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How to become a licensed vet tech in Illinois. Credential: Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT). VTNE required. Education: Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program. Total initial fees: $455. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Veterinary Technician
Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)
Credential Title
Yes
VTNE Required
Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program
Education
$455
Total Initial Fees
20 hrs
CE Hours
4 listed
Specialties (VTS)
Education & Training
VerifiedGraduate of 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.
Title
Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)
Education
Graduate of 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
Not Required
State Jurisprudence Exam
VTNE Exam Details
VTNE
Exam Name
170
Questions
210 min
Time Limit
425
Passing Score
VTNE Exam Fee
$355
Retake Policy
Candidates may retake the VTNE up to 5 times. A 90-day waiting period is required between attempts.
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
VerifiedDirect supervision by a licensed veterinarian
Supervision Type
Required
Supervising Veterinarian
Supervision Details
Illinois 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 | $50 |
VTNE Exam Fee | $355 |
State License Fee | $50 |
Renewal Fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees | $455 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (biennial)
Renewal Period
20 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$50
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
VTNE-based endorsement
Transfer Details
Illinois accepts out-of-state vet techs who have passed the VTNE and graduated from an AVMA-accredited program.
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.
Illinois requires 20 CE hours per biennial cycle, which is among the higher requirements nationally. Licensing is through IDFPR rather than a standalone veterinary board.
Illinois is regulated through the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
20 CE hours required per biennial renewal period.
CE may be earned through AVMA CVTEA, RACE, or state veterinary medical association programs.
The ISVMA (Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association) provides additional resources for CVTs.
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
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Illinois.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#14 of 51
Cost
#9 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians (SOC 29-2056)
Entry Level
$39,330
25th percentile
Median
$47,860
+4% vs. national avg ($45,980)Experienced
$55,770
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
4,840 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Veterinary Technologists and Technicians (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+12.3%
High DemandNew Jobs
+15,600
over 10 years
Annual Openings
14,200
per year (avg.)
126,500 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Veterinary Career Ladder+168% salary growth potential
You are here
Veterinary Technician
$47,860
Associate degree in vet tech + VTNE
You are here
Veterinary Technician
Associate degree in vet tech + VTNE
$47,860
DVM degree (4 years) + NAVLE
$128,290
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 112–226 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the VTNE certification exam.
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VTNE prep tips, AVMA-accredited programs, state-by-state requirements, and career advancement resources for veterinary technicians.
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Illinois credentials veterinary technicians as “Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)”. The VTNE is required. Graduation from an AVMA-accredited program is required. All credentialing is managed through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state veterinary board.