I Graduated, Now What? Becoming Certified in RI

For New Certified Technicians:

Step 1: Graduate from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Accredited Program 

Full list of AVMA Accredited programs here

Step 2: Take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and pass

Take the VTNE at any local testing center that administers the exam.

Designate with the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) that you will be practicing in RI. Send your VTNE score directly to RIVTA through the AAVSB VTNE system. 

For more information on the VTNE from the AAVSB, click here.

Looking for VTNE Study Resources? Check out Vet Tech Prep or VTNE Prep.

Please note: YOU ARE NOT A CVT FOR PASSING THE VTNE. You must apply for certification through the RI credentialing body, AKA, RIVTA. 

Step 3: Apply for New Certification on the RIVTA website

Upload or email a copy of your program transcript directly to [email protected].

Upload a letter of recommendation through the application portal.

Pay the new certification fee ($50) online through the same portal.

RIVTA will review your application and contact you to inform you on the next steps.

New Graduates from AVMA accredited programs applying for New Membership do not need to submit Continuing Education (CE) credits for at the time of new membership application, however members can upload CE credits and certificates at any time after approval. The amount of CE required at the end of your first year depends on when you applied to RIVTA.

Timing of Application Amount of CE due for 1st renewal
January 1st- March 31st 12 hours of CE due
April 1st- June 30th 6 hours of CE due
July 1st - September 30th 3 hours of CE due
October 1st- December 31st

0 hours due for 1st year,
12 hours due for following year



We hope to better reflect the amount of time new graduates have spent in the field by requiring fewer hours for the first renewal, depending on the timing of application to RIVTA. We also hope this encourages CVTs to apply to RIVTA ASAP after passing the VTNE. 

For more information on where to obtain CE and how to upload certificates to your profile, click here

 New Certification Application