NVAP: How do I Become Accredited?

Complete the Initial Accreditation Training 

Veterinarians applying for veterinary accreditation as well as those seeking to attend an Orientation Program will need to complete the Initial Accreditation Training (IAT). IAT is web-based and is comprised of an Introduction followed by three Veterinary Accreditation Lessons, four Emerging and Exotic Diseases of Animals Lessons, and seven Transboundary Disease Incursions. The lessons and incursions each have a corresponding multiple choice quiz. A passing score of 80% on each of the 14 quizzes is required to earn an IAT Certificate of Completion. An IAT Certificate of Completion earned in the IAT Web course will be required for admission to the Orientation Program. Both IAT and the Orientation Program must be completed in order to apply for accreditation.

• For graduate and licensed veterinarians who have already received their degrees from a U.S. or foreign school or college of veterinary medicine and who are seeking veterinary accreditation for the first time, IAT is available only through the NVAP Coordinator in the state where accreditation is sought.
• For students currently enrolled or matriculated in a U.S. school or college of veterinary medicine, IAT is incorporated into the regulatory and/or foreign animal disease curricula. Veterinary students can access the course content through the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges web site.

Note: Documentation indicating your completion of IAT will be required for admission to the Orientation Program.

Attend an Orientation Program 

After the completing Initial Accreditation Training, applicants for accreditation must attend an Orientation Program. Upon completion of the Orientation Program, application for accreditation must be completed within 3 years. The elements of the Orientation Program are: 

1. Federal animal health laws, regulations, and rules;
2. Interstate movement of animals;
3. Import and export requirements for animals;
4. USDA animal disease eradication and control programs;
5. Laboratory support in confirming disease diagnoses;
6. Ethical and professional responsibilities of an accredited veterinarian;
7. Foreign animal disease awareness;
8. Animal health emergency management; and
9. Animal health procedures, issues, and information resources relevant to the State in which the veterinarian wishes to perform accredited duties.

The Orientation Program may be taken during veterinary medical school or during a session scheduled by the NVAP Coordinator.

Upcoming Orientation Programs

You must contact the NVAP Coordinator to register and confirm. This listing may not reflect all Orientation Programs for all States. Contact your NVAP Coordinator for up-to-date information.

Additional Requirements

• Complete a State specific Orientation if required by the Area Veterinarian in Charge in cooperation with the State Animal Health Official (SAHO).
• Graduate with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree from a College of Veterinary Medicine.
• Be licensed or legally able to practice veterinary medicine in the State in which you are applying.

Submit Your Application

• Complete VS Form 1-36A (794.24 KB). Please read the instructions thoroughly before completing this application. Either electronic or hand signatures are acceptable.
• Submit your completed VS Form 1-36A (794.24 KB) application to the NVAP Coordinator of the State in which you want to become accredited. The application must be submitted within three (3) years of your completion of an Orientation Program; if more than three years have lapsed since your completion of an Orientation Program, you are required to complete another Orientation Program.
• You may submit your application via:
  • Password-protected email as a pdf document with electronic or hand signature
  • Paper via USPS, FedEx, UPS, etc., or
  • Fax