Beginning with the March 2026 NAVLE testing window, all candidates have been granted five new opportunities to take the NAVLE, regardless of their prior testing history. Any test attempts made before December 1, 2025, do not count toward this new five-attempt limit. Also as of December 1, 2025, the NAVLE retake policy waiver process has been ended. Waivers are no longer being granted, ensuring a consistent and equitable policy for all candidates.
What Does This Mean for DVM Licensure in Louisiana?
The Board’s Rule 303.B.7 still currently states the following: “An applicant for licensure may only sit for the national examination a maximum of five times. Thereafter, the applicant will no longer be eligible for licensure in Louisiana and any applications submitted will be rejected.”
At its February 5th, 2026 meeting, the Board discussed and voted to amend Rule 303.B.7 to align the rule with ICVA’s revised policy. While the rulemaking process will start in April ’26, this change will not go into effect into its final promulgation, which can take up to 8-9 months – assuming there are no objections from the Senate and House Oversight Committees and/or the Governor’s Office. If adopted, the amended rule would continue to limit candidates to no more than five attempts to take the NAVLE; however, any attempts made prior to December 1, 2025, would not be applied toward this five-attempt maximum.
Therefore, DVM graduates who have made more than five attempts at the NAVLE still remain ineligible for licensure, even if the exam is taken and passed on one’s sixth or more attempt. This is the case only until – and if – the proposed rule is approved and promulgated.
Stay Updated on All Rulemaking Activity!
You should follow the Board’s rulemaking activity to see when this proposed amendment goes into effect (assuming the rulemaking efforts are successful).