Phase I Examination
The 2-hour Phase I ACVP Examination is composed of 100 multiple choice questions, covering all aspects of veterinary general pathology. The Phase I examination must be passed in order to be eligible to take the Phase II certifying examinations in veterinary anatomic or clinical pathology.
The Phase I examination tests knowledge of mechanisms fundamental to disease in animals such as principles of cellular injury, inflammation and repair, hemodynamic disorders, physical and chemical injury, neoplasia, congenital and genetic diseases, molecular pathology, and infections. The mechanisms tested in this section are “general” in that they relate to most animal species and exclude entities in single species.
Visit the examination application page for information about applying for the Phase I examination.
Phase I Candidate Handbook
The ACVP Phase I 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 I 2026 Examination Dates
- 2026 Phase I application window: August 1 – September 15, 2025
- Notifications of acceptance to sit for the 2026 examination: November 17, 2025
- 2026 Phase I ADA accommodation request deadline: January 2
- Notification of ADA accommodation determinations: January 21
- 2026 Phase I withdrawal deadline (to receive refund of fee, minus processing): January 28
- 2026 Phase I notifications to schedule sent in early February
- 2026 Phase I examination March 17 and 18
- Candidate notified of results by May 1
Phase I 2027 Examination Dates
- 2027 Phase I application window: August 3 – September 14, 2026
- Notification of acceptance to sit for the 2027 examination: November 16, 2026
- 2027 Phase I ADA accommodation request deadline: January 4
- Notification of ADA accommodation determinations: January 20
- 2027 Phase I withdrawal deadline (to receive refund of fee, minus processing): January 27
- 2027 Phase I notifications to schedule sent in early February
- 2027 Phase I examination: March 16 and 17
- Candidate notified of results by May 1
Phase I Examination Administration
The Phase I examination is 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 I 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 I Examination Passing Score
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.
Phase I cut score: 64 out of 100
Read more about standard setting and equating of ACVP examinations.
The 2025 Phase I Certifying Examination was delivered on March 18 and 19through Meazure Learning, at testing centers around the world and by live remote proctoring. Of a total 170 candidates, 151 (88.82%) passed and 19 (11.18%) did not meet the passing score threshold.
Examination Fee
Phase I examination fee, due at the time of application: $350.
Phase I Application
Please be sure to use only the current forms found on this site and ensure the forms have been saved with all required boxes checked and signatures showing.
- Terms of Agreement Form
- Phase I Sponsor Form
- English (or English-translated and notarized) veterinary diploma from an AVMA-accredited or AVMA-listed international veterinary school. Please note: any document with translation needs notarization (with stamp and signature) or to be a certified translation (with a stamp and signature from the certified translation company).