Alabama Veterinary Licensing Explained: The LVT Application, the VTNE Through the AAVSB and Yearly CE

Alabama licenses veterinary technicians as licensed veterinary technicians (LVTs) and renews every license each year. A 2025 change moved VTNE eligibility from the state board to the national association that runs the exam, which changed how new graduates apply.

Who regulates veterinary medicine in Alabama

The Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (ASBVME) licenses veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Its rules are in Chapter 930-X of the Alabama Administrative Code. The Alabama Legislature's sunset review in 2026 confirmed the board's continuing education requirements.

Becoming an Alabama LVT

The VTNE, through the AAVSB

Since January 1, 2025, candidates contact the AAVSB directly to sit for the VTNE. The AAVSB now handles all eligibility decisions, and after the exam sends scores to the Alabama board if the candidate asks. See our VTNE guide.

The LVT application

After passing the VTNE, an applicant sends the board:

• the Alabama LVT application;
• a citizenship form;
• two headshot photos;
• a copy of the diploma, or a letter with the school's seal from the technician program confirming graduation or the expected date; and
• a $100 check or money order.

The board stresses that the mail is the applicant's responsibility. Send it in time, by a tracked service if needed.

Yearly renewal

Alabama licenses renew every year. Online renewal for the 2027 licensing year opened on October 1, 2026, for both veterinarians and LVTs.

Continuing education

According to the board and the Legislature's 2026 sunset review:

• Veterinarians: 20 hours each year, with at least 16 hours in scientific programs approved by the board.
• Veterinary technicians: 8 hours each year.

Check the board's current rule for limits on online hours and other categories before you plan the year.

How to verify an Alabama license

The ASBVME publishes license verification for veterinarians and LVTs. Search by name or license number, confirm the type and status, and check again after the annual renewal. See how to verify a veterinary license.

What this means for Alabama practices

• Help new graduates apply early. With VTNE eligibility now at the AAVSB, a graduate deals with two organizations: the AAVSB for the exam and the board for the license.
• Track renewals every fall. Every license renews yearly.
• Fund 8 hours of CE for each LVT; it is a modest, valued benefit.

How Zuse helps

Zuse Hire shows Alabama practices the licensed veterinarians and LVTs nearby, checked against the board's record. On Zuse Talent, Alabama veterinarians and technicians can claim their license and browse vet tech jobs with pay shown.

Sources

• Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, VTNE and LVT application, online license renewal and continuing education requirement
• Alabama Legislature, Examiners of Public Accounts, sunset report on the Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (2026)

Rules change. Confirm the current requirements with the Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

FAQ

How do I become an LVT in Alabama?

Pass the VTNE, applying through the AAVSB, then send the board the LVT application, a citizenship form, two photos, a copy of your diploma or a school letter, and a $100 fee.

Who decides VTNE eligibility for Alabama?

Since January 1, 2025, the AAVSB handles VTNE eligibility. Candidates apply to the AAVSB directly.

How much CE do Alabama vet techs need?

Eight hours each year.

How much CE do Alabama veterinarians need?

Twenty hours each year, with at least 16 in board approved scientific programs.

When do Alabama veterinary licenses renew?

Every year. Renewal for 2027 opened online on October 1, 2026.