Updated February 2023
The following publications are used in the development of the examination. While they are valuable for examination preparation, their usefulness goes far beyond preparation for the test. Successful managers reference these resources while performing their responsibilities. The CVPM Board reviews and updates this list annually. Inclusion of a publication on the CVPM Recommended Reading List does not imply an endorsement of the publication by the VHMA or CVPM. This list is intended to be a resource only; using these materials does not guarantee a candidate will achieve a passing score on the exam.
Note, these sources are used to validate recognized veterinary management standards tested on the examination, not to test your knowledge on what a specific author said in any specific publication or edition.
Blackwell’s Five-Minute Veterinary Practice Management Consult (3rd edition)
Author: Lowell Ackerman, DVM, DACVD, MBA, MPA
Publisher: Wiley
The Complete Veterinary Practice Regulatory Compliance Manual (6th edition)*
Author: Phillip Seibert, CVT
Publisher: SafetyVet
*Not applicable to Canadian candidates.
The Effective Marketing Manual - Attracting, Creating and Retaining Loyal Customers
Author: J.D. Stowe, DVM
Publisher: Lifelearn
For U.S. purchases, go to Amazon.com.
For CDN purchases, go to Amazon.ca.
Financial Management of the Veterinary Practice
Authors: Justin Chamblee, CPA, MAcc and Max Reiboldt, CPA
Publisher: American Animal Hospital Association, AAHA Press
Front Office Management for the Veterinary Team (2nd edition)
Author: Heather Prendergast, BS, AS, RVT, CVPM
Publisher: Elsevier
Inventory Management (2nd edition)
Publisher: Patterson Veterinary University Bookstore
Law & Ethics of the Veterinary Profession
Authors: James Wilson, DVM,
Publisher: Priority Press Ltd. (Amazon)
Practice made Perfect: A Guide to Veterinary Practice Management (2nd edition)
Authors: Marsha Heinke, DVM, EA, CPA, CVPM and John B. McCarthy, DVM, MBA
Publisher: American Animal Hospital Association, AAHA Press
Standards for AAHA Hospitals
Publisher: American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
To view or print the standards go to the AAHA Standards page, click on Alternative Log in Options, and enter the Access Code: VHMA6823. For the purposes of studying for the CVMP test, choose General Standards.
Standard Abbreviations for Veterinary Medical Records
Publisher: American Animal Hospital Association, AAHA Press
VHMA Code of Ethics
Publisher: Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA)
Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics, AVMA
Publisher: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)