Format at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Papers | Paper 1 Base Knowledge (80 questions, 2 hours) and Paper 2 Clinical Reasoning (80 questions, 2.5 hours), same day |
| Delivery | Secure computer delivery at supervised venues in Australia, New Zealand and some overseas cities |
| Method | Computerised adaptive testing (CAT) with Rasch scoring |
| Pass standard | A combined scaled cut-score of 500 across both papers |
| Tools | On-screen basic calculator; note paper provided |
| Results | By email within six weeks |
| Fee | A$3,620 (2026 AVBC schedule) |
How adaptive testing changes your exam
With CAT, the computer picks each question based on your answers so far. Answer well and the questions get harder; each correct answer earns more the harder the question is. Every candidate still gets the same number of scored questions from each Paper 1 topic and each Paper 2 species, so coverage is fixed even though difficulty isn't.
Two practical results: a run of hard questions usually means you're doing well, and there's no point trying to judge your score during the exam. Focus on the question in front of you.
Paper 1: Base Knowledge topics (minimum questions)
The minimums add up to 50 of 80 questions; the rest can come from any topic.
- Pathology and clinical pathology: 8
- Surgery, anaesthesia and imaging principles: 8
- Infectious diseases (including exotics): 7
- Physiology and pathophysiology: 5
- Husbandry and welfare (nutrition, reproduction, behaviour): 5
- Pharmacology and therapeutics: 5
- Public health (epidemiology, zoonoses, food safety): 5
- Toxicology: 3
- Anatomy: 2
- Professional practice: 2
See where you stand in 10 minutes
Take the free AVE MCQ practice test. 15 questions, every answer explained.
Paper 2: Clinical Reasoning species (minimum questions)
Cases cover 24 presenting problems, from lameness, diarrhoea and vomiting to sudden death, dystocia, neonates and poor performance. Production animals make up a large share, which is where many small-animal vets from overseas need the most work.
- Dogs: 14
- Cattle: 13
- Horses: 7
- Cats: 6
- Other ruminants (sheep, goats, alpacas): 5
- Pigs and poultry: 3
- Pocket pets and birds: 1
- Other: 1
Key dates for 2027
AVBC says places can be limited and portals may close early at short notice, so apply as soon as you can.
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Eligibility applications open | 5 October 2026 |
| Eligibility applications close | 11 January 2027 (may close earlier) |
| MCQ applications close | 1 February 2027 (no late applications) |
| MCQ sitting | Friday 16 April 2027 |
A 16-week plan
- Weeks 1-3: free test, then infectious diseases and biosecurity, and pathology. Flashcards daily.
- Weeks 4-6: pharmacology (with Australian regulation), toxicology and envenomation, public health.
- Weeks 7-9: surgery, anaesthesia and imaging; husbandry, nutrition, reproduction and welfare.
- Weeks 10-12: Paper 2 by species: cattle and sheep first, then dogs, cats, horses, pigs and poultry.
- Weeks 13-14: drill your two weakest topics; first full timed mock (both papers).
- Weeks 15-16: clear your mistakes bank, second full mock, then light review in the last few days.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the AVE MCQ?
160: 80 in Paper 1 (Base Knowledge, 2 hours) and 80 in Paper 2 (Clinical Reasoning, 2.5 hours), sat on the same day.
What is the AVE MCQ pass mark?
A combined scaled cut-score of 500 across both papers. Because the exam is adaptive and Rasch-scored, there's no fixed percentage to aim for.
If I fail one paper, do I re-sit only that paper?
No. If you fail, you re-sit both papers at your next attempt, and you pay the exam fee again.
How many attempts do I get?
After three failed attempts you must miss the next two sittings and may request a discussion with an AVE Committee member before trying again.
Can I sit the MCQ outside Australia?
Yes. AVBC lists venues in Australia and New Zealand and in some overseas cities (London, Dubai, New Delhi and Singapore on its current page). Check the venue list when you apply.
Official sources
- AVBC: Australasian Veterinary Examination, Step 2
- AVBC: Information for AVE Candidates (May 2026)
- AVBC: Updated information about the 2027 MCQ
Practice tests for these certifications
This guide is general information, checked November 2026, not legal advice. the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC) rules change; confirm with the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC) before you apply.
