License Requirements for Licensed Veterinary Technician
Examination
The requirement for a license to practice as a veterinary technician requires passing the online examination(s) by the South Carolina Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. The examination(s) will be on the Veterinary Medical Practice Rules and Regulations and such other subjects relating to animal health technology as the board may require.
A. Application. Any person desiring to be licensed as an Veterinary Technician may apply to the Board to take the license examination. Applications must be filed with the Board prior to the examination. Applications and accompanying documents will be valid for one (1) year from the initial application date. After one (1) year a new application, with attendant documents and appropriate fees must be submitted. Applications must include:
1. College transcript. Certified copy of the applicant's transcript, indicating veterinary technician degree, by a college accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association;
2. National Board Examinations. Certified copy of national board examination results achieving the criterion-referenced passing score in effect at the time of examination;
3. Verification(s) of Licensure (Endorsement Applicants). Complete verification required from each state, active or inactive, in which the applicant is or has been licensed;
4. Photographs. One recent passport type photograph taken within the last six (6) months of application filing;
5. Fees. A non-refundable certified check or money order.
B. Denial of application. An application may be denied if the applicant has committed any act that would be grounds for disciplinary action under this chapter against a licensed veterinary technician.
C. Requests for reexamination. Any applicant who fails the South Carolina Board examination may retake the examination after 24 hours.
1. A temporary license may be issued to an examination applicant who has submitted the following:
(a) Application. An application submitted to the Board;
(b) College transcript. Certified copy of the applicant's transcript, indicating animal health technician degree, by a college accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association;
(c) National Board Examinations. Certified copy of national board examination results;
(d) Verification(s) of Licensure (Endorsement Applicants). Application must be a holder of a current and unrestricted veterinary technician license in another state. Complete verification required from each state, active or inactive, in which the applicant is or has been licensed;
(e) Photographs. One recent passport type photograph taken within the last six (6) months of application filing;
(f) Fees. A non-refundable certified check or money order;
(g) Employment. Evidence of employment by a South Carolina veterinarian, verified in writing and received by the Board showing the name, location of practice and start date of employment.
2. A temporary license entitles the applicant to practice only until the Board has acted upon his application for permanent license after the applicant completes the examination and is not renewable.
Passing Grade in Examination. A candidate must obtain a passing score of no less than 70% on the South Carolina examination in order to be certified as a veterinary technician.
Professional Examination Service
National Board scores and transfer of scores are obtained through The American Association of Veterinary State Boards Technician Information Verifying Agency (TIVA). They may be contacted at (877) 698-8482.