ACVS Membership Terminology and Use
Effective January 1, 2027, membership in ACVS is available to Diplomates, veterinary surgery residents (residents), and veterinarians who have completed residency training (candidates).
Membership for residents and candidates became possible with the approval by Diplomates of the 2026 bylaws update. The Board of Regents approved establishing a membership category for residents and candidates.
ACVS encourages Diplomates, residents, and candidates who choose to be members to engage fully in the College community through the benefits that membership provides. An explanation of the benefits is available on the ACVS website.
How may ACVS members refer to themselves?
ACVS Diplomate certification is distinct from ACVS Diplomate membership. ACVS Diplomates should continue to prioritize and promote their certification. Proper use of the Diplomate credential is outlined in full in Certification Status Terminology and Use.
ACVS Diplomates who are current with ACVS membership dues are members of the College and have access to member benefits for the year of membership paid. These members are authorized to use the following designations based on certification date. The full Diplomate designation should be used as noted below.
For Diplomates certified prior to 2004.
- Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Member, ACVS
Diplomates certified in 2004 or later must indicate Large Animal or Small Animal specialty.
- Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Large Animal)*
Member, ACVS - Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Small Animal)*
Member, ACVS
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)
Member, ACVS
Resident and candidate membership status is distinct from resident and candidate certification process status. Proper terminology to use to describe their standing in the credentialing process is outlined in full in the Certification Status Terminology and Use.
Residents and candidates who are current with annual ACVS membership dues are resident or candidate members of the College and have access to member benefits. Resident and candidate members of ACVS are authorized to indicate ACVS membership only on a resume or curriculum vitae using “Resident member, ACVS” or “Candidate member, ACVS,” respectively.
ACVS membership cannot be used as a credential or professional designation as it may be misleading to the public.
Use of the acronyms RMACVS, CMACVS, and MACVS to denote membership are not allowed.
Use of the acronyms RMACVS, CMACVS, and MACVS to denote membership are not allowed.
Questions? Contact acvs@acvs.org or (301) 916-0200.
