Phase II Certifying Examinations
The ACVP Phase II Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Pathology examinations are each composed of 300 multiple choice questions in three sections designed to identify competent, entry-level veterinary pathologists. They are given in three sections, totaling 7.5 hours (with two breaks totaling 45 minutes). After residency training, these exams are the final step toward ACVP board certification.
Phase II Examinations
The Phase II Certifying Examinations assess the skills and knowledge that a minimally competent pathologist should possess. For more specific information about the topics covered in the Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Pathology Certifying Examinations, see the Candidate Handbook.
- Section one: 2 hours
- Optional break: up to 15 minutes
- Section two: 2.5 hours
- Optional break: up to 30 minutes
- Section three: 3 hours
Phase II Candidate Handbook
The ACVP Phase II Certifying Examination Candidate Handbook is a resource for trainees, sponsors, mentors and training programs interested in ACVP board certification and the ultimate source of information on the examination. Candidates are encouraged to review both Handbooks (Phase I and Phase II) throughout their training. Candidate handbooks are updated before each application window. Please be aware: The handbook posted at the time of application applies to those candidates.
Phase II 2025 Examination Dates
- 2025 Phase II applications window: December 15 to February 16
- Notification of acceptance to sit for the examination: April 10.
- 2025 Phase II ADA Accommodations request deadline: May 13
- Applicants will be notified of accommodation determination: June 10
- 2025 Phase II withdrawal deadline (to receive refund minus processing): June 13
- 2025 Phase II examination: August 11-13
- Candidates notified of results: September 27
Phase II 2026 Examination Dates
- 2026 Phase II applications window: December 15 to February 12
- Notification of acceptance to sit for the examination: April 12
- 2026 Phase II ADA Accommodations request deadline: May 27
- Applicants will be notified of accommodation determination: June 17
- 2026 Phase II withdrawal deadline (to receive refund minus processing): June 24
- 2026 Phase II examination: August 10-12
- Candidates notified of results: September 26
Phase II 2027 Examination Dates
- 2027 Phase II applications window: December 14 to February 11
- Notification of acceptance to sit for the examination: April 11
- 2027 Phase II ADA Accommodations request deadline: May 13
- Applicants will be notified of accommodation determination: June 16
- 2027 Phase II withdrawal deadline (to receive refund minus processing): June 23
- 2027 Phase II examination: August 9-11
- Candidates notified of results: September 25
Phase II Examination Administration
The Phase II Certifying Examinations in veterinary anatomic pathology and veterinary clinical pathology are administered at Meazure Learning Test Centers and through Live Remote Proctoring. Meazure Learning utilizes more than 650 testing locations throughout the United States and Canada, as well as more than 600 international testing centers. Test Centers usually are located in commercial areas of cities so that public transportation and restaurants are typically available. All sites offer accessibility to disabled individuals. Please be aware, while ACVP works with Meazure Learning to offer testing appointments near training institutions of candidates, several other factors impact appointment availability. Candidates may have to travel some distance and arrange overnight accommodations to find the best available appointment to meet their specific needs.
Approximately 45 days prior to the testing dates for the Phase II examination, candidates will receive an email notice from Meazure Learning to schedule their examination at a testing center or via Live Remote Proctoring (LRP).
Test Center resources
- Test Center candidate experience (video)
- Test Center candidate instructions
- Test Center Registration – What to Expect
Live Remote Proctoring
LRP offers ACVP candidates the opportunity to take the certifying examinations from home or similar secure, convenient location. During LRP, a remote proctor supervises your examination via a video feed.
Note: If a candidate chooses to schedule their examination by LRP, they will need to prepare their planned testing location and computer in advance (download software) to ensure both are ready for a successful experience. Candidates are strongly encouraged to carefully review all remote testing information provided to them in the confirmation email from Meazure Learning and to check their computer to ensure it meets all hardware minimum standards.
LRP resources
- LRP information
- LRP candidate experience (video)
- How to get started with your testing session
- Guardian Browser download – complete in advance of your scheduled examination
- CPU/RAM – ProctorU
- Equipment Requirements
- Proctor U Help Center
- What to expect on exam day
- What am I allowed and not allowed to do during my exam?
Phase II Examination Passing Scores
ACVP is obligated to set cut scores for certifying examinations that reflect the minimum level of knowledge and skill of a newly certified veterinary pathologist. To pass an examination, a score equal to or greater than the cut score must be achieved. Standard setting is a statistical best practice for determining cut scores. Examination equating and other methods are additionally used for consistency of content and difficulty across years. In 2023, standard setting studies were performed for the Phase II Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Pathology examinations utilizing the Modified Angoff method. The following final operational cut scores were established for the Phase II examinations:
- Anatomic Pathology: cut score 204 out of 300
- Clinical Pathology: cut score 223 out of 300
Read more about standard setting and equating of ACVP examinations.
The 2024 Phase II Certifying Examinations were delivered the week of August 12 via Meazure Learning at test centers around the world and by live remote proctoring. The pass rates for the veterinary anatomic and clinical pathology examinations were 61.54% and 89.74%, respectively.
Examination Fee
The Phase II examination fee, due at the time of application, is $850.
Phase II Application
Please be sure to use only the current forms found on this site at the time of application and ensure that all forms have been saved with required boxes checked and signatures showing.
- Terms of Agreement form (signed and all required boxes checked)
- Phase II Sponsor Form or Phase II Dual Certification Sponsor Form (signed and all required boxes checked)
Visit the examination application page for information about applying for the Phase II examination.