NAVLE Exam Preparation Guide

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Plan to take the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) during the November-December window, registering around July. Develop a comprehensive study plan at the beginning of …

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  • Preparation for the NAVLE
  • Difference from Other Tests

Preparation for the NAVLE

(North American Veterinary Licensing Examination)

1. Plan to take the exam during the November-December window. This will require registering for the
exam around July. Check the website for information and deadlines
[[Link]
 If you need special accommodations for the test (a private room; extra time, etc.), please make
sure you begin looking at what paperwork you will need for these accommodations to be
approved around April/May--prior to the fall window.
 In case you do not make the score you need after taking the NAVLE during the fall, there is a
spring testing window that usually falls sometime in April.

2. Do not go in with the attitude that you will be just "taking a look" at it.
Take responsibility for your own success in the test. Prepare.

3. Develop a plan of study at the beginning of Phase II and stick with it. Do not wait until the week
before the exam to look over any material. Consider that if you are the kind of person who will
need the two weeks prior to the exam to study that you request that time off (7A or 7C) when
initially scheduling; this is not something you will be able to change in the future as a result of
not thinking ahead. Also, there are a limited number of vacation slots available at that time.

4. Identify your own weak areas and address them head on.

5. Study guides:
 VetPrep [[Link]
 Zuku Review [[Link]
 VIN NAVLE Review [[Link] this
option is free to veterinary students.

6. Put the review book and computer questions in perspective.


 They are only a guide.
 Knowing the answers to them will not necessarily indicate how you will perform on the NAVLE.
 Study a section, then take the test for that section; use these test questions to locate weak
areas and then work on those areas.

7. Pay for the practice tests [[Link]


Take them early and then again the closer to the exam. This will help you with time. Many who
fail have problems finishing on time.

8. The "busy" rotations are difficult for extra studying, so take advantage of the quite ones.
*Realizing you are not as prepared as you wanted to be prior to the NAVLE is not a valid reason
to request a schedule change.* If you want time reserved for studying, you should request it
when initially scheduling.
 If you are unsure of what the "busy" rotations are, please ask the current students in the clinics.

9. Choose the material you study wisely.


 Class notes may be the best for most because they are familiar to you.
 The Merck Manual is thought to be useful, but not as a sole source of information.
 Attendance at the board review sessions is also thought to be helpful.
 Online study guides are good, but the question formats are not the same as those on the NAVLE.

7. This test is different in that:


 It is computerized. Go to the NAVLE website and practice taking the online test(s).
 It is extremely long. It requires a good deal of stamina and time management to finish in enough
time.
 If you have a tendency to hypoglycemia, bring food and/or drinks for the breaks.
 Questions often require quite a few thought processes and clinical reasoning.
 Students can become discouraged after a rough section--Do not give up! Do not panic!
 You will do fine if you go in with a positive attitude and you prepare.

Absence related to time off to take the NAVLE: Students are given an excused absence from their
clinical rotation in order to complete the NAVLE. That being said, you must let the clinician of the
rotation you will be on when you take the NAVLE know at the beginning of the rotation what date/time
you will be out; this gives them a heads up, so that if necessary, they do not schedule as many
appointments for that day. Also, you will need to complete an excused absence form from the VCS office
prior to the date you take the test that requires the signature of the course coordinator for the rotation
from which you will miss time. Note that each rotation will be different in what the clinician expects of
you for the day you take the NAVLE. Some will require that after completing the exam, you return for
the rest of the day. Others will not. Additionally, if you have a patient in the hospital that requires
treatments the date/time you are missing, it is your responsibility to make sure another student and/or
clinician gives the patient his/her treatment and/or medication if you are unable to because of the
exam.

Common questions

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Effective time management during the NAVLE involves taking practice tests early and again closer to the exam date to help with timing, as many candidates have issues finishing on time . It's important to develop a plan of study and stick with it, ensuring that time allocated for study is planned ahead during less "busy" rotations. Additionally, practicing with online tests can aid in managing the test's computerized format and length .

Students should choose study materials wisely, prioritizing familiar resources like class notes for their reliability and comfort . While the Merck Manual and online guides are considered useful, they should not be relied on solely due to differences in question formats compared to those on the NAVLE . Board review sessions are also recommended due to their structured approach . The key is to use a diverse set of resources to ensure a well-rounded preparation effort.

Establishing a study plan early is vital because the NAVLE requires extensive preparation that should not be delayed until the last minute. Starting early allows candidates to spread out their study efforts, focus on weaker areas, and utilize a variety of study resources effectively. It also provides the opportunity to manage busy clinical rotations and allocate dedicated study time .

The NAVLE is computerized, extremely long, and requires a substantial amount of stamina and time management to complete on time . Its questions demand critical thought processes and clinical reasoning, differing from the potentially simpler or shorter exam formats candidates may be accustomed to . Consequently, candidates must prepare not only in content but also in test-taking strategies, ensuring they manage their time and maintain focus through potentially challenging sections .

Students should identify their weak areas early and address them directly by studying a section, taking the test for that section, and then using the test questions to locate weak areas to focus on . Utilizing study guides like VetPrep, Zuku Review, and the VIN NAVLE Review can offer targeted practice and resources to shore up these deficiencies .

Practice tests are crucial for preparation, aiding candidates in becoming familiar with the exam's format and timing . They should be integrated by taking them both early in the study process to establish a baseline, and again closer to the exam date for final preparation. This practice can help identify weak areas and improve time management skills, reducing the likelihood of issues finishing on time during the actual exam .

Mental preparation involves adopting a positive attitude, being well-prepared, and maintaining focus during challenging sections without succumbing to panic . Physical preparation includes practicing stamina and time management, possibly including bringing snacks for breaks to manage hypoglycemia if prone . Consistent practice tests and previewing computerized test formats are recommended to simulate real test conditions and bolster these aspects of preparation .

Students with specific needs can request special accommodations such as a private room or extra time. They need to begin checking the requirements and paperwork for these accommodations around April or May, well in advance of the fall exam window .

To secure an excused absence for the NAVLE, students must inform the clinician at the start of their rotation about the exam date/time and complete an excused absence form from the VCS office, requiring the course coordinator's signature . Variations between rotations may occur, with some clinicians expecting students to return post-exam while others may not. Planning responsibilities must also consider any patient treatments scheduled during the exam .

Board review sessions are beneficial for NAVLE preparation as they are thought to provide helpful supplementary insights and review opportunities beyond individual study methods. They enhance understanding through structured guidance and exposure to a wide range of topics covered in the exam, facilitating a comprehensive review .

Preparation for the NAVLE 
(North American Veterinary Licensing Examination) 
 
1. Plan to take the exam during the November-
 
The Merck Manual is thought to be useful, but not as a sole source of information. 
 
Attendance at the board review sess

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