Australasian Veterinary Examination

Exam at a glance

Questions

160

Duration

270 minutes

Pass mark

not published

Sections

Paper 1 base knowledge: 80 · 120 min / Paper 2 clinical reasoning: 80 · 150 min

Exam type

Written and oral/practical

Language

English

Authority

AVBC

Curriculum

Built from the question bank and updated automatically when new questions are added. 15 modules · 378 questions · Last updated: 30 October 2026

1. 01Basic veterinary sciences: anatomy, physiology and biochemistry22 questions · 5.8 % of the bank

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A lactating Holstein-Friesian cow on a pasture-based dairy farm in Gippsland absorbs very little glucose from her small intestine. Which product of ruminal fermentation is the main substrate for her hepatic gluconeogenesis?

   APropionate absorbed from the rumenBAcetate absorbed from the rumenCButyrate absorbed from the rumenDAmmonia absorbed from the rumenEMethane produced in the rumen

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
2. 02Cattle: dairy and beef production medicine and herd health32 questions · 8.5 % of the bank

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A 5-year-old Holstein-Friesian cow on a pasture-based dairy farm calved normally 20 hours ago. She is found in sternal recumbency with her head turned into her flank. She has a dry muzzle, cold ears and limbs, a heart rate of 100 beats/min with weak heart sounds, and reduced rumen motility. What is the most appropriate immediate treatment?

   AIntravenous 50% glucose injected as a rapid bolusBOral propylene glycol drench by stomach tubeCSlow intravenous calcium borogluconate with cardiac auscultationDIntramuscular long-acting oxytetracyclineEIntravenous isotonic sodium bicarbonate over 4 hours

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
3. 03Diagnostic imaging and radiation safety20 questions · 5.3 % of the bank

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A 9-year-old Labrador retriever has a resected mammary carcinoma. The owner agrees to screening for pulmonary metastases before further treatment. Which set of thoracic radiographs is most appropriate?

   AA single right lateral viewBRight lateral, left lateral and ventrodorsal viewsCA single left lateral viewDA dorsoventral view onlyEA ventrodorsal view and an oblique view

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
4. 04Equine medicine and surgery32 questions · 8.5 % of the bank

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   An unvaccinated 6-year-old horse that had a puncture wound to the sole 10 days ago now stands rigidly in a sawhorse posture, has a prolapsed third eyelid and reacts strongly to noise. Which management is most appropriate?

   AGive acepromazine and exercise on a lunge line to relieve stiffnessBGive oral anthelmintic and recheck in 1 weekCGive an intra-articular corticosteroid to relieve stiffnessDGive tetanus antitoxin, debride the wound, give antimicrobials and house the horse in a quiet dim stable

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
5. 05Exotic pets, birds, reptiles and Australian wildlife20 questions · 5.3 % of the bank

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A 14-month-old female central bearded dragon is presented with tremors and fasciculations. She is fed mainly crickets and iceberg lettuce and is kept in a glass enclosure with a basking lamp and no ultraviolet B source. The mandible is soft and the long bones feel thickened. Ionised calcium is low. What is the most likely diagnosis?

   AAdenovirus hepatitisBNutritional secondary hyperparathyroidismCIntestinal coccidiosisDHypovitaminosis A

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
6. 06Microbiology, parasitology and immunology23 questions · 6.1 % of the bank
7. 07Pathology, clinical pathology and laboratory diagnostics24 questions · 6.3 % of the bank
8. 08Pharmacology, toxicology and veterinary medicines regulation24 questions · 6.3 % of the bank
9. 09Pigs, poultry and other production species18 questions · 4.8 % of the bank
10. 10Public health, zoonoses, food safety and notifiable animal diseases16 questions · 4.2 % of the bank
11. 11Reproduction, obstetrics and neonatology16 questions · 4.2 % of the bank
12. 12Sheep, goats and camelids20 questions · 5.3 % of the bank
13. 13Small animal medicine (dogs and cats)54 questions · 14.3 % of the bank
14. 14Small animal surgery, anaesthesia, emergency and critical care39 questions · 10.3 % of the bank
15. 15Animal welfare, professional practice, ethics and communication18 questions · 4.8 % of the bank

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From registration to licence

The usual steps with AVBC. Details can change; check the current rules with AVBC before you register.

1. Check eligibility and collect your documents (degree, experience, good standing).
2. Create an account with AVBC and submit the application.
3. Receive the exam eligibility and book a date with the test centre.
4. Sit the exam. Results usually come within days.
5. After passing: complete licensing (for example primary source verification) and receive your licence.

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