CERTIFIED VETERINARY PAIN PRACTITIONER (CVPP)

New! Sample Case Reports Posted

We've added new sample case study reports for you to gain practical insights and strengthen your CVPP application!

Access these reports by scrolling down and clicking Step 8 in the Steps for Applying section.

Access Case Study Reports

Why?

  • Superior care: Certified pet pain practitioners ensure top-notch pain relief for animals.
  • Trust builder: Certification signals dedication to pets' well-being, fostering client trust.
  • Professional edge: Being certified sets vets apart, showcasing expertise and opening new career avenues.

How?

  • Apply for an ARN.
  • Complete the CVPP application, including proof of pain-related CE, case studies and exam questions.
  • Submit required documentation, such as pictures of pain management elements and case studies, and prepare for the online CVPP exam.

Cost?

  • CVPP Application: $250 for veterinarians and $150 for licensed veterinary technicians
  • Exam fees: $280 for DVM/VMD and $180 for Technician/Nurse

IVAPM’s certification program was designed to be challenging and achievable. It is also a platform and incentive for continued learning about the many disciplines capable of enhancing comfort in animal patients.


The Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner (CVPP) certification is awarded to candidates that have met IVAPM’s standards for education, training, and experience in interdisciplinary pain management. The program is open to licensed veterinary professionals with a minimum of five years in full time practice and at least two years of clinical experience working with animals in pain.


In addition, applicants must have a current membership and have been a member of IVAPM for at least one year prior to sitting for the exam. Requirements are the same for veterinarians and veterinary technicians.


The application cycle for the 2025 exam closes on December 31st, 2024 at midnight EST. NEW DEADLINE: Starting in 2025, the annual deadline for CVPP application submission will be November 30th at midnight EST on the year before the exam. By the deadline, candidates will need to have submitted the completed application, letter of good standing, two case studies, proof of completion of the CE requirements, and verification of their pain management skills.


All documents should be submitted at the same time. The online system will not save your work or accept partial application submissions. The CVPP exam is held annually on the first Saturday in October at 8:00am in the candidate's time zone.

Steps for Applying

  • 1. Apply for an Application Registration Number (ARN)

    Apply for an Application Registration Number (ARN) by emailing Info@IVAPM.org and including the Subject Line: CVPP ARN Requested. This is required to begin the application and will be used on all supporting documentation to maintain anonymity. Do not share use your ARN with anyone. Do not use your ARN in communications with other IVAPM members or committee members. Your ARN should only be used when submitting documentation and as the application dictates, as well as in correspondence with the IVAPM Executive Director. Adhering to these guidelines ensures anonymity throughout the entire process.

  • 2. Consider an IVAPM CVPP Mentor!

     Consider an IVAPM CVPP Mentor! If you are interested in having a mentor help you through the process, please complete this form.  

  • 3. Complete CVPP Application

    Complete CVPP Application. Upon processing the application, you will receive an email regarding the application fee ($250 for veterinarians and $150 for licensed veterinary technicians).  

  • 4. Submit a Letter of Good Standing

    Submit a Letter of Good Standing or the regional equivalent. Applicants must be current, practicing veterinary professionals of good standing with their governing board.

  • 5. Submit proof of 90 hours of pain related CE

    Submit proof of 90 hours of pain related CE. CE must have been earned during the eight years prior to application submission. You can use the following CE form and/or Internship-/Observation form. Information regarding approved CE can be found under CVPP FAQs.

  • 6. Demonstrate competency in pain management.

    Demonstrate competency in pain management. A qualified evaluator will need to use the Skills Competency form for evaluation in the categories listed within the form.


    An updated/clarified skill list will be added for candidates starting the application process in 2025.

  • 7. Submit five pain management specific questions and answers as potential CVPP exam questions.

    Submit five pain management specific questions and answers as potential CVPP exam questions. Submitted questions and answers must include the following:


    • Multiple choice questions must consist of a stem and four options; one correct answer and three distractors.
    • Copies of the supporting references must be submitted with questions. References submitted must include:
    1. One reference, but no more than two, may come from available literature including peer-reviewed journals or textbooks.
    2. Citations published within the past five years. Older references may only be admissible if updates information or newer editions of the text are unavailable.

    For further question writing assistance, download a copy of the IVAPM Writing Guide located on the IVAPM member portal or email IVAPM.


    Email the questions to IVAPM separate from the application.

  • 8. NEW! CVPP Case Study Examples

    These are examples only. Do not copy these case reports. Your reports must be from your own cases and written in your own words.


  • 9. Submit two case studies.

    Click below for complete details on the case study guidelines and evaluation grading specific guide.

    Case Study Samples:

  • 10. Complete the CVPP Exam*

    Complete the CVPP Exam*: Beginning in 2023, the CVPP Exam will be offered online only and proctored via remote AI. The exam fees are: $280 for DVM/VMD and $180 for Technician/Nurse. Exam fees are due 30 days prior to the examination. The exam covers the breadth of current knowledge concerning veterinary pain management in addition to elements specific to rehabilitation and acupuncture. It is closed book and consists of 100 questions. Time is limited to three hours. Applicants should begin self-studying once their application is accepted.

Study Materials Include:


Annual Testing Date:


CVPP Exam Date Tentatively Scheduled For:

The CVPP exam is scheduled annually on the first Saturday in October at 8am in the candidates time zone.





*ADA Exam Accommodations: The IVAPM examination provides reasonable and appropriate accommodations for individuals with documented disabilities within the meaning of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Under ADA, a disability is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits an individual’s ability to perform one or more major life activities, as compared with most people in the general population. As a part of the application submission process, the applicant must indicate that they require ADA examination accommodations (in “examination information” section). Applicants requesting accommodations must submit medical and/or psychological documentation from a qualified professional in support of the request for ADA exam accommodations. Additionally, if the applicant has received any other accommodations in the past, supporting documentation certifying prior accommodations should be included.  Accommodation requests with supporting documentation must be submitted at the time of application submission.


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