Free NAVLE preparation sessions are planned

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VetPrep, a provider of veterinary test preparation, announced the upcoming launch of new North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) sessions. The program, titled PowerPrep, will contain 10 expert-led sessions on NAVLE topics and will be a free resource for veterinary students preparing to take the exam.

PowerPrep will be a 12-week boot camp¹ with sessions designed to provide a thorough and detailed review of the NAVLE that can be incorporated into students’ study schedules, according to an organizational release.² The sessions will be accessible on-demand to allow students to study at their own pace and convenience. The program will provide insights and a comprehensive understanding of the subjects that will appear on the NAVLE exam. The goal of PowerPrep is to improve students' readiness, thereby increasing their confidence and performance on exam day, according to VetPrep. The program will be sponsored by Chewy Health.²

"At VetPrep, our mission has always been to empower veterinary students with the best possible resources to help them excel in their exams and future careers," Lindsey Kock, DVM, director of education, animal health at VetPrep, said in a news release.² "The PowerPrep NAVLE sessions... represent a significant step forward in providing students with the comprehensive preparation they need. We are excited about this partnership [with Chewy Health] and the positive impact it will have on students' exam performance."

Katy J. Nelson, DVM, associate director of veterinary relations at Chewy Health, spoke on the motive behind the company's partnership with VetPrep for the PowerPrep program. "Chewy Health is steadfast in its commitment to advancing veterinary care by fostering the education and development of the next generation of clinicians and practice leaders," said Nelson in a news release.² "Our sponsorship of the VetPrep PowerPrep sessions underscores our dedication to enhancing the health and wellbeing of pets and supporting those who tirelessly care for them. We are proud to collaborate with VetPrep on this important initiative to ensure veterinary students are thoroughly prepared to enter the field."

VetPrep and Chewy Health recently acknowledged the rising demand for veterinarians, stating the importance of offering veterinary students resources to help them succeed and develop as veterinary professionals.² With the demand for veterinarians, there has been a rise in students pursuing veterinary medicine, as well as graduates taking the NAVLE.³ Yet, despite the increase in NAVLE test takers, there has been a decrease in overall test scores and in the number of graduating students from American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council of Education-accredited schools passing the exam. Over the last 5 testing cycles, a downward trend has been observed, with the passing rate going from 94% in the 2018 to 2019 cycle to 86% in 2022 to 2023.³

In November 2023, the International Council for Veterinary Assessment (ICVA) changed its policy regarding the number of times a person can retake the NAVLE. Under the new policy, candidates are allowed up to 5 attempts, including incomplete attempts. The change will become effective on the November-December 2024 testing period and all attempts made before the new policy takes effect will count towards the 5-attempt limit.³

The ICVA will also allow candidates to file an appeal with the ICVA board of directors to take the NAVLE more than 5 times. As part of this process, candidates must also obtain verification from a licensing board that it will accept their NAVLE score if they pass on the additional attempt.³

“This policy follows assessment best practices by limiting the number of attempts made, which enhances test security while simultaneously providing a more accurate measure of a candidate’s knowledge level. It is also in line with the current retake policy for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), providing more clarity for applicants and licensing board personnel,” wrote the ICVA in an announcement, according to the AVMA.³

References

1. Master the NAVLE: Join our 12-week powerprep boot camp. VetPrep. Accessed August 6, 2024. https://info.vetprep.com/navle-powerprep
2. VetPrep partners with Chewy Health to launch free PowerPrep NAVLE sessions for veterinary students. News release. VetPrep. August 5, 2024. Accessed August 6, 2024.
3. Larkin M. Number of NAVLE test takers increase as overall scores decrease. American Veterinary Medical Association. March 12, 2024. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://www.avma.org/news/number-navle-test-takers-increase-overall-scores-decrease