PAVE

The Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE) is an alternative certification pathway for international veterinarians seeking U.S. licensure. Administered by the AAVSB, PAVE consists of four key steps: application and credential evaluation, the Qualifying Science Examination (QSE), a hands-on clinical experience (ECE) at an approved U.S. veterinary school, and the final issuance of a PAVE Certificate.

This certificate allows candidates to take the NAVLE and apply for state licensure in participating jurisdictions. While the PAVE path offers a structured route to practicing veterinary medicine in the U.S., it involves competitive placement for the clinical experience and still requires passing additional licensing exams.

PAVE is ideal for graduates whose schools are not AVMA-accredited and who seek a practical, clinical-entry route into U.S. veterinary practice.