Annual Certification Fee
Following approval of the ACVS Bylaws, effective beginning in 2027, the ACVS Diplomate dues will be split into two separate charges: an annual certification fee and Diplomate member dues. ACVS Diplomates are required to pay the annual certification fee to remain in good standing. Diplomate membership is optional. The annual certification fee and dues amounts are approved annually. Consistent with previous years, the 2027 combined charges represent a 3.5 percent increase from the 2026 Diplomate dues amount.
2027 annual certification fee: $490
2027 Diplomate member dues: $125
Fees are based on a calendar year and vary by category. Membership dues are also based on a calendar year.
Annual Certification Fee Categories
- ACVS Diplomate: veterinarians certified by ACVS and actively practicing surgery are required to pay the full annual certification fee unless they request to change categories or are newly certified.
- PhD Diplomate: veterinarians certified by ACVS and currently engaged in a graduate program leading to the PhD degree, or equivalent, pay a reduced rate ($245 for 2027). To be eligible for the reduced fee, the Diplomate’s mentor must provide a statement verifying this status, which must be submitted with the fee payment.
- Emeritus Diplomate: veterinarians certified by ACVS may request a change in status to Emeritus Diplomate when they have reached sixty (60) years of age and have ceased active practice of surgery. Refer to the Policy to Determine Emeritus Diplomate Eligibility. The annual certification fee is waived for Emeritus Diplomates.
Diplomates requesting a change to Emeritus Diplomate status for the ensuing year must submit to ACVS a request for a status change no later than December 31. A form to request this change will be available during the 2027 renewal cycle. - First-Year Diplomate: individuals newly certified will pay a prorated fee for their first year ($368 for 2027).
FAQs
The fee supports the viability of ACVS as a certifying organization, including maintaining the standards of the certification programs. Payment of the fee includes these features:
- Use of the Diplomate ACVS, Diplomate ACVS (Large Animal) and Diplomate ACVS (Small Animal) credentials, as appropriate.
- Title protection. Only certified individuals may use the ACVS Diplomate credentials.
- Status verification. Requests can be submitted to certification@acvs.org.
- Basic listing in the Find a Surgeon directory
- Use of the ACVS veterinary surgeon logo to promote the ACVS Diplomate credential.
- Supporting veterinary surgery residents and the certification programs, including reduced rates for residents.
Invoices for current Diplomates will be sent in late September or early October. The payment deadline is December 31. Effective January 1, a late fee will be assessed for any outstanding invoices.
Invoices for first-year Diplomates will be sent in early May. Effective June 10, a late fee will be assessed for any outstanding invoices.
Failure to pay the annual certification fee by the stated deadlines will result in a loss of Diplomate status and other changes as defined in the Policy for Nonpayment of the Annual Certification Fee. Individuals who do not pay the certification fee are no longer eligible for membership.
