Bylaws that pertain to Certification

Article II - DEFINITION

Veterinary preventive medicine is an integral component of veterinary medicine and is a recognized field of veterinary medical specialization. The specialty of veterinary preventive medicine is concerned with improving animal and human health through:

1. Surveillance, recognition, prevention, control and management of diseases of livestock, poultry, wildlife, zoo and companion animals.

2. Prevention and control of zoonotic diseases and foodborne illnesses.

3. Reduction of bites, injuries and other environmental and occupational human health hazards related to animals.

4. Maintaining the safety and wholesomeness of foods.

5. Promoting humane animal care and the use of animals in animal-facilitated therapy.

Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine are engaged in public, private, industrial, military or institutional practice and are involved in regulatory medicine, diagnostic medicine, extension service, public health, epidemiology, research, teaching, herd health management, population medicine, consulting and other related activities.

Article VIII - CERTIFICATION BY THE COLLEGE

Section 1. Certification: Certification in the specialty of veterinary preventive medicine shall be conferred by the College on candidates whose qualifications are acceptable to the Credentials Committee and whose scores on certifying examinations are acceptable to the Examinations Committee and the Executive Board.

Section 2. Qualifications: An applicant shall meet the following requirements to be eligible for examination by the College:

1. Be a graduate from a school or college of veterinary medicine accredited by the AVMA or possess a certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) of the AVMA or be legally qualified (licensed) to practice veterinary medicine in some state, province, territory, or possession of the United States or other country, and
2. Have (1) a total of six years of qualifying experience beyond the DVM or equivalent degree in one or more areas of veterinary preventive medicine as defined in Article II of the Constitution; or (2) a total of four years of qualifying experience as in b.(1) above and a certificate from a formal residency program approved by the College or master's degree in preventive medicine/public health or other relevant medical science; or (3) a total of one year of qualifying experience as in b.(1) above and either (a) a doctoral degree in preventive medicine/public health or other relevant medical science or (b) a combined residency certificate and master's degree as stated; or (4) a combined residency certification and doctoral degree, as stated.
3. The suitability of all experience, as detailed in the credentialing document and the education and training of applicants, will be reviewed and approved by the Credentials Committee.
4. Have a history of unquestionable moral character and professional behavior.

Section 3. Application: All applications will be prepared following a standard format provided by the College and be submitted to the executive vice president. The applicant shall be sponsored by a member in good standing who has reasonable knowledge of the character and professional behavior and experience of the applicant. The sponsor will provide to the executive vice president a written statement testifying to the applicant's character and professional experience and qualifications for the specialty of veterinary preventive medicine.