The Australasian Veterinary Examination (AVE) is designed to evaluate the competence of veterinary practitioners, ensuring they meet the standards required in Australia and New Zealand. The AVE process includes three main components:
1. Eligibility Assessment: This initial step is conducted by the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC) to determine if candidates are eligible to sit the AVE. This includes verifying academic qualifications and English language proficiency for non-native speakers.
2. Preliminary (MCQ) Examination: This examination consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering a broad range of veterinary knowledge. It is held both in Australia and overseas. A pass in this exam is required to proceed to the Final (Clinical) Examination.
3. Final (Clinical) Examination: Conducted only in Australia, this examination assesses practical clinical skills through oral and practical tests. It ensures candidates can apply their knowledge in real-world veterinary settings.
The AVE is benchmarked against the competencies expected of veterinary graduates from Australasian veterinary schools, with the format and content reflecting the standards of local undergraduate veterinary programs. The AVE Committee (AVEC), a standing committee of the AVBC, is responsible for the development and oversight of the examination, ensuring it aligns with professional requirements in Australasia.