How much does the BCSE cost in 2026? The exam fee and the extra charges

Updated 20 October 2026

Search for the BCSE fee and you will find several different numbers. The most reliable source is the official candidate bulletin from the AVMA's ECFVG, and this page summarises what it says. Fees change, so confirm the current figures on the AVMA site before you pay.

The BCSE exam fee

The AVMA bulletin lists the BCSE application fee as $250 USD for registrations after 1 January 2026. It can be paid by credit card online, or by money order or cashier's check. The bulletin says the fee covers one test administration only and is nonrefundable and nontransferable.

Extra charges if you test outside the US and Canada

Testing outside the United States, its territories or Canada carries additional charges set by Prometric. The bulletin lists $44.29 for the Asia-Pacific, China and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) regions and $20.60 for Japan. It also lists a $25 fee, collected by Prometric, for scheduling an appointment 2 to 29 days before the test date.

Other costs on the road to licensure

The BCSE is one step. Plan for the others as well:

ECFVG programme application fee. The AVMA has listed $1,400 USD. Check its fees page for the current amount.
An English language test, if you are required to take one.
The Clinical Proficiency Examination (CPE) and any retake fees.
The NAVLE for licensure.
Travel and accommodation if your nearest test centre is far away.
Study materials, which are the part of the budget you control.

If you take the NEB route in Canada, see the NEB schedule of fees for its registration and examination charges.

Why other websites show different numbers

Some third-party sites quote ranges such as $275 to $400, or higher figures. Those numbers are not official. They are often out of date or mix several exams together. Treat the AVMA bulletin as the source of truth, and be wary of any site that states a fee without telling you where it comes from.

A practical budget tip

Because the fee is nonrefundable and covers one attempt, book the exam when your timed practice scores are consistently strong, not when you hope they will be. Read is the BCSE hard? and the BCSE retake policy before you pick a date.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the BCSE cost?

The AVMA bulletin lists a BCSE application fee of $250 USD for registrations after 1 January 2026. Testing outside the US and Canada carries extra Prometric charges. Confirm the current figures on the AVMA site.

Is the BCSE fee refundable?

The AVMA bulletin says the fee is nonrefundable and nontransferable, and covers one test administration only.

Is there an extra fee to take the BCSE outside the USA?

Yes. The bulletin lists extra Prometric charges outside the US, its territories and Canada, for example $44.29 for the Asia-Pacific, China and EMEA regions and $20.60 for Japan.

How much does the whole ECFVG process cost?

It includes the programme application fee (listed at $1,400 USD), the BCSE fee, an English test if required, the CPE, travel and study costs. Check the AVMA fees page for current amounts.