BCSE subjects and topics: what is on the exam?
Updated 20 October 2026
The BCSE covers the basic and clinical sciences of a new veterinary graduate, across species. The exam is built from domains with published question ranges, and your preparation should reach every one.
Published domain ranges
The NEB overview lists question ranges per domain. Examples:
- Anatomy: about 18 to 20 questions.
- Pharmacology, physiology and toxicology together: about 28 to 32 questions.
- Pathology: about 20 to 23 questions.
The remaining questions cover further clinical areas. See the NEB overview for the complete table.
Subject-by-subject pages
Each subject below has a study page with what it covers, how to study it and free sample questions with explanations.
- Veterinary Anatomy
- Veterinary Anesthesia
- Veterinary Drug and Fluid Calculations
- Veterinary Clinical Pathology
- Veterinary Dentistry
- Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging
- Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine
- Veterinary Internal Medicine
- Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology
- Veterinary Nutrition
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Veterinary Pathology
- Veterinary Pharmacology
- Veterinary Physiology
- Veterinary Surgery
- Veterinary Theriogenology
- Veterinary Toxicology
How to use this list
Tick off each subject as you finish a first pass. Then use your results to decide where the next hours go. See how to prepare.
Frequently asked questions
What subjects are on the BCSE?
Anatomy; pharmacology, physiology and toxicology; pathology; and further clinical subjects such as medicine, surgery, anesthesia, diagnostics and preventive medicine.
How many anatomy questions are on the BCSE?
The published range is about 18 to 20 questions.
Keep reading
- How to prepare for the BCSE: a practical, step-by-step guide
- BCSE image questions: how to read radiographs, photos and slides under time pressure
- What is the BCSE? The Basic and Clinical Sciences Examination explained