Description of the Examination

Candidates for certification may be examined either in Anatomic Pathology or in Clinical Pathology. The examinations are conducted in English.

Each examination consists of four parts. Each part is assembled to achieve balance as to species, cell or organ system, disease process and type of question. The candidate is reminded that only the total score on each part is used to determine competency.

One of these parts, General Pathology, is common to both examinations; it consists of 100 multiple choice questions, each designed to include significant choices for discrimination.

Diplomates certified as Veterinary Anatomic Pathologists or Veterinary Clinical Pathologists may seek certification in the other discipline. Such Diplomates may serve as their own sponsor and may seek further certification at their own discretion. Otherwise, the application and examination procedures for such candidates are the same as those for other candidates, with the exception that they are not required to repeat the General Pathology section.

Withdrawal/Illness
Withdrawal prior to the examination, or failure to appear for the examination will not constitute an attempt to sit all or any part(s) of the examination, but will count as one of the years for which repeat candidates are eligible to pass any previously failed part(s). A candidate's illness during preparation for, or during the actual examination, will not be considered a valid reason to waive the rules of the College. In the event a candidate starts, but is unable to complete the examination, results will be determined for all sections for which the candidate is scheduled, regardless of the number of sections completed.