The publication of the first North American Essential Competency Profile for Veterinary Medicine is an achievement that reflects the vision and leadership within the veterinary medicine regulatory community.  This document places competence as a clear and central component of modern regulation. The Profile outlines competencies that are necessary for the safe and effective practice of veterinary medicine throughout a veterinarian’s career, regardless of role, setting, or specialization.

This project was initiated in 2018 by the American Association of State Veterinary Boards, the Canadian Council of Veterinary Registrars, the College of Veterinarians of Ontario, and the International Council for Veterinary Assessment. These project sponsors were joined by the Canadian National Examining Board, the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges, and the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates to create a strong vision for the Profile’s widespread distribution and use.

The North American Essential Competency Profile is a foundational document and is intended for use by all regulators in Canada and the United States to promote and assure the consistency of the competence of licensed/registered members in their respective jurisdictions.