VTS (ECC)
AVECCTN Certifying Examination (Veterinary Technician Specialist in Emergency and Critical Care, VTS(ECC))
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Veterinary Technician Specialist in Emergency and Critical Care, or VTS(ECC), is a specialty credential conferred by the Academy of Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Technicians and Nurses (AVECCTN), the first organization recognized by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America as a veterinary technician specialty. AVECCTN describes itself not as a course or school but as a certifying body: candidates build eligibility through work experience over a three to five year period, continuing education, and documented advanced emergency and critical care skills, then apply through a rigorous process. Successful applicants are invited to sit the certifying examination, held annually in the host city of the International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Symposium. Only technicians who meet or exceed every requirement and pass the exam earn the designation. AVECCTN reports members from 11 countries as of 2026 and will accept foreign equivalents for training and experience, though the application and examination are offered only in English. Preparation is self-directed: candidates typically review advanced ECC skills and continuing education accumulated during the experience period, and the Academy publishes examination information and suggested reading through its website. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by AVECCTN; always confirm requirements and dates with the Academy directly.
What you'll study
About VTS (ECC) preparation
What exactly does the VTS(ECC) credential represent?
It is a specialty certification, not a degree or course. AVECCTN certifies veterinary technicians who meet its credential requirements and pass its examination, after which they are designated Veterinary Technician Specialists (Emergency & Critical Care). The Academy is fully recognized by NAVTA as a certifying body.
How long does eligibility take to build?
AVECCTN states that achieving VTS(ECC) status is based on work experience over a three to five year period, plus continuing education and accumulation of advanced emergency and critical care skills. Plan your application around that window rather than expecting a short-track route.
When and where is the certifying examination held?
The examination is held annually in the host city of the International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Symposium. AVECCTN does not publish the specific host city or date on its home page, so check the Academy's Examination Information page for the current cycle.
I live outside the United States. Can I still apply?
Yes. AVECCTN reports members from 11 countries as of 2026 and states it is willing to accept foreign equivalents for training and experience. The one firm limit is language: the application and examination cannot be offered in languages other than English.
What is the application timeline?
The application is split into parts. The Academy's published calendar lists Part B due October 31, 2026, Part A due March 31, 2027, Part B due October 31, 2027, and Part A due March 31, 2028. Confirm which cycle you are in and verify dates on the official site before submitting.
How should I sequence my studying?
Start with the advanced skills and continuing education you are already documenting, since those define your eligibility, then close gaps in weaker body systems. Use the Academy's examination information and suggested reading list as your scope guide. Build a written study plan early in your experience period rather than after your application is accepted.
What causes applications to fail or stall?
The most common risk is documentation: skills and continuing education accumulated without records are hard to substantiate later. The other is timing, since Part A and Part B fall in different calendar years. Track deadlines from the start and keep evidence organized as you go.
Does passing the exam require recertification?
The Academy maintains a recertification process and publishes due dates; its calendar lists a recertification due date of September 30, 2027. Specific recertification requirements are not detailed on the home page, so review the Academy's credentialing materials for the current rules.
Is this page an official AVECCTN resource?
No. This is independent study material and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by AVECCTN. Requirements, deadlines, and fees change, so treat the Academy's own website as the authoritative source for anything you rely on when applying.