ACVIM study guide
ACVIM · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The ACVIM is the international certifying organization for veterinary specialists in cardiology, large animal internal medicine, neurology, nutrition, oncology and small animal internal medicine, with over 3,000 members worldwide. Its board certification pathway is aimed at veterinarians who have completed approved residency training and are preparing to be credentialed as Diplomates in one of those six specialties. Candidates move through a structured sequence: becoming a candidate, completing an approved residency training program, navigating credentials and timelines, then preparing for and sitting the General Exam and the specialty-specific exam. The published site navigation also points candidates to pass rate history, exam special request forms, and a General Exam fee waiver program, which are worth reviewing early because they affect scheduling and eligibility decisions. The ACVIM study guide has 6 sections and about 1,282 words.
01Cardiology
Cardiology questions reward a disciplined approach: distinguish anatomy/physiology (pressure-volume loops, Frank-Starling, excitation-contraction coupling) from pathophysiology (volume overload vs. pressure overload, forward vs.
238 words, about 1 min02Large Animal Internal Medicine
LAIM emphasizes species-specific physiology and herd-level thinking . For equine medicine, master colic (differentiating simple obstruction, strangulating obstruction, and inflammatory disease by pain severity, reflux, and peritoneal fluid), laminitis (endocrine vs.
222 words, about 1 min03Neurology
Neurology questions test localization before diagnosis . Use the neuroanatomic framework: forebrain, brainstem, cerebellum, vestibular (central vs.
216 words, about 1 min04Nutrition
Nutrition questions blend physiology, calculation, and evidence appraisal . Know energy requirements (resting energy requirement, RER = 70 × BWkg^0.75; illness factor application is debated-avoid overfeeding), protein requirements, and the distinction between maintenance and therapeutic diets.
210 words, about 1 min05Oncology
Oncology questions emphasize diagnosis, staging, and therapeutic decision-making . Know the difference between benign and malignant behavior, the value of cytology (fine-needle aspirate) vs.
211 words, about 1 min06Small Animal Internal Medicine
SAIM integrates problem-based reasoning across endocrine, gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal, and hematologic systems. Master the approach to polyuria/polydipsia (diabetes mellitus, hyperadrenocorticism, hypercalcemia, renal disease, pyometra), vomiting/diarrhea (differentiate small vs.
185 words, under 1 min