Georgia Veterinary Licensing Explained: The Vet Tech License, the Law Exam, LEAP CE and the December 31 Renewal

Georgia has a fast growing veterinary market, centered on Atlanta but stretching from the coast to the mountains. Its licensing rules are clear, with a few features worth knowing: technicians take a Georgia law exam, every license holder needs a few hours of state specific "LEAP" CE, and all licenses renew on the same day at the end of even numbered years. That day is December 31, 2026.

Who regulates veterinary medicine in Georgia

The Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine licenses veterinarians and veterinary technicians. It works within the Professional Licensing Boards Division of the Georgia Secretary of State's office. Its rules are in Department 700 of the Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia, and the practice act is Chapter 50 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia.

Licensed veterinary technicians

Georgia licenses technicians. Under Chapter 700-6 of the rules, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 and of good moral character.
• Have graduated from an AVMA approved veterinary technician program. The Board reviews other programs individually.
• Pass the VTNE with a scaled score of at least 425 (on the 200 to 800 scale), with scores sent to the Board. See our VTNE guide.
• Pass the Georgia Veterinary Technician Law Exam.
• Complete the application within the time allowed. An application that expires is not refunded, and you start again.

The temporary license for shelters

Georgia offers a one time, six month temporary technician license for work in government or nonprofit shelter medicine and nonprofit sterilization clinics, including mobile programs. An applicant needs a license from another state with training and testing that meet Georgia's standard, plus proof of relevant experience. It cannot be renewed: after six months, the holder needs a full Georgia license to keep working.

Renewal: every two years, on December 31

All Georgia licenses expire on December 31 of even numbered years and renew every two years. The current licenses expire on December 31, 2026.

A license that is not renewed by the end of the late renewal period is administratively lapsed. Under the Board's rules, that has the same effect as a revocation, although it is not treated as discipline.

Reinstating a lapsed license

To return to active status, an applicant submits a reinstatement application with:

• A detailed résumé of work since the license was last renewed.
• CE completed in the two years before applying: at least 30 hours for veterinarians and 10 hours for technicians.
• Verification of every other license held, if they have been practicing elsewhere.

Someone who has not actively practiced in the past five years may be required to retake the national exam or a species specific exam.

Continuing education

Veterinarians

Under rule 700-7, veterinarians need 30 hours per two year renewal period:

• 2 hours of LEAP: Georgia laws, rules and professionalism. Georgia licensees who do not practice in Georgia do not need these 2 hours.
• At least 18 hours of scientific subject matter, meaning evidence based medicine and surgery and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.
• Hours may be in person, live interactive webinars, or recorded webinars that ensure participation, including a post course test with at least five questions per credit.

Technicians

Georgia licensed technicians need 11 hours per two year renewal period under rule 700-7-.04. The Georgia VMA notes that 1 hour must be LEAP CE.

How to verify a Georgia license

The Georgia Secretary of State's licensing site has a public license search for every profession it regulates. Search by name or number, confirm the profession (veterinarian or veterinary technician), and read the status and expiration. In January 2027, check that everyone on your schedule shows a current license after the December 31 renewal. See how to verify a veterinary license.

What this means for Georgia practices

• Plan for December. With every license renewing on the same day, check your whole team in early January.
• Say "licensed technician" in job posts when you need one, and say if you will support someone through the law exam. See how to write a veterinary job posting.
• Shelters and spay neuter clinics can bring in an out of state technician quickly with the six month temporary license, while they apply for a full license.
• Budget LEAP CE. It is short, but it is required for everyone practicing in Georgia.

How Zuse helps

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

Sources

• Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia, Chapter 700-6, Registration of veterinary technicians, and Chapter 700-7, Renewal of license
• Georgia Veterinary Medical Association, CE requirements overview and LEAP CE

Rules change. Confirm the current requirements with the Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine.

FAQ

Do vet techs need a license in Georgia?

Yes. Georgia licenses veterinary technicians. Applicants need an AVMA approved program, a VTNE score of at least 425 and a passing score on the Georgia Veterinary Technician Law Exam.

When do Georgia veterinary licenses expire?

On December 31 of even numbered years. The current licenses expire on December 31, 2026.

How much CE do Georgia veterinarians need?

Thirty hours every two years, including 2 hours of LEAP (Georgia laws, rules and professionalism) and at least 18 hours of scientific subject matter.

How much CE do Georgia vet techs need?

Eleven hours every two years, including 1 hour of LEAP CE according to the Georgia VMA.

Is there a temporary vet tech license in Georgia?

Yes. A one time, six month temporary license for government or nonprofit shelter medicine and nonprofit sterilization clinics, for technicians licensed in another state with comparable training.