Experienced-based credentials with provisional registration

The following credentialing pathways are available for individuals who have a provisional registration (PVT) with DORA. The provisional registration allows individuals until 12/31/2027 to complete the requirements to credential. Do not to complete one of the applications below until all requirements are met, including the work experience hours. Please reach out if you need any clarification before submitting your application.

• Pathway 1
• At least 6500 hours of work experience performing the duties of a veterinary technician in the 7 years prior to the application submission date
• Pass the VTNE 
  • If you have already passed the VTNE, your credential will be approved with your work experience. 
  • If you haven't passed the VTNE yet, you will have an 18-month window after the submission/approval of your work experience to successfully pass the test and secure your credential.
• Pathway 2
• At least 9000 hours of work experience performing the duties of a veterinary technician in the 7 years prior to the application submission date

Pathway 1 with provisional registration

This pathway is available to individuals with a PVT who intend to complete the requirements before the end of 2027.

Please note, credential applications need to be submitted at least 3 weeks before the VTNE application submission deadline to allow adequate time for work experience verification form approval and confirmation of VTNE eligibility.

Requirements for an experienced-based credential – post provisional registration with pathway 1

• Provisional registration from DORA; subject to renewal requirements
• At least 6500 hours of work experience in the role of a veterinary technician in the 7 years prior to application submission date
• Passed the VTNE or intention to pass the VTNE

Steps to get your experienced-based credential – post provisional registration with pathway 1

1. Download and complete the Work Experience Verification Form
1. Experience must be equivalent to the duties performed in the role of a veterinary technician
2. All 6500 hours do not need to be consecutive, but all hours need to be obtained in the 7 years prior to the application submission date
3. Hours and skills must be verified with a notarized affidavit, signed by a supervising licensed veterinarian
1. Every skill/knowledge statement must be completed
2. Multiple forms may be submitted if one veterinarian cannot attest to all the skills and/or hours
3. The supervising veterinarian must be licensed in the state of Colorado
1. If multiple form submissions are made, only one veterinarian is required to be licensed in the state of Colorado
4. Notarized form(s) must be scanned and submitted with the application
1. Original notarized document(s) must be retained by the applicant for a minimum of 5 years and provided if requested by CACVT
2. Submission of experienced-based credential – post provisional registration application including the following:
1. Proof of active provisional registration from DORA
2. Completed and signed Work Experience Verification Form
3. Payment of work experience verification form review fee
4. If you have already passed the VTNE, this step is required, but you can then skip to step 4
1. Verification of a passing VTNE score from the AAVSB (passing score is set by the AAVSB-currently 425+)
1. If the VTNE was passed in Colorado from 1/1/2009 to present: CACVT has the score report from the AAVSB on file for verification
2. If VTNE was passed in another state or before 12/31/2008: a VAULT transfer will need to be completed by the applicant for the AAVSB to release a VTNE score report directly to CACVT. There is no limit on how long ago the VTNE was passed.
1. AAVSB Basic VAULT transfer information
2. The jurisdiction to choose when completing the Basic VAULT transfer service application is the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine
3. An official confirmation email outlining the next steps will be sent following approval of the experienced-based credential — post provisional registration application.
1. If you have not passed the VTNE, you can now schedule with AAVSB
1. VTNE overview/scheduling
2. Please note the AAVSB calls this type of credential alternate pathway or on-the-job trained
3. Once you pass the VTNE, proceed to step 4
2. If you have already passed the VTNE, please proceed to step 4
4. Register with DORA
1. Once all application requirements are fulfilled and approved, you can download a Proof of Credential certificate to submit with the registration application to DORA
2. Approval of the registration application allows you to legally use the titles Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) and Veterinary Technician (VT). Those titles and credentials are legally protected by Colorado's Veterinary Practice Act, and unqualified individuals are subject to disciplinary action.  
3. For more information on registration, please refer to your confirmation email or visit the State Board of Veterinary Medicine's homepage
   

Quick links for resources related to provisional pathway 1

Work Experience Verification Form

Experienced-based Credential- Post Provisional Application

Request a VTNE score report be sent to the CACVT

VTNE Scheduling

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Pathway 2 with provisional registration

This pathway is available to individuals with a PVT who intend to complete the requirements before the end of 2027. 

Requirements for an experienced-based credential – post provisional registration with pathway 2

• Provisional registration from DORA; subject to renewal requirements
• At least 9000 hours of work experience in the role of a veterinary technician in the 7 years prior to application submission date

Steps to get your experienced-based credential – post provisional registration with pathway 2

1. Download and complete the Work Experience Verification Form
1. Experience must be equivalent to duties performed in the role of a veterinary technician
2. All 9000 hours do not need to be consecutive, but all hours need to be obtained in the 7 years prior to the application submission date
3. Hours and skills must be verified with a notarized affidavit, signed by a supervising licensed veterinarian
1. Every skill/knowledge statement must be completed
2. Multiple forms may be submitted if one veterinarian cannot attest to all the skills and/or hours
3. The supervising veterinarian must be licensed in the state of Colorado.
1. If multiple form submissions are made, only one veterinarian is required to be licensed in the state of Colorado
4. Notarized form(s) must be scanned and submitted with the application
1. Original notarized document(s) must be retained by the applicant for a minimum of 5 years and provided if requested by CACVT.
2. Submission of experienced-based credential post provisional application including the following:
1. Proof of active provisional registration from DORA
2. Completed and signed Work Experience Verification Form
3. Payment of work experience verification form review fee
3. An official confirmation email outlining the next steps will be sent following approval of the experienced-based credential — post provisional application
4. Register with DORA 
1. Once all application requirements are fulfilled and approved, you can download a Proof of Credential certificate to submit with the registration application to DORA
2. Approval of the registration application allows you to legally use the titles Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) and Veterinary Technician (VT). Those titles and credentials are legally protected in Colorado's Veterinary Practice Act, and unqualified individuals are subject to disciplinary action.
   
3. For more information on registration, please refer to your confirmation email or visit the State Board of Veterinary Medicine's homepage
   

Quick links for resources related to provisional pathway 2

Work Experience Verification Form

Experienced-based Credential Post Provisional Registration Application

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