ACVC Appeals Processes

ACVCP Diplomate Certification

Candidates denied eligibility to sit either phase of the Diplomate Certifying examination may appeal this decision within 30 calendar days of the date of notification. The appeal must be made in writing to the Secretary-Treasurer and shall include a statement of the grounds for reconsideration and appropriate documentation. Within 15 calendar days of notification of the appeal an ad hoc Appeals Committee of three diplomates will be appointed. The Chairperson of the Credentials Committee and the President of the ACVCP will submit to the Appeals Committee written statements indicating the reasons for rejecting the application of the candidate. The completed dossier of the candidate will be provided to the Appeals Committtee for review. The Appeals committee will make a recommendation to the Board within 15 calendar days. The Board will render a decision on the appeal after considering the recommendations of the Appeal Committee and notify the candidate of the decision within 30 calendar days from the date of submission of the appeal. The candidate may appeal the decision of the Board to the Advisory Board on Veterinary Specialties of the AVMA.

Appeals related to examination results are described in the Phase I and Phase II information documents

Examination Results and Appeals

Preliminary Phase I examination results will be reported to candidates within seven days of the examinhation (only) to those candidates who wish to take the Phase II Examination in the same year. Final Phase I examination results will be sent to all candidates on the same day and within 60 days after completion of the examination. Candidates are not allowed to review their examinations and will not be notified of their total scores; they will be informed of whether their performance was a pass or a failure.

Phase II Examination results will be sent to all candidates on the same day and within 60 days after completion of the examination. Candidates are not allowed to review their examinations and will not be notified of their total scores; they will be informed of whether their performance was a pass or a failure.

Candidates failing to pass the (Phase II) Diplomate Certification Examination may appeal this decision within 30 calendar days of the postmarked date of notification. The request for appeal must be made in writing to the ACVCP Secretary and shall include a statement of the grounds for reconsideration and appropriate documentation.