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Phase II Certifying Examinations

The ACVP Phase II Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Pathology examinations are each composed of 300 multiple choice questions in three sections designed to identify competent, entry-level veterinary pathologists. They are given in three sections, totaling 7.5 hours (with two breaks totaling 45 minutes). After residency training, these exams are the final step toward ACVP board certification.

Read the 2026 Candidate Handbook

Phase II Examinations

The Phase II Certifying Examinations assess the skills and knowledge that a minimally competent pathologist should possess. For more specific information about the topics covered in the Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Pathology Certifying Examinations, see the Candidate Handbook.

  • Section one: 2 hours
  • Optional break: up to 15 minutes
  • Section two: 2.5 hours
  • Optional break: up to 30 minutes
  • Section three: 3 hours
See Example Anatomic Pathology Questions
See Example Clinical Pathology Questions

Phase II Candidate Handbook

The ACVP 2026 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 the Handbook throughout their training. The Candidate Handbook is updated annually, prior to the opening of the Phase I application window. Please be aware: The handbook posted at the time of application applies to those candidates.

Phase II 2025 Examination Dates

  • 2025 Phase II applications window: December 15 to February 16
  • Notification of acceptance to sit for the examination: April 10.
  • 2025 Phase II ADA Accommodations request deadline: May 13
  • Applicants will be notified of accommodation determination: June 10
  • 2025 Phase II withdrawal deadline (to receive refund minus processing): June 13
  • 2025 Phase II examination: August 11-13
  • Candidates notified of results: September 27

Phase II 2026 Examination Dates

  • 2026 Phase II applications window: December 15 to February 12
  • Notification of acceptance to sit for the examination: April 12
  • 2026 Phase II ADA Accommodations request deadline: May 27
  • Applicants will be notified of accommodation determination: June 17
  • 2026 Phase II withdrawal deadline (to receive refund minus processing): June 24
  • 2026 Phase II examination: August 10-12
  • Candidates notified of results: September 26

Phase II 2027 Examination Dates

  • 2027 Phase II applications window: December 14 to February 11
  • Notification of acceptance to sit for the examination: April 11
  • 2027 Phase II ADA Accommodations request deadline: May 13
  • Applicants will be notified of accommodation determination: June 16
  • 2027 Phase II withdrawal deadline (to receive refund minus processing): June 23
  • 2027 Phase II examination: August 9-11
  • Candidates notified of results: September 25

Phase II Examination Reading Lists

The Phase II Examination reading lists are provided as guidance for candidates. The sources are common journals and textbooks that represent the appropriate level of knowledge. Candidates should feel free to utilize other equivalent sources and seek mentor guidance if they are unclear about source equivalency.

Candidates taking the examinations in 2026 should focus on journals published between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2025. These dates correspond to when exam questions are written and reviewed by the ACVP Certification and Examination Council Teams. Journals may be print or early online access.

Anatomic Pathology Phase II Reading List

Principal Sources

Textbooks 

  • Maxie MG. Jubb, Kennedy and Palmer’s Pathology of Domestic Animals. 6th edition.  
  • Zachary JF. Pathologic Basis of Veterinary Disease. 6th edition.  
  • Scott MA, Stockham SL. Fundamentals of Veterinary Clinical Pathology. 3rd edition. 
  • Clinical pathology atlases  
  • Raskin RE, Meyer DJ, Boes KM. Canine and Feline Cytopathology. 4th edition. 
  • Valenciano AC, Cowell RL. Diagnostic Cytology and Hematology of the Dog and Cat. 5th edition. 

Journals 

  • Veterinary Pathology  
  • Journal of Comparative Pathology  
  • Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation  

Supplemental Sources

Textbooks 

  • Abdul-Aziz T, Fletcher OJ, Barns HJ. Avian Histopathology. 4th edition. 
  • Terio K, McAloose D, St. Leger J. Pathology of Wildlife and Zoo Animals. 1st edition. 
  • Barthold SW, Griffey SM, Percy DH. Pathology of Laboratory Rodents and Rabbits. 4th edition. 
  • Noga EJ. Fish Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment (Chapters 4, 5, 7-15). 2nd edition. 
  • Abee C, Mansfield K, Tardif S, Morris T. Non-Human Primates in Biomedical Research: Diseases (2012, Chapters 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15). 2nd edition. 
  • The American Association of Avian Pathologists. Avian Disease Manual. 8th edition. 
  • Schmidt RE, Reavill DR, Phalen DN. Pathology of Pet and Aviary Birds. 2nd edition.  

Journals 

  • Toxicologic Pathology (review articles) 

Clinical Pathology Phase II Reading List

Principal Sources

Textbooks 

  • Stockham SL, Scott MA. Fundamentals of Veterinary Clinical Pathology. 3rd edition.   
  • DiBartola SP. Fluid, Electrolyte and Acid-Base Disorders (Sections I, II, III) 4th edition.  
  • Raskin RE, Meyer DJ, Boes KM. Canine and Feline Cytopathology. 4th edition. 
  • Rizzi TE. Atlas of Canine and Feline Urinalysis. 1st edition. 
  • Walton RM, Cowell RL, Valenciano AC. Equine Hematology, Cytology, and Clinical Chemistry. 2nd edition.  
  • Brooks MB, Harr KE, Seelig DM, Wardrop KM, Weiss DJ. Schalm’s Veterinary Hematology. 7th edition.  

Journals 

  • Veterinary Clinical Pathology  

Supplemental Sources

Textbooks 

  • Thrall MA. Veterinary Hematology, Clinical Chemistry, and Cytology. 3nd edition.   
  • Campbell TW, Ellis CK. Avian and Exotic Animal Hematology and Cytology. 5th edition. 
  • Harvey JW. Veterinary Hematology – A Diagnostic Guide and Color Atlas. 1st edition. 
  • Other canine and feline cytology textbooks – options can include: 
  • Valenciano AC, Cowell RL. Diagnostic Cytology and Hematology of the Dog and Cat. 5th edition. 
  • Barger AM, MacNeill AL. Small Animal Cytologic Diagnosis. 1st edition. 
  • Sharkey LC, Radin MJ, Seelig D. Veterinary Cytology. 1st edition.  
  • Burton AG. Clinical Atlas of Small Animal Cytology. 1st edition. 

Journals 

  • Veterinary Pathology  
  • Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association  
  • Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 

Phase II Examination Administration

The Phase II Certifying Examinations in veterinary anatomic pathology and veterinary clinical pathology are 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 II examination, candidates will receive an email notice from Meazure Learning to schedule their examination at a testing center or via Live Remote Proctoring (LRP). 

Testing Center Resources

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

Phase II Examination Passing Scores

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. In 2023, standard setting studies were performed for the Phase II Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Pathology examinations utilizing the Modified Angoff method. The following final operational cut scores were established for the Phase II examinations:

  • Anatomic Pathology: cut score 204 out of 300
  • Clinical Pathology:  cut score 223 out of 300

Read more about standard setting and equating of ACVP examinations.

The 2024 Phase II Certifying Examinations were delivered the week of August 12 via Meazure Learning at test centers around the world and by live remote proctoring. The pass rates for the veterinary anatomic and clinical pathology examinations were 61.54% and 89.74%, respectively.

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