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Veterinary Technician
Total cost: $525
Certified Veterinary Technician (no specific abbreviation stated in statute)
Credential Title
Yes
VTNE Required
Associate's degree from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program
Education
$525
Total Initial Fees
12 hrs
CE Hours
4 listed
Specialties (VTS)
Education & Training
VerifiedAssociate's degree from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program
Degree Required
Required
AVMA Accredited
Included in AVMA-accredited program curriculum
Clinical Hours
2 years
Program Length
Find Approved Programs
View AVMA-accredited programs →Veterinary technician programs must be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA). Programs typically include coursework in animal anatomy, pharmacology, clinical procedures, and supervised clinical experience.
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Title
Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)
Education
Associate's degree from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program
Exam Required
Yes
Scope
Performs veterinary nursing tasks under supervision of a licensed veterinarian including anesthesia monitoring, dental procedures, radiography, laboratory work, and medication administration
Title
Veterinary Assistant
Education
No formal education required; on-the-job training
Exam Required
No
Scope
Performs basic animal care tasks under direct supervision; cannot perform technical procedures reserved for credentialed veterinary technicians
National Exam (VTNE)
VerifiedRequired
VTNE
Required
State Jurisprudence Exam
VTNE Exam Details
VTNE
Exam Name
170
Questions
210 min
Time Limit
425
Passing Score
VTNE Exam Fee
$355
State Jurisprudence Exam
DC State Board Examination for Veterinary Technicians
The District of Columbia requires passage of a DC state board examination in addition to the VTNE.
Retake Policy
Candidates may retake the VTNE up to 5 times. A 90-day waiting period is required between attempts.
Overall licensing difficulty: 11/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam)
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Vet Tech Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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Authorized Tasks & Procedures
VerifiedAnesthesia Monitoring
Dental Cleaning
Radiography
Lab Work
Medication Administration
Euthanasia
Permitted under direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian
Additional Authorized Tasks
Scope of practice for veterinary technicians varies by state. Tasks must generally be performed under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Some states have specific restrictions on procedures like euthanasia and surgery.
Veterinarian Supervision
VerifiedGeneral supervision of a veterinarian licensed in the District
Supervision Type
Required
Supervising Veterinarian
Supervision Details
District of Columbia requires credentialed veterinary technicians to work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The level of supervision varies by procedure, with higher-risk procedures generally requiring direct supervision.
Veterinary technicians must work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The level of supervision (direct, indirect, or immediate) varies by state and by the specific procedure being performed.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $85 |
VTNE Exam Fee | $355 |
State License Fee | $85 |
Renewal Fee | $85 |
Total Initial Fees | $525 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (biennial)
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$85
Regulatory Board
Veterinary technician licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering topics such as pharmacology, anesthesia, animal welfare, and professional ethics.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
VTNE Score Accepted for Transfer
Reciprocity Type
Endorsement with VTNE and DC state exam
Transfer Details
DC accepts out-of-state vet techs who have passed the VTNE but also requires passage of the DC state board examination.
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Most states accept the VTNE for interstate credential transfer, but may require additional state-specific jurisprudence exams, background checks, or proof of education from an AVMA-accredited program.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare District of Columbia with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
The District of Columbia requires both the VTNE and a DC-specific state board examination. Notably, there are no AVMA-accredited veterinary technology programs located within DC, so all prospective vet techs must obtain their education elsewhere.
DC requires both the VTNE and a separate DC state board examination.
There are no AVMA-accredited vet tech programs located within DC; students must attend programs in other states or through distance education.
Veterinary technicians must be certified by the Board of Veterinary Medicine.
Certification is mandatory to engage in veterinary technician activities in DC.
A person shall not engage in activities related to maintaining the health or treatment of an animal unless certified by the Board of Veterinary Medicine as a veterinary technician.
Credentialed veterinary technicians may pursue specialty certifications through recognized academies.
Veterinary Technician Specialist in Emergency and Critical Care (VTS (ECC))
Specialization in emergency medicine and critical care nursing
Veterinary Technician Specialist in Anesthesia and Analgesia (VTS (Anesthesia/Analgesia))
Specialization in veterinary anesthesia and pain management
Veterinary Technician Specialist in Dentistry (VTS (Dentistry))
Specialization in veterinary dental procedures and care
Veterinary Technician Specialist in Internal Medicine (VTS (Internal Medicine))
Specialization in internal medicine diagnostics and treatment
Vet Tech requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in District of Columbia
See how District of Columbia compares: Vet Tech License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Vet Tech Schools in District of Columbia
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to District of Columbia? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Vet Tech license to District of Columbia →
Transfer your Vet Tech license from District of Columbia to: Maryland → | Virginia →
District of Columbia credentials veterinary technicians as “Certified Veterinary Technician (no specific abbreviation stated in statute)”. The VTNE is required. Graduation from an AVMA-accredited program is required. All credentialing is managed through the Board of Veterinary Medicine.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state veterinary board.