2026 Phase I Surgical Knowledge Examination
March 30, 2026: Pearson VUE Test Centers (Americas and Europe)
March 31, 2026: Pearson VUE Test Centers (Asia and Oceania)
Registration opens: Wednesday, September 4, 2025
Registration deadline: Thursday, October 31, 2025
Examination fee: $745
Eligibility and Limits
Phase I examination eligibility is determined by the residency training program. The resident advisor must attest in CERT that the resident is in good standing with their program before the resident can register for the examination. To complete the eligibility form, the resident advisor must log in to CERT, click Submit under Phase I Exam Eligibility in the Resident Advisor Portal, and complete the form.
Refer to the Residency Training Standards and Requirements and the Phase I examination information pamphlet for complete eligibility policies.
The examination must be passed within six years of the start of the residency.
Examination Materials
2026 Phase I Surgical Knowledge Examination Information Pamphlet – Available in September 2025. The pamphlet contains all examination rules and security policies, details on the format of the examination, the schedule, and a suggested reading list.
2026 Phase I Reading List — Available by June 1, 2025.
- Large animal – Equine Anesthesia is replaced by Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia, The 6th Edition of Lumb and Jones.
- Small animal – Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia is updated to 6th edition.
Examination Support
Questions?
Common questions are answered in the Examination FAQ. Address other questions about the Phase I examination to Lorie Jewell at ljewell@acvs.org or (301) 916-0200 x123.
Future Phase I Examinations
2027: Dates to be determined
