The North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) is the ultimate test for veterinary students pursuing licensure in the U.S. and Canada. But despite an increasing number of candidates, the exam’s passing rate has been steadily declining. In fact, during the 2022-2023 cycle, only 86% of senior students passed—down from previous years. This raises a critical question: why are so many students struggling to pass the NAVLE, and what’s going wrong with current prep methods?

The Surge in NAVLE Test-Takers

The number of students taking the NAVLE is growing rapidly. In the 2022-2023 cycle, 8,230 students sat for the exam—a 17.2% increase from the year before. Over the last five years, this number has grown by an eye-popping 33.3%. This surge is attributed to more veterinary schools opening, increasing class sizes, and a growing number of international students from programs like the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) and the Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE).

But more test-takers doesn’t necessarily mean better results. As the number of candidates grows, so does the pressure to perform—and with the rising competition, it’s no surprise that passing rates are dropping.

The Dangerous Trend Toward Memorization

Here’s where things get tricky: many students are turning to paid services that focus on memorizing practice questions instead of truly learning the material. While these services may promise to help students pass, they’re failing to prepare them for the real challenges of the NAVLE. The exam is designed to test clinical knowledge and critical thinking, not rote memorization.

Unfortunately, this trend toward memorization is taking a toll. Sure, students can memorize questions and answers, but they lack the deep understanding of veterinary medicine that will set them up for success in the field. And it’s showing in the results: memorizing won’t help you when it’s time to apply what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios.

The Cost of Retakes

Another problem? The financial burden. The NAVLE costs $740 for the 2023-2024 cycle, with an additional $355 fee for international candidates. If you need to retake the exam? You’ll pay that fee again—each time you try. And with the new policy limiting candidates to just five retakes, the stakes have never been higher.

For many students, the pressure is mounting. Not only is passing the NAVLE essential to starting their careers, but the cost of retaking the exam can add up quickly, making it a serious financial strain.

The Pass Rate Crisis: A Snapshot

The decline in pass rates is undeniable, and it’s happening across multiple veterinary schools. Here’s a closer look at the NAVLE pass rates for recent graduating classes from several well-known veterinary institutions (note that these figures consider both testing windows in the same year so if a school gets 84% that means that some students have failed the first test):

• Louisiana State University (LSU):

  • Class of 2024: 84%

  • Class of 2023: 79%

  • Class of 2022: 90%

  • Class of 2021: 96%

  • Class of 2020: 94%

• Michigan State University:

  • Class of 2024: 76%

  • Class of 2023: 84%

  • Class of 2022: 91%

  • Class of 2021: 94%

  • Class of 2020: 98%

• University of Illinois:

  • 2019-2020: 98%

  • 2020-2021: 96%

  • 2021-2022: 89%

  • 2022-2023: 92%

• Ross University:

  • 2022-2023: 81%

  • 2021-2022: 81%

  • 2020-2021: 83%

  • 2019-2020: 84%

• Mississippi State University:

  • 2024: 76%

  • 2023: 84%

  • 2022: 91%

  • 2021: 94%

• St. George’s University:

  • 2023-2024: 74%

  • 2020-2024 (5-year average): 82%

  • 2020: 88%

  • 2021: 85%

As the numbers show, pass rates have been steadily declining at some schools. The need for a better, more comprehensive preparation strategy is becoming increasingly urgent.

Vet Candy’s Solution: Master the Material, Don’t Memorize It

At Vet Candy, we know what it takes to succeed on the NAVLE—and it’s not about memorizing test questions. That’s why we’ve developed a 12-week course that focuses on truly understanding the material, not just passing the exam.

Our course covers all the key topics tested on the NAVLE, using a mix of engaging lessons, expert video tutorials from board-certified professionals, and podcasts that reinforce critical concepts. You won’t just memorize facts—you’ll gain the deep knowledge and practical skills necessary to succeed on the test and in your veterinary career.

Comprehensive Learning, With Plenty of Support

Our 12-week course includes:

• Hundreds of lessons and test questions based on the NAVLE diagnosis and species list.

• Expert video lessons and podcasts to reinforce learning.

• Timed self-assessments that mirror the actual exam conditions, helping you get familiar with the format and build confidence.

To support your studies further, we provide five species-based digital textbooks and a series of quizzes and tests that help track your progress and pinpoint areas for improvement.

Real Exam Practice with Timed Self-Assessments

Our NAVLE self-assessments simulate the actual exam, with 50 timed questions that reflect the true format and level of difficulty. After completing each practice exam, you’ll receive expanded feedback, including the correct answers for any mistakes you made. This helps you refine your knowledge and focus on areas where you need the most improvement.

Ready to Succeed?

Vet Candy’s approach is designed to help you build a strong foundation of knowledge and critical thinking skills. By mastering the material, rather than memorizing questions, you’ll walk into the NAVLE with the confidence you need to succeed. Our goal is to prepare you not just to pass the test—but to excel in your veterinary career.

The declining NAVLE pass rates are a wake-up call. It’s time to focus on understanding the material and building a deep knowledge base. Vet Candy’s 12-week course is here to help you do just that.

Ready to boost your NAVLE prep? Sign up for Vet Candy’s 12-week course today at myvetcandy.com/prep and get started on the path to success!