NAVLE passing score, format and retake policy

Updated 20 October 2026

Here are the basic facts about the NAVLE: how many questions, how it is scored and how many times you can sit it. Figures are as reported for the 2026 to 2027 cycle, so confirm them at icva.net.

Format

360 questions, each with one best answer.
Computer-based, at a test centre, in a fixed testing window.
Some questions are unscored pretest items that candidates cannot identify.

Passing score

Scores are reported on a scale of 200 to 800, and 425 is reported as the ICVA passing score. ICVA has said individual licensing authorities may accept its recommended result or set a different passing score for their own jurisdictions. Check your board.

Retake policy

ICVA changed its retake policy from 1 December 2025. Starting with the March 2026 testing window, candidates are reported to have five new attempts, and attempts made before 1 December 2025 do not count towards that limit. ICVA is reported to have ended the waiver process, so there is no additional attempt after five. Read the current policy on the ICVA website before you plan.

Foreign-trained vets

If you are on the ECFVG pathway you must pass the BCSE first. See the NAVLE for international graduates guide and the BCSE passing score guide.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the NAVLE?

The NAVLE has 360 single-best-answer questions, as reported for the 2026 to 2027 cycle.

What is the NAVLE passing score?

ICVA reports a passing score of 425 on a scale of 200 to 800. Licensing boards may set their own standard.

How many times can you take the NAVLE?

ICVA reports five new attempts starting with the March 2026 window, and the waiver process is reported as ended. Confirm in the current ICVA policy.