVOM must accumulate eighteen (18) continuing education hours and submit documentation along with the $199 recertification fee every two (2) years. Professional credits for recertification may be accumulated in a wide variety of ways. Veterinary Managers involved in the profession have no difficulty maintaining certification.