Continuing Education (CE)

Overview

To maintain an active license, veterinary professionals in Texas must complete continuing education (CE) annually. The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (TBVME) sets the following guidelines for acceptable CE activities, required hours, and proof of completion.

This page contains information regarding Continuing Education (CE) requirements for the following:

Acceptable Continuing Education

CE hours are valid if they relate to clinical matters. For veterinarians, CE may also include practice management courses.

Licensees may earn CE credits through these approved CE activities:

Professional Meetings & Conferences

Sponsored by recognized organizations, including:

  • American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
  • AVMA state/regional/local veterinary associations
  • AVMA-accredited veterinary colleges
  • International Association of Equine Dentistry (for equine dental providers)

Correspondence Courses

Must include a final test and provide a certificate of completion.

Online & Video Programs

Must be verifiable and monitored, meeting these requirements:

  • Two-way communication with the instructor and participants.
  • Visual interaction with the instructor.
  • Documented participation via software logs or real-time surveys.

Self-Study

Includes reading professional articles, listening to audio content, or watching veterinary videos.

Other Board-Approved Methods

Approved by the TBVME Licensing Committee or Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE).

Required Continuing Education Hours

CE requirements vary by license type:

Proof of Continuing Education

Veterinary professionals must maintain documentation of their CE activities for four years and provide proof if requested by TBVME investigators.

Annual CE Attestation

  • Licensees must sign a statement on their license renewal form confirming they have met CE requirements.
  • If renewing online, licensees must provide an electronic affirmation of completed CE hours.

Required Documentation

  • Live & On-Site Courses – May require sign-in sheets, checklists, or certificates of completion.
  • Online Interactive Courses – Must have a provider-issued certificate showing course details, date, and hours.
  • Self-Study – Licensees must provide a signed statement listing:
    • Titles of materials studied (articles, videos, audio, etc.).
    • Dates and hours spent on self-study.

New Licensees

  • CE completed before licensure does not count toward annual requirements.
  • New licensees are exempt from CE requirements during their first year.
  • Details are included in the Authority to Practice Letter issued upon licensure. See Rule 573.64 for more information.

Renewing Licensees

  • CE must be completed during the renewal year immediately preceding the renewal application.
  • CE earned during your birth month is accepted if completed before renewal.
  • Maintain hard or electronic copies of CE certificates for 4 years for potential audits.
  • Failure to meet CE requirements may result in disciplinary action. See Rule 573.66.

CE Providers

Organizations seeking to offer CE for DVMs, LVTs, or EDPs must: 

  1. Submit a CE application and fee to TBVME at least 10 business days before the event. 
  2. Ensure instructors meet these standards:
    • DVM CE: Must be taught by DVMs.
    • LVT CE: May be taught by DVMs or qualified LVTs.
    • EDP CE: May be taught by DVMs or EDPs.
  3. Use the same presenter, outline, and materials for repeat sessions within the same calendar year.

Provider Application Links

Helpful Resources

For questions about CE, contact the Licensing Division:

Quick Links

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