AVE Candidate Info
General Information:
- The Preliminary (MCQ) Examination tests general knowledge of veterinary science and its application in veterinary practice in Australasia.
- The exam consists of two papers:
- Paper 1: General knowledge of veterinary science with 120 questions.
- Paper 2: Clinical reasoning with 100 questions.
- The exam is conducted on one day in April each year at various state capital cities and New Zealand, with potential overseas venues for international candidates.
- Both papers are completed on the same day, with each paper lasting three hours and a scheduled break in between.
- Calculators and other electronic devices are not permitted; note paper may be provided.
- The exam must be taken within the validity period of the candidate's English language test (two years).
Topics Examined:
- The topics covered include anatomy, physiology, husbandry & welfare, pathology & clinical pathology, infectious diseases, toxicology, and pharmacology/therapeutics.
Pass Mark:
- The pass mark is determined by combining the scores of Paper 1 and Paper 2.
- The AVBC uses the Rasch methodology to establish the pass score, ensuring a fair and precise assessment of candidate performance.
- Results are sent via email within eight weeks of the exam.
Re-sitting the Exam:
- Candidates who fail must re-sit both papers at their next attempt.
- There is a limit of three attempts, after which candidates must wait two years before re-sitting and seek counseling from an AVE Committee member.
- A separate application and examination fee are required for re-sitting the exam .