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Assessment of Examination Results
The NEB reserves the right to change the method by which Examination results are assessed. However, every effort will be made to ensure that candidates are given adequate notice of any change in the assessment procedure prior to the Examination.
Basic and Clinical Sciences Examination (BCSE)
Scores on the BCSE are determined by converting the number of questions answered correctly out of the number of questions administered to a scale that ranges from approximately 300 to beyond 900. The scale passing score has been set by the ECFVG at 580, which corresponds to a level of achievement judged by ECFVG to represent minimum competency.
Candidates who fail the examination must retake the entire examination. Passing candidates will receive a score report with a "Pass" indicated; failing candidates will receive a report with a failing scale score (between 300 and 579). Also, failing candidates will receive diagnostic indicators for the domains included in the examination. The diagnostic indicators are intended to help identify areas of strength and weakness for failing candidates for further study; they are not to be used for pass/fail determination or any other use.
The diagnostic indicators for each of the nine domains (test content areas) on the BCSE will be reported to failing candidates as follows:
- Below the level of minimum competence
- At or above the level of minimum competence
North American Veterinary Licensing Examination® (NAVLE®)
After all responses are recorded, analyses are conducted to review the statistical properties and performance for each test question. When such analysis and/or candidate comments indicate the need, specific questions are reviewed again by one or more test committee members to ensure that the answer key is correct. Any question that fails to perform acceptably may be deleted from both the current scoring key and from the test question pool. After any required changes have been made to the scoring key, examinations are then scored for all candidates. Test questions are not weighted, and additional points are not subtracted for incorrect responses.
The NAVLE is a criterion-referenced examination which means that candidates are measured against a standard that is set to determine the amount of knowledge required to competently practice veterinary medicine in the United States and Canada. This standard is determined by subject matter experts through a content-based standard setting exercise. If all candidates meet this standard, then all candidates will pass the NAVLE.
Equating methods are used to maintain the same passing standard across forms and from administration to administration, despite potential differences in ability levels of candidate groups and/or question difficulty across test forms and test administrations. Equating facilitates both comparisons of individual performance and comparisons of examinations from year to year.
The minimum passing score for the NAVLE is established by criterion-referenced (also known as content-based) methods. Using content-based standard setting means that an established level of proficiency in the content is required to pass. If all candidates meet this criterion (passing standard), then all candidates will pass; if only 50% meet the passing standard, then only 50% will pass.
Whether a candidate passes or fails is not influenced by the relative performance of others taking the examination. Equating methods are used to maintain the same passing standard from administration to administration, despite potential differences in ability levels of candidate groups and/or question difficulty across administrations. Calculating scores in this manner facilitates both comparisons of individual performance and comparisons of examinations from year to year. Your score report will be formatted to meet the specific requirements of the licensing board through which you were approved to take the NAVLE.
Preliminary Surgical Assessment (PSA)
The PSA will be scored on a pass/fail basis. A numerical score will not be given. A “pass” equates with the skill level expected of a minimally competent new graduate of a CVMA/AVMA/Council on Education-accredited veterinary school/college. For more information on the PSA, please see the Manual of Administration.
Clinical Proficiency Examination (CPE)
Most sections of the CPE use a point system as outlined in the scoring rubrics in each section of the Manual of Administration. Anesthesia & Surgery sections use a Pass/Fail system. A score of 60 points or greater, or a “Pass”, is required in each of the 7 sections of the CPE in order to pass the examination. Candidates passing all sections of the exam will be allowed to proceed to the next step leading to the Certificate of Qualification, provided all other documentation is complete, as determined by the NEB office.
Results from examinations administered at NEB-approved CPE sites will be reported by the NEB office via the NEB Candidate Portal. Scores will be released no more than twenty (20) business days following the final day of any given CPE administration. Scores CANNOT be released via fax or telephone.
Analysis of Examination
Basic and Clinical Sciences Examination (BCSE)
Passing candidates will receive a score report with a "Pass" indicated; failing candidates will receive a report with a failing scale score (between 300 and 579). Also, failing candidates will receive diagnostic indicators for the domains included in the examination. The diagnostic indicators are intended to help identify areas of strength and weakness for failing candidates for further study; they are not to be used for pass/fail determination or any other use.
The diagnostic indicators for each of the nine domains (test content areas) on the BCSE will be reported to failing candidates as follows:
- Below the level of minimum competence
- At or above the level of minimum competence
- Your BCSE score is posted on the NEB Candidate Portal.
North American Veterinary Licensing Examination® (NAVLE®)
The NAVLE score report shows your score, a pass/fail designation, and a diagnostic report of your performance on the major content areas of the NAVLE. Score reports for all NAVLE candidates will be made available via ICVA's online portal at that time. You will receive an e-mail notifying you that your score report is available to access. Your NAVLE score is also posted on the NEB Candidate Portal if you registered for the NAVLE through the NEB.
Preliminary Surgical Assessment (PSA)
Candidates will receive a copy of the PSA Exit Interview Assessment Form from the NEB office along with the results posted on the NEB Candidate Portal.
Clinical Proficiency Examination (CPE)
CPE scores are posted on the NEB Candidate Portal. Candidates may request a Summary Feedback Report on failed section(s) of the CPE via the Portal. More information on the Summary Feedback Report requests can be accessed from the Portal.