NAVLE for international veterinary graduates: the steps, and why the BCSE comes first

Updated 20 October 2026

If you studied veterinary medicine outside the United States or Canada, the NAVLE is not the first exam on your list. Most foreign-trained vets complete a recognition pathway first, and the BCSE is part of it. This page shows the order.

The short answer

For graduates of non-accredited schools, the BCSE usually comes before the NAVLE. ECFVG candidates must pass the BCSE before they can be approved to take the NAVLE, according to current sources. In Canada, the NEB requires the BCSE, NAVLE, PSA and CPE within seven years of registering.

The steps in order

Step	What happens	Where to start
1. Choose your route	ECFVG (United States) or NEB (Canada), depending on where you want to be licensed first	AVMA ECFVG or the NEB Candidate Portal
2. Documents	Register and have your degree and transcripts verified	The route you chose
3. English	Show English language ability where required (an ECFVG step)	ECFVG candidate information
4. BCSE	The 225-question exam on basic and clinical sciences	What is the BCSE?
5. NAVLE	Apply to ICVA in a testing window once you are approved	NAVLE dates
6. CPE	The Clinical Proficiency Examination, a multi-day clinical skills exam	AVMA or NEB candidate bulletins
7. Licence	ECFVG certification or the NEB Certificate of Qualification, then your state or provincial licence	Your licensing authority

The order can vary

The exact order depends on your route and your state or province. For example, the NEB says the NAVLE can come before or after the PSA and CPE. Check the official bulletin for your route, and confirm NAVLE eligibility in the ICVA handbook.

The NAVLE is not part of ECFVG certification, but you still need it

Sources say the NAVLE is not one of the ECFVG certification steps. It is, however, required by state boards for licensure, so most candidates take it after the BCSE.

Where to start today

Read the BCSE roadmap for international graduates.
Check the BCSE fee and the NAVLE fee so you can plan your budget.
Pick a study plan from the BCSE study plans.

Frequently asked questions

Can an international vet take the NAVLE without the BCSE?

ECFVG candidates must pass the BCSE before they are approved for the NAVLE, according to current sources. Confirm your route in the ICVA handbook and with your licensing board.

Is the NAVLE part of ECFVG certification?

Sources say it is not one of the ECFVG certification steps, but state boards require it for licensure.

What is the order of exams for foreign-trained vets in Canada?

The NEB requires the BCSE, NAVLE, PSA and CPE within seven years of registering. The NAVLE can come before or after the PSA and CPE.