– The fee to take the VTNE exam is $300.

– The VTNE exam is offered only three times per year; spring, summer, and winter.

A veterinary technician works by assisting veterinarians in caring for animals. They perform a variety of duties such as performing the initial evaluation of the animal’s condition, checking vital statistics, cleaning and wrapping wounds, collecting samples as well as administer medications. Veterinary technicians also assist during the patient’s exam and surgical procedures as well as sterilizing tools, stocking the exam and surgery rooms and updating patient files.

How to Pass the VTNE Exam

To become a veterinary technician, you’ll need to pass the VTNE exam. The Veterinary Technician National Exam contains 150 multiple choice questions that are to be completed within a three-hour time limit. The VTNE exam is offered three times per year.

How to Become a Veterinary Technician

To become a veterinary technician, you’ll need to first obtain an associate’s degree in veterinary technology. Many community colleges require that students have at least 16 to 20 hours of observation in a veterinary hospital in addition to your high school diploma before enrolling in an associate’s degree for veterinary technology.

Studying for the VTNE can be stressful. There’s so much information that you’ll need to know on different topics. But before you start studying for the VTNE, take a minute to look over these 10 things that you need to know about VTNE prep.

1.Understand the VTNE Test Format
Understanding the format of the VTNE can help you go a long way. You’ll be able to understand the type of questions that you’ll be given such as multiple-choice or fill in the blank, how many questions there are as well as how many sections are on the exam.

Here’s what you need to know about the VTNE exam:

There are 200 multiple-choice questions. Out of those 200 questions, 20 are pilot questions that do not count towards your score.

• You are given three hours to complete the VTNE exam.

• There are 9 domain areas on the VTNE.

2. VTNE Study Guide
An important asset to passing the VTNE is the VTNE study guide. Using a study guide that is geared towards the VTNE exam can help you in many ways. You’ll be able to brush up on areas that you may need help remembering as well as being able to dive deeper into details of that area.

3. Plan Ahead
It’s best to start studying early prior to taking the VTNE. Give yourself a minimum of two months to study for the exam. Starting too late to study can lead to cramming and stress, which could cause you to forget a few things that you have learned. Planning when to start studying can also include creating a study plan or schedule during this time. You will want to basically “map” out your days of when you should study, how long to study, and which area you should study. For example, on Monday, you’ll set the time between 5pm to 7pm to study up on the dentistry area of the VTNE. It’s best to write out your study plan because you’ll be more likely to follow something that is written out.

4. Study in Small Sessions
The VTNE is loaded with information that you’ll need to remember. When you write out your study plan, make sure to break up the sections into smaller chunks and don’t study an entire section in just one sitting.

5. Work on Weak Areas Early
If you know that there are certain areas of the VTNE that you are weak in, it’s best to study those areas early on and to schedule those sections into your study plan. If you have difficulties remembering pharmacology, add that section into your study plan and focus on that area a little more. However, try to make sure not to make that area the main focus of your study time.

6. Write Down Key Points
Do you remember having to take notes in high school? Taking notes helps to reinforce your long-term memory. Once you have written down the key points and concepts, take the time to test your knowledge on those areas. Continue to re-write those key points and concepts until you know them well.

7. Have a Study Buddy
More than likely you’ll be taking the VTNE right after you have completed a veterinary technician course which means that there will be others who are planning to take the VTNE along with you. Find someone that you can study with and quiz each other on the different areas and concepts of the VTNE. Studying with a buddy will also allow you to ask questions about areas that you may not completely understand on the VTNE. Two heads are better than one!

8. VTNE Flashcards
Along with a study guide, flashcards are a valuable tool when it comes to studying. When you use flashcards to study for the VTNE exam, you’ll be able to focus on one key concept at a time rather than looking at a long list of different concepts. Being able to separate key points and concepts will allow you to have a better understanding of that concept as well as help you to retain that information for a longer period of time.

9. VTNE Practice Test
The best way to prepare you for the actual VTNE exam is to practice! A VTNE practice exam is a lot like the real exam. You’ll be able to get more of an idea as to what type of questions will be asked as well as managing your time. Taking a practice test will also help you to better understand which areas you need more work with which allows you to add that area into your study plan.

10. Pace Yourself
You’re given three hours to complete 200 questions. These three hours is enough time for you to answer every question as well as pacing yourself to do so. You’ll want to work at a speed that will allow you to focus on each question and its answers but will also allow you to answer each question on the exam. Don’t spend a lot of time on a question. If you’re able to, skip the question that you’re stuck on and come back to it if time allows.

Want more information on the VTNE? Visit the American Association of Veterinary Boards

VTNE FAQ

Get more VTNE help by using our online VTNE Prep Course.