If you love animals and are studying to become a veterinary technician, you may need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam to become certified.听The VTNE is a computerized, multiple听choice exam that evaluates entry-level vet techs to make sure they have the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in this field.1听If you have signed up to take the VTNE, use these study tactics to prepare:
- Create a study schedule –听As听with any exam, creating a study schedule is a helpful way to manage your time as you prepare for the VTNE. While听you’re earning your veterinary technician degree, it’s a good idea to keep in mind the information that is likely to be on the certification exam听and take detailed notes. If you treat each class as a chance to prepare for the VTNE, you won’t need to cram in the weeks prior to the test.
- Take the practice exams –听The American Association of Veterinary State Boards offers two versions of an online practice test that are aligned with the actual VTNE. Although the practice tests cost听$45 each, every听attempt at the VTNE will set you back $300, so you’re better off taking a trial run.2 After obtaining your practice test results, use them to construct a study plan that focuses on areas in which听you can improve.
- Learn through experience听–听One of the best ways to prepare for the VTNE is to ensure that you have plenty of hands-on experience that will help you put the knowledge you’ve acquired into practice. Keep this in mind as you’re choosing a college – you’ll want to earn your degree from a program that takes a skills-based approach to learning. That way, as you take the VTNE, you will be able to answer the questions based upon your personal experiences dealing with animals.3
1 American Association of Veterinary State Boards, ‘Veterinary Technician National Exam,’ 2013 –听 2 American Association of Veterinary State Boards, ‘Preparing for the VTN: Online Practice Tests,’ 2013 –听 3 Tronshaw, Oubria, Houston Chronicle, ‘Good Studying Tips for a Vet Tech,’ 2013 –听
