English Language Proficiency (ELP)

The registration bylaws require an applicant to possess satisfactory proficiency in the English language (reading, writing, listening, speaking). 

• A veterinarian who completed their veterinary education at a veterinary school where instruction was provided entirely in English has satisfied this requirement. 

• If a veterinarian completed their veterinary education at a veterinary school where English was not the language of instruction, they will be required to demonstrate their proficiency in English. 

English Language Test: 

The bylaws identify the expected requirements for demonstrating English language proficiency – the applicant must provide one of the following test results: 

• Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL-iBT)  

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Academic version 

• Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Assessment 

Test results must be valid (= no more than 2 years old), verifiable (= directly verifiable with the test provider), and with scores that meet or exceed the CVBC’s minimum requirements: 

Minimum Score Requirements for each Test: 

*The College’s bylaws establish TOEFL score requirements based upon TOEFL’s old scoring system.  In early 2026, TOEFL changed its scoring system to a 6-point scale for each category of testing and provided users with a rubric for determining equivalency between the old scoring system and the new scoring system.  Based upon that rubric, the College’s minimum score requirements for each section have been converted to equivalent scores on the new system. The College will continue to accept the old scores for any test results that are still valid and verifiable, and will also accept test results using TOEFL’s new scoring system.

Request for an Alternative Assessment of English language proficiency 

Only the Registration Committee has the authority to consider alternative submissions for any registration requirement. If an applicant doesn’t have an English language test result that meets the above requirements, they may make a formal request to the Registration Committee for them to consider alternative evidence in support of the applicant’s proficiency in the English language. 

Any such application will be referred to the Registration Committee for their consideration once the application is otherwise complete.   

For more information, please see the Registration Committee’s policy, “Alternative Assessment of English Language Proficiency”.