Certification

The American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) is the AVMA-recognized veterinary specialty organization® for certification of veterinarians in large animal surgery and small animal surgery. AVMA is the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Certification Status Terminology and Use

When the ACVS governance change takes effect on January 1, 2027, the terminology Diplomates, veterinary surgery residents (residents), and veterinarians who have completed residency training (candidates) may use to describe their certification status with the College will change.

The policies outlined below are based on the policies of the American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS) and explain in detail who is authorized to use ACVS designations.

Authorized uses of terminology for Diplomates

Veterinarians who meet the requirements for board certification and are current with certification fees are authorized to use the following designations.

Diplomates certified prior to 2004

Limited to Diplomates certified prior to 2004.

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons

Diplomates certified in 2004 or later

Diplomates certified in 2004 or later must indicate Large Animal or Small Animal specialty.

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Large Animal)**

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Small Animal)**

Dual certified Diplomates

Diplomates who have completed the dual certification process may use the new specialty designation. Dual certified Diplomates maintaining both certifications should use both designations.

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Large Animal), Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Small Animal)***

Terminology at a Glance

Veterinarians who are not subject to maintenance of certification (MOC) (certified 2015 and earlier), and who
paid the annual certification fee	are authorized to use the following designations based on certification date: Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Large Animal) Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Small Animal) Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Large Animal), Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Small Animal)
did not pay the annual certification fee	Cannot refer to themselves as Diplomates. Can refer to themselves as board-certified by ACVS.
Veterinarians who are subject to maintenance of certification (certified 2016 and later), and who
paid the annual certification fee and are current on MOC requirements	are authorized to use the following designations based on certification date: Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Large Animal) Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Small Animal)
did not pay the annual certification fee	Cannot refer to themselves as Diplomates or board-certified
Veterinarians who are subject to maintenance of certification and have not met the MOC requirements
are no longer certified	Cannot refer to themselves as Diplomates or board-certified

Diplomate-related definitions

Diplomate of ACVS: The Bylaws states that veterinarians who meet the requirements for certification by the College are known as “Diplomates.” This title implies that the veterinarian has successfully completed a residency, has had their credentials application accepted, has successfully completed the examinations, is in good standing, is current with maintenance of certification requirements if subject to them, and is current with the annual certification fee.
- Additional acceptable terminology in North America is “ACVS board-certified veterinary surgeon” and internationally “ACVS-certified veterinary surgeon.”
- Diplomates certified in 2004 or later who use this terminology to refer to themselves must include the Small Animal or Large Animal specialty designation. The proper format for specialty designations uses parentheses as demonstrated below in “letterhead, business cards, websites” and “veterinary journals/scientific publications.”
Board Certified by ACVS: Veterinarians who have successfully completed the ACVS certification process, are not subject to MOC, and are not current with certification fees may refer to themselves as board certified by ACVS.
- Veterinarians who are subject to but do not meet the MOC requirements cannot refer to themselves as board certified.

Authorized terminology for residents and candidates

Residents and candidates cannot use language that suggests an ACVS credential as it is confusing to the public. The terms “board eligible,” “board qualified,” “credentials accepted by ACVS,” “specialist,” or “Diplomate” are not acceptable. An individual who identifies their professional credentials using these unacceptable terms may be eliminated from the credentials application or examination process.

Active residents may use only the terms “resident in veterinary surgery” or “veterinary surgery resident.”

Candidates may indicate only that their practice is “limited to the practice of surgery.”

Communicating certification status with the public

Avoid using acronyms in communications directed to the general public; they are unlikely to be understood. The full name of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons should be spelled out whenever feasible.

Appropriate use of language in a job listing

An employment advertisement should outline specifically the type of individual desired, e.g.,

Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons or,
candidate (veterinarian who has completed surgery residency training).

The term “specialist” may be used only to refer to veterinarians who are certified by an  AVMA-recognized veterinary specialty organization. The terms “board eligible,” “board qualified,” “credentials accepted by ACVS,” and “candidate” are unacceptable.

Letterhead, business cards, and websites

If an individual meets the standards to use the Diplomate credential as noted above, it is appropriate to indicate Diplomate status on letterhead, business cards, and websites. The ACVS Veterinary Surgeon logo, subject to compliance with the Authorized Uses of the ACVS Veterinary Surgeon Logo, may be used as well. See the downloadable logo files and guidelines for use.

The full designation, including specialty when applicable, should be used. Diplomate status should appear directly below the name. For example:

For Diplomates certified in 2004 or later:

Jane Doe, DVM, MS
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Large Animal)
Joyce Doe, DVM, MS
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Small Animal)

For Diplomates certified prior to 2004:

John Doe, DVM, MS
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons

Veterinary journals/scientific publications

When an ACVS Diplomate publishes an article in a veterinary journal, it is appropriate to use an acronym to identify ACVS Diplomate status. For example:

For Diplomates certified in 2004 or later, the specialty designation should always be spelled out:

Jane Doe, DVM, MS, DACVS (Large Animal)
Joyce Doe, DVM, MS, DACVS (Small Animal)