VTNE Exam Study Guide (2026)
Everything the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) tests, topic by topic: what each section covers, the facts that come up most, and how to study it. Pair it with the free 15-question practice test.
The exam at a glance
| Questions | 170 multiple-choice questions: 150 scored and 20 unscored pilot questions, which look the same |
|---|---|
| Time | 3 hours (180 minutes); test center breaks run on the exam clock |
| Passing score | Scaled 425 on a 200 to 800 scale; the AAVSB does not report number or percent correct, so practice to 75% or higher |
| Format | Closed book, computer-based. Four options per question with one correct or best answer, no penalty for guessing, on-screen calculator; PSI scratch paper at test centers or a mini whiteboard for remote exams |
| Certifying body | American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) |
| Test provider | PSI test centers in the US and Canada, or PSI live remote proctoring; four windows a year (Feb 15-Apr 15, May 15-Jul 15, Aug 15-Oct 15, Nov 15-Jan 15) |
Mind map: the whole exam on one screen
Read the complete VTNE study notes for “Animal Care and Nursing”
Our first full set of comprehensive notes, about 15 minutes of reading: Patient assessment · Nutrition and feeding tubes · Clinical procedures · Nursing procedures and medication routes · Behavior, restraint and safety, a worked exam example, the traps examiners use and a one-minute recap. Create a free account to read it and see how premium notes work before you decide.
1. Animal Care and Nursing
The largest VTNE domain: 30 of 150 scored items (20%). Patient assessment, nursing procedures, clinical procedures such as blood pressure, ECG and tonometry, medication routes, specimen collection, behavior and restraint.
Key facts
- Assess systematically: temperature, pulse, respiration, mucous membranes, capillary refill time, hydration, mentation, body condition and pain, then record findings.
- Hydration estimates: about 5% tacky membranes; 6 to 8% reduced skin turgor; 10 to 12% sunken eyes and persistent tent; above 12% signs of shock.
- Fluid deficit (mL) = body weight (kg) x % dehydration (as a decimal) x 1,000.
- RER: 70 x kg^0.75, or (30 x kg) + 70 for patients of about 2 to 45 kg. Reintroduce food in steps after anorexia.
- Blood pressure cuff width: about 40% of limb circumference in dogs and 30 to 40% in cats. Too narrow reads high and too wide reads low.
- Lead II ECG: the P wave is atrial depolarization, QRS is ventricular depolarization and T is ventricular repolarization.
- Check bandages and IV catheters at least daily for swelling, wetness, slippage, pain or phlebitis. Keep the toes visible on limb bandages.
- Low-stress handling: read body language early, use the least restraint that keeps everyone safe and ask about sedation when restraint would escalate fear.
Flashcards
Exam tip: With 30 scored items here, learn normal values cold. Many questions give a vital sign or observation and ask for the next nursing action.
2. Pharmacy and Pharmacology
20 of 150 scored items (13%). Preparing and dispensing to veterinary orders, dose, fluid and CRI calculations, controlled drug records, drug classes, mechanisms and side effects, and safe storage and disposal.
Key facts
- Conversions: 1 kg = 2.2 lb, 1 tsp = 5 mL, 1 tbsp = 15 mL, 1 fl oz = about 30 mL, 1 grain = about 65 mg.
- A 1% solution contains 10 mg/mL. Multiply percent by 10 for mg/mL.
- Maintenance fluids are about 40 to 60 mL/kg/day. IV potassium must not exceed 0.5 mEq/kg/hr.
- Federal schedules: II hydromorphone, morphine, fentanyl; III ketamine, tiletamine-zolazepam, buprenorphine; IV butorphanol, diazepam, midazolam, phenobarbital, tramadol.
- Controlled drugs are kept in a securely locked cabinet, with records kept at least 2 years federally (states may require longer). Report theft or significant loss to the DEA in writing within 1 business day of discovery.
- Sensitive combinations: MDR1 (ABCB1) dogs and ivermectin, cats and permethrin or acetaminophen, high-dose enrofloxacin and retinal degeneration in cats.
- Drug classes: beta-lactams act on the cell wall; aminoglycosides are nephrotoxic; NSAIDs can cause GI, renal and hepatic injury.
- Most vaccines are stored at 35 to 46 F (2 to 8 C). Wear appropriate PPE for cytotoxic drugs and use a spill kit.
Flashcards
Exam tip: Write the units beside every step of a calculation. If the units cancel to mL or mL/hr, the setup is probably right.
3. Surgical Nursing
20 of 150 scored items (13%). Preparing the surgical suite and patient, functioning as sterile and circulating technician, cleaning and sterilizing instruments, wound closure, and aseptic technique.
Key facts
- Gravity steam sterilization needs at least 250 F (121 C) at about 15 psi for at least 15 minutes after the chamber reaches temperature.
- Ethylene oxide suits heat-sensitive items but needs aeration time and exposure controls.
- Sterile areas of a gown: the front from chest to table level and the sleeves to about 2 inches above the elbow.
- Clip and do the initial scrub outside the operating room; do the final prep in the suite after positioning.
- Clean instruments promptly, open at the box lock. Follow enzymatic or ultrasonic cleaning with rinsing, drying and lubrication.
- Suture size: a higher number of zeros means a finer strand, so 5-0 is finer than 3-0.
- Instruments: Metzenbaum are delicate tissue scissors, Mayo are for heavy tissue, and Olsen-Hegar needle holders include scissors.
- Scalpel handle #3 takes blades 10, 11, 12 and 15; handle #4 takes blade 20 and larger.
Flashcards
Exam tip: If a question asks whether something is sterile, assume it isn't unless you can prove it is. When in doubt, the item is contaminated.
Test yourself on these topics
Take the free 15-question VTNE test, then save your results to unlock your Readiness Score and the mistakes bank.
4. Anesthesia
20 of 150 scored items (13%). Anesthetic planning, machine preparation and maintenance, endotracheal intubation, and monitoring and responding to patients through all stages of anesthesia.
Key facts
- ASA status I to V grades risk, with E added for emergencies.
- AAHA 2020 guidance for healthy adults is a food fast of about 4 to 6 hours; shorten it for very young and diabetic patients, and water is usually left available until premedication.
Flashcards
Exam tip: Respond to trends and check the patient before the machine. A reading that doesn't match the patient is often a monitor problem, but treat the patient first.
5. Laboratory Procedures
14 of 150 scored items (9%). Preparing specimens and records, microbiology, serology, cytology, hematology, urinalysis and parasitology, and quality control of laboratory equipment.
Key facts
- Tubes: lavender EDTA for CBC, red for serum chemistry, green heparin for plasma chemistry, blue citrate for coagulation at a 9:1 ratio.
- Examine fresh urine within about 30 to 60 minutes or refrigerate it, then warm it to room temperature before analysis.
Flashcards
Exam tip: Learn the classic images: crystals, parasite eggs and blood cells. Expect a question that asks you to identify what's seen under the microscope.
6. Dentistry and Diagnostic Imaging
Dentistry is 10 of 150 scored items (7%): COHAT, dental instruments and radiographs. Diagnostic Imaging is 9 items (6%): non-dental images, equipment and safety. Together, 13% of the exam.
Key facts
- Modified Triadan: quadrants 1 upper right, 2 upper left, 3 lower left, 4 lower right; canines end in 04 and first molars in 09.
- Permanent teeth: dog 42, cat 30. Deciduous: puppy 28, kitten 26.
Flashcards
Exam tip: For Triadan, say the quadrant first and then the tooth. For imaging exposure problems, decide whether the image needs more quantity (mAs) or more penetration (kVp).
7. Emergency Medicine, Critical Care and Pain Management
Emergency Medicine/Critical Care is 10 of 150 scored items (7%): triage, CPR, bleeding, fracture stabilization, blood products, oxygen. Pain Management/Analgesia is 10 items (7%). Together, 14% of the exam.
Key facts
- Triage airway, breathing, circulation and neurologic status first.
- RECOVER CPR: 100 to 120 compressions per minute, one-third to one-half chest width, 2-minute cycles with minimal pauses, 10 breaths per minute when intubated.
Flashcards
Exam tip: Triage questions reward finding the patient with failing vital signs. Pain questions reward noticing behavior such as hiding, guarding or facial tension.
8. Communication and Veterinary Professional Support Services
The smallest domain: 7 of 150 scored items (5%). Client education, team communication, collecting history, euthanasia support, record keeping, professional ethics, zoonoses, and recognizing suspected abuse.
Key facts
- Technicians do not diagnose, give a prognosis, prescribe or perform surgery. The state practice act defines exact limits.
- Collect signalment, history and primary complaint in objective language and record who said what.
Flashcards
Exam tip: When a question involves a client, pick the answer that gives accurate information within your scope and passes clinical judgment to the veterinarian.
How to pass
- 170 questions in 180 minutes is about 63 seconds each. You can't tell pilot items from scored ones, so give each the same care and answer them all, since guessing carries no penalty.
- Animal Care and Nursing (30) plus Pharmacy, Surgical Nursing and Anesthesia (20 each) make up 90 of the 150 scored questions. Secure these four before polishing smaller domains.
- Applied math is a listed knowledge area: pounds to kilograms, percentage solutions, dosages, fluid rates and constant rate infusions. The calculator is on screen, but setting up the problem is on you.
- Plan your window early. Eligibility review can take up to 2 weeks, each window has a completed-application cutoff one month after it opens, and a retake needs a new application and fee at least 31 days after the last attempt.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I study for the VTNE exam?
Most working candidates need 4 to 8 weeks at 45 to 60 minutes a day. Book your exam once your Readiness Score has stayed at 80 or higher for about a week.
Can I take the VTNE exam online?
No. The AVE MCQ is a supervised, computer-delivered exam at AVBC venues in Australia, New Zealand and some overseas cities, not a remote exam. Format: closed book, computer-based. four options per question with one correct or best answer, no penalty for guessing, on-screen calculator; psi scratch paper at test centers or a mini whiteboard for remote exams. Check AVBC's current venue list when you apply.
What score do I need to pass the VTNE exam?
Scaled 425 on a 200 to 800 scale; the AAVSB does not report number or percent correct, so practice to 75% or higher. The exam has 170 multiple-choice questions: 150 scored and 20 unscored pilot questions, which look the same and a time limit of 3 hours (180 minutes); test center breaks run on the exam clock.
What are the most tested topics?
The outline covers animal care and nursing, pharmacy and pharmacology, surgical nursing, anesthesia, laboratory procedures, dentistry and diagnostic imaging, emergency medicine, critical care and pain management, communication and veterinary professional support services. Use the free practice test to see which ones you need most.
The premium VTNE study path
Premium VTNE prep is studied one topic at a time. Each step starts with that topic's key notes and flashcard deck, then its own question sets of 25, so you master one topic before you move to the next. When every topic is strong, the 6 full mock exams show you're ready.
Your step-by-step study path
- 1Animal Care and Nursing8 key notes, 100 flashcards, then 375 practice questions in 15 sets of 25Notes free with an account
- 2Pharmacy and Pharmacology8 key notes, 100 flashcards, then 375 practice questions in 15 sets of 25Premium
- 3Surgical Nursing8 key notes, 100 flashcards, then 375 practice questions in 15 sets of 25Premium
- 4Anesthesia8 key notes, 100 flashcards, then 375 practice questions in 15 sets of 25Premium
- 5Laboratory Procedures7 key notes, 100 flashcards, then 375 practice questions in 15 sets of 25Premium
- 6Dentistry and Diagnostic Imaging7 key notes, 100 flashcards, then 375 practice questions in 15 sets of 25Premium
- 7Emergency Medicine, Critical Care and Pain Management7 key notes, 100 flashcards, then 375 practice questions in 15 sets of 25Premium
- 8Communication and Veterinary Professional Support Services7 key notes, 100 flashcards, then 375 practice questions in 15 sets of 25Premium
- Final step: 6 full mock exams170 questions each, timed like test day. Pass them, then book your exam.Premium
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- The AVE MCQ: both papers, every topic and species
- 3,000 practice questions + 6 full mock exams per exam
- 800 flashcards + 60 key notes per exam, by topic, plus mind maps
- Spaced repetition + mistakes bank
- Readiness Score & detailed reports
- Video lessons as they release
- Content updates during your access
- 5 bonuses: high-yield values sheet, Australasian disease and toxin atlas, study planner and more
- Pass Guarantee: complete the prep, pass or 100% back
Renews once a year until you cancel. We email you before each renewal. Cancel any time from your account; you keep access until the end of the year you've paid for.
Summarized from AVBC's official candidate information and the rules cited, checked November 2026. Confirm current requirements with American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).