California Veterinarian & Veterinary Technician CE Requirements
Find the latest California continuing education (CE) requirements for veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Review license renewal dates, CE hour requirements, online CE allowances, required subjects, and California Veterinary Medical Board contact information.
Fun Fact: California’s state marine mammal is the gray whale, known for its 10,000+ mile migration, one of the longest of any mammal.
Fun Fact: California is the only U.S. state to feature an extinct animal on its flag: the California grizzly bear.
Veterinarians
Next Renewal Date: Biennial, based on the veterinarian's individual license expiration date.
Renewal Frequency: Every 2 years, based on license expiration date
Total Required CE credits: 36 hours
Required Subjects: Veterinarians who use medically important antimicrobial drugs must complete a Board-approved antimicrobial stewardship course. No other subject-specific CE is required for all licensees.
Allowed Online: All required CE hours may be completed online through approved providers, including RACE-approved ZukuCE courses.
Record Retention: Four years
Audit Information: The California Veterinary Medical Board conducts random CE audits. Licensees selected for audit must provide documentation demonstrating completion of the required continuing education.
Additional Information: Newly licensed veterinarians are exempt from continuing education requirements for their first renewal. Continuing education must be completed during the two-year renewal period immediately preceding the license expiration date.
Veterinary Technicians
Next Renewal Date: Biennial, based on the registered veterinary technician's individual license expiration date.
Renewal Frequency: Every 2 years, based on license expiration date
Total Required CE credits: 20 hours
Required Subjects: None specified
Allowed Online: All required CE hours may be completed online through approved providers, including RACE-approved ZukuCE courses. At least 16 of the required hours must be interactive online education if completed online.
Interactive Required: At least 16 hours must be interactive if completing CE online.
Record Retention: Four years
Audit Information: Registered veterinary technicians may be selected for a random CE audit and must provide documentation verifying completion of all required continuing education.
Additional Information: Newly licensed registered veterinary technicians are exempt from CE requirements for their first renewal. A maximum of 24 hours may be earned through practice management courses during a renewal period.
California Veterinary Medical Board
Website: www.vmb.ca.gov
Address: 1747 N. Market Blvd., Ste. 230 Sacramento, CA 95834-2978
Phone Number: (916) 515-5220