American Veterinary Chiropractic Association Certification Credential

CONTENT

The information contained herein is the correct information needed by the candidate to apply for the ACCC Certification Examination.

Information from any other source, institution, or association is incorrect.

MISSION
The Animal Chiropractic Certification Commission (ACCC) of the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) implements and maintains a certification program that promotes quality in animal chiropractic based upon current and valid standards that provide reliable indicators of competence and safety for the protection and benefit of the public in this discipline.

ADMINISTRATION
The Animal Chiropractic Certification Commission (ACCC) of the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) is responsible for the development, administration and ongoing evaluation of the certification program. The management office is:

WHY ACCC/AVCA CERTIFICATION IS DESIRABLE

Certification is a voluntary process by which a non-government entity grants a time-limited recognition and use of a credential to an individual after verifying that he/she has met predetermined and standardized criteria. Certification is distinct from licensure in that it is voluntary and requires recertification to maintain the credential.

Earning certification from the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association ACCC represents a significant professional achievement. ACCC/AVCA Certification makes an important statement about professional competence that is recognized by the profession, the public and some regulatory bodies.

• AVCA is the primary national credential for this field in North America (est. 1989)
• Certification was developed based upon input and oversight from both professions
• ACCC has embarked upon a program of continuous improvement for the certification program
• ACCC/AVCA Certification establishes and promotes professional accountability and visibility
• ACCC/AVCA Certification increases referrals by identifying those professionals who have met specific standards of knowledge and experience
• Certification encourages continued professional growth and development
• Certification must be maintained through regular continuing education
• Certified Doctors may call themselves “certified in animal chiropractic by the Animal Chiropractic Certification Commission (ACCC) of the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA)”
• AVCA Certified Doctors are required to practice within the laws and regulations of their state/provincial licensure boards
• AVCA Certified Doctors can be listed in the ACCC’s Directory of Certified Doctors which is published on the association website and has come to be recognized as a valuable resource for consumers and other professionals to find certified practitioners

STEPS TO ACCC/AVCA CERTIFICATION IN ANIMAL CHIROPRACTIC

1. Attend a basic post-graduate animal chiropractic program that is approved by the Education Committee of the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA).
2. After successfully passing the AVCA approved program’s exit exam, apply to sit the ACCC written and clinical (practical) examinations.
3. Sit the ACCC written and clinical (practical) examinations.
4. Pass both the written and clinical (practical) examinations.
5. Applicant must hold a current/active (good standing) state/provincial license of chiropractic or of veterinary medicine.
6. Applicants receive 3 year certification by the ACCC/AVCA based on fulfillment of all requirements.

MAINTAINING CERTIFICATION

• Certification is a voluntary process by which a non-government entity grants a time-limited recognition and use of a credential to an individual after verifying that he/she has met predetermined and standardized criteria.
• AVCA Certification is issued for a 3 year period. Certified doctors are responsible for renewing their certification every 3 years.
• The AVCA/ACCC is committed to promoting life-long continual improvement for those who have earned certification in animal chiropractic.

In order to receive important communications, policy updates and information, it is imperative that the ACCC/AVCA be informed of certificant’s current information including mailing address, telephone numbers, and e-mail.

RECERTIFICATION

• Certification is distinct from licensure in that it is voluntary and requires recertification to maintain the credential.
• In order to remain certified by the AVCA, certificants must apply for recertification at the end of each three (3) year period.
• Recertification requirements mandate a minimum of 30 AVCA approved continuing education hours.
• Recertification e-notices are sent 3 – 6 months prior to certificant’s expiration date.

EXPIRED CERTIFICATION
A doctor whose certification has expired may re-certify by completing the following:

1. Audit an AVCA approved basic animal chiropractic program Integrated module lectures and labs.
2. Apply to sit the ACCC clinical (practical) examination within 1 year of auditing the Integrated module.
   • A letter of Integrated audit attendance from approved program must accompany application.
3. Sit and pass the ACCC clinical (practical) examination within 1 year of auditing the Integrated module.

EXAM DATE AND LOCATION
Thursday, September 7, Friday, September 8 and Saturday, September 9, 2023
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, 200 I Street, Miami, Oklahoma 74354

CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION APPLICATION TIMELINES

Please note that candidate numbers are limited. It is advisable to submit your application early.

Timeline	Item Due
June 22, 2023*	Examination Application Deadline – Application Closes midnight June 22, 2023* *Application registration will close earlier without notice if maximum number of candidates is reached before posted deadline. If you find that application has closed, please contact the AVCA office BEFORE the posted deadline.
July 17, 2023	Candidates receive email notification of the day and time they are scheduled to take each examination. This information is time-specific for each candidate. It is ADVISABLE to WAIT to receive this notification BEFORE making travel plans.
July 21, 2023	Withdrawal by July 21, 2023– Refund less $65.00 Processing Fee
July 21, 2023	Withdrawal after July 21, 2023 – Refund less 29% Administration Fee

FEES AND DEADLINES

Examination Fees	Fee	Deadline
Written and Clinical (Practical) Competency examination	$ 725.00	June 22, 2023*
Written and Clinical (Practical) Competency examination – Retake	$ 725.00	June 22, 2023*
Written, knowledge-based examination	$ 260.00	June 22, 2023*
Written, knowledge-based examination – Retake	$ 260.00	June 22, 2023*
Clinical (Practical) Competency examination	$ 465.00	June 22, 2023*
Clinical (Practical) Competency examination – Retake	$ 465.00	June 22, 2023*

* WITHDRAWAL
Withdrawals MUST BE on letterhead over candidate’s signature, emailed, faxed, or mailed to the AVCA office. All refunds (US Funds only) will be issued approximately 3 weeks after receipt of written notice to withdraw.

CANDIDATE NUMBERS ARE LIMITED
Candidate numbers are limited and will be assigned on the basis of date of receipt of completed application form. Once the maximum candidate number is reached the examination application will close without notice.

INSUFFICIENT CANDIDATE NUMBERS
In the event that an insufficient number of candidates apply to take the examinations, the ACCC may cancel the examination anytime up to 5 weeks prior to the examination date to ensure the validity of results.

TRAVEL

It is ADVISABLE to WAIT until receiving testing days and times notification email before scheduling travel.

We do encourage booking lodging accommodations at any time as hotels can be booked from local happenings.

AIR TRAVEL – APPROXIMATE MILEAGE FROM AIRPORTS TO EXAM LOCATION

The following information is provided by the AVCA, but candidates are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the information.

Tulsa International Airport is located 85 miles from Miami. Most of the major airlines travel into this airport and have some non-stop destinations to/from larger cities.
www.tulsaairports.com

Springfield/Branson Regional Airport is located 102 miles from Miami. Hub cities served are Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis, and St. Louis.
www.sgf-branson-airport.com

Joplin Regional Airport is located 28 miles from Miami. American Connection and American Eagle serves this airport. St. Louis is the hub city for this airport.
www.jlnairport.com

CAR RENTAL
Rentals available at all three airports. Contact directly.

AREA INFORMATION
Area information may be obtained by contacting the Miami Chamber of Commerce, Box 760, Miami, OK 74355, 918-542-4481.

Licensed Doctor of Chiropractic or Veterinary Medicine in Good Standing

1. Be a current licensed doctor of chiropractic or veterinary medicine in good standing.
2. Be a graduate of a basic animal chiropractic program approved by the Education Committee of the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA).

Student of Veterinary Medicine or of Chiropractic

1. If a candidate is a student of veterinary medicine or chiropractic within 6 months or less of graduating degree program, you may apply choosing the Student Alternative Application process.
2. Be a graduate of a basic animal chiropractic program approved by the Education Committee of the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA).

Expired Certification Candidates

1. Be a current licensed doctor of chiropractic or veterinary medicine in good standing.
2. Audit an AVCA approved basic animal chiropractic program Integrated module and apply to sit the ACCC/AVCA certification examination within 1 year of audit.

Accommodations for Candidates with Disabilities - Documentation MUST be received NO LESS than 2 weeks prior to the application deadline. NO exceptions.
Such accommodations must not disadvantage other candidates and must not alter the reliability and validity of the examinations.

1. Candidates with disabilities may apply to the ACCC for testing accommodation.
2. Candidates must complete and submit a Candidate Accommodations Form.
3. A Health Care Professional Accommodations Form must be completed by a suitably qualified health care provider and accompany the request for candidate accommodations.
4. The candidate must be assessed by a suitably qualified health care provider within three (3) years of the application date.
5. All documentation MUST be received by the ACCC/AVCA office NO LESS than 2 weeks prior to the application deadline. NO exceptions.

All Candidates
If a candidate is currently enrolled in an AVCA approved program (or an Expired Certificant is enrolled in an AVCA approved program Integrated Module) that ends after the exam application deadline, but the course is completed prior to the examination date and wants to sit this exam, they must:

1. complete the application and submit with the appropriate fees and the required documents by the application deadline less the copy of AVCA approved program certificate of completion.
2. make sure the AVCA approved program notifies (in writing) the AVCA office of student’s exit examination results no less than 48-hours prior to the AVCA examination date.
3. candidate who does not pass their program exit examination may withdraw by faxing a notice of withdrawal on letterhead over their signature to the AVCA office no later than 48-hours prior to the AVCA examination date. A full refund minus a processing fee applies.
   • candidates who withdraw for any other reason will be subject to the regular withdrawal and refund policies.
4. send a copy of program certificate of completion to the AVCA office as soon as you receive it.
   • the approved programs DO NOT send completion certificate copies to the AVCA.
   • it is the CANDIDATE’S RESPONSIBILITY TO SEND a copy of their approved program completion certificate to the AVCA.

The Certification Commission will handle other situations that arise on an individual basis.

The Candidate Examination Instruction Booklet is available online or by contacting the ACCC/AVCA office. Please READ PRIOR to the examination.

The purpose of the examination process is to assure the public and the animal chiropractic profession that those candidates who pass written and clinical (practical) examinations are competent for practice in the field of animal chiropractic. The examinations are designed to evaluate the suitability for practice in the international animal chiropractic environment. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure that they correctly expose themselves to matters and concerns specific to animal chiropractic. The examinations are conducted for certification purposes and as such are not a learning tool for candidates.

Advance notice of the exact date/s, time/s and location/s of test administration will be provided to candidates in writing.

Any candidate who arrives after the proctor has started pre-test instructions is considered a no-show, forfeits the right to sit for the examination and will forfeit all examination fees.

EXAMINATIONS

The examination consists of written and practical components with blueprints and passing scores set by content area experts. The examination is under continuous review and refinement as the ACCC strives to meet the standards set by the American Psychological Association.

Please note that the examination is an English language examination, and no language dictionaries or aids will be allowed at the examination.

Candidate numbers are limited and will be assigned on the basis of date of receipt of completed application form.

In the event that an insufficient number of candidates apply to take the examinations, the ACCC may cancel the examination anytime up to 6 weeks prior to the examination date to ensure the validity of results.

All of the subjects being tested may determine abilities in the following learning outcomes:

1. Understanding of terminology (or vocabulary).
2. Understanding of fact and principle (or generalization).
3. Understanding of illustrations.
4. Ability to recommend appropriate action.
5. Ability to make evaluative judgments.

WRITTEN, KNOWLEDGE-BASED EXAMINATION
The written examination is composed of questions that evaluate knowledge, and problem solving questions to assess the ability to apply knowledge. The problem solving questions are generally in a clinical vignette format. The examination is challenging and is designed to test clinical abilities, as well as knowledge. This examination may consist of multiple-choice (computer marked) and/or short answer questions.

1. Know the general summaries of the major chiropractic theories.
2. Be able to comprehend and associate clinical signs with the different regions of the spine and extremities.
3. Know the clinical importance of anatomy, neurology, and biomechanics, and their applications in animal chiropractic.
4. Be familiar with the anatomical, biomechanical and physiological consequences of the vertebral subluxation complex.

TEST CONTENT AND APPROXIMATE WEIGHTINGS

The written examination currently contains 50% to 60% clinically scenarios based on animal vignettes and 40% to 50% knowledge based questions.

The clinical scenarios are approximately split with half being canine vignettes and half being equine vignettes. The knowledge questions content areas include anatomy, neurology, pathology and neuromusculoskeletal diagnosis.

CLINICAL (PRACTICAL) COMPETENCY EXAMINATION

The Clinical (Practical) Competency Exam is reflective of a candidate’s knowledge of the art, science and philosophy of animal chiropractic in general as well as the ability to relate that knowledge in the following areas: animal chiropractic diversified adjusting techniques; animal chiropractic case management; animal chiropractic report of findings and general animal management and safety. The candidate is expected to be familiar with all aspects of animal chiropractic. This examination is intended to test the candidate’s performance in a clinical setting; therefore, the candidate must be able to reproduce his/her knowledge in the written as well as verbal form.

At the Clinical (Practical) examination, there will be numerous stations. The following information will assist in preparing for the exam.

There will be three canine and three equine stations consisting of:

• Canine History: At this station, based on a provided history, candidates are required to provide a report of findings, recommend treatment and a plan of management, and obtain informed consent. Candidates are also required to respond to any questions by the examiner.
• Canine Adjusting Techniques: At these stations candidates are required to demonstrate and explain the setups for the listings provided. There are a maximum of six listings. Candidates are expected to demonstrate diversified adjusting techniques. Candidates are also required to instruct the handlers on where to stand, how to hold/support the animal, and any other safety issues.
• Equine History: At this station, based on a provided history, candidates are required to provide a report of findings, recommend treatment and a plan of management, and obtain informed consent. Candidates are also required to respond to any questions by the examiner.
• Equine Adjusting Techniques and Saddle Fit: At this station candidates are required to demonstrate and explain the setups for the listings provided and demonstrate and explain a proper saddle fit. Candidates are expected to demonstrate diversified adjusting techniques. Candidates are also required to instruct the handlers on where to stand, how to hold/support the animal, and any other safety issues.
• Equine Adjusting Techniques: At this station candidates are required to demonstrate and explain the setups for the listings provided. There are a maximum of six listings. Candidates are expected to demonstrate diversified adjusting techniques. Candidates are also required to instruct the handlers on where to stand, how to hold/support the animal, and any other safety issues.

Candidates should be able to identify common clinical conditions which may present in an animal chiropractic setting, be prepared to discuss the science, art and philosophy of animal chiropractic, a subluxation and/or an adjustment with a mock owner, and demonstrate conduct that provides for personal safety, handler safety, and the safety of others and the animals. Candidates must be prepared to offer an alternative adjustment if requested by an examiner.

Examiners will evaluate all demonstrated techniques to determine their appropriateness and effectiveness.

ARENA EQUINE TESTING

Bales of hay or hard foam will be provided for the candidates to use when testing on the horse. Personal adjusting bales are not allowed. It is the candidate’s responsibility, if assistance is needed to move or position the bales, to make such a request to the handler or examiner.

Apparel:

• Barn/stable/equine arena is dirt/sand – wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
• No clothing with logo, emblem, or other identifying mark (e.g., degree) is permitted.
• ONLY closed heel and closed toe footwear is allowed during the clinical (practical) competency examination.
• FAILURE to WEAR PROPER FOOTWEAR will be considered a no-show and candidate forfeits the right to sit for the examination and will forfeit all examination fees.

NON-DISCRIMINATION
ACCC/AVCA does not discriminate among candidates on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, military discharge status, sexual orientation, or marital status. ACCC/AVCA strives to adhere to all federal, state/provincial, and local regulations pertaining to non-discriminatory practices.

GENERAL

The ACCC/AVCA is not responsible for any articles lost, stolen, or damaged at examination centers or any personal injury.

Punctuality and compliance with instructions are essential.

Photo ID is required.

No visitors are permitted in examination area/s.

The examination/s will be held only on the day and at the time scheduled.

Unless otherwise notified in advance, all necessary supplies will be furnished at the test site.

No electronic equipment of any kind is permitted in test rooms/test centers. This includes, but is not limited to, cellular phones, computers, calculators, ipods, cameras, pagers, computerized watches, or any other devices capable of storing or communicating information during the examination. If a candidate is caught with any of this equipment during either exam, their paper/s will be confiscated and they will receive a status of unsuccessful.

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR CANDIDATES WITH DISABILITIES
Candidates with disabilities may apply to the ACCC for testing accommodation. Candidates must complete and submit a Candidate Accommodations Form.

• A professional verification for accommodations form must be completed by a suitably qualified health care provider and accompany the request for candidate accommodations.
• The candidate must be assessed by a suitably qualified health care provider within three (3) years of the application date.
• All documentation MUST be received by the ACCC/AVCA office NO LESS than 2 weeks prior to the application deadline. NO Exceptions.
• Such accommodations must not disadvantage other candidates and must not alter the reliability and validity of the examinations.

Reasonable accommodation means an adjustment or modification of the standard testing conditions that ameliorates the impact of the applicant’s disability without doing any of the following:

• altering the nature of the examination or the ACCC’s ability to determine through examination whether the applicant possesses the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities required to practice animal chiropractic;
• imposing an undue burden on the ACCC and/or other candidates;
• compromising the security of the examinations;
• compromising the validity of the examinations.

The candidate’s application will be assessed by the Certification Commission with a view to the candidate’s safety and the Commission’s liability in allowing the candidate to test.

The Commission may request additional documentation or testing to substantiate the disability.

The Commission will then notify the candidate of its decision as to whether to allow the candidate to test, or to make a recommendation that the candidate sit a future examination.

The decision of the Commission will be final in this regard.

OTHER TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS

The ACCC will make reasonable efforts to accommodate eligible candidates, who provide documented evidence of their need for special arrangements, with auxiliary aids and services that do not present an undue burden to ACCC and do not fundamentally alter the measurement of the knowledge and skills the assessment is intended to test. Examples of potential special accommodations may be requested for injury, religion, or perceived bias. If special testing arrangements are required, the candidate must inform the ACCC of such requirement in writing with documentation evidence to support the accommodation request. Request and all documentation must be received by the ACCC/AVCA office no less than 2 weeks prior to the application deadline.

If special testing arrangements are required, the candidate must inform the ACCC of such requirement in writing with documentation evidence to support the accommodation request.

Request and all documentation must be received by the ACCC/AVCA office no less than 2 weeks prior to the application deadline. NO Exceptions.

PASSING SCORE
A passing score of 75 must be achieved on both the written and practical examinations.

MAILING OF RESULTS

• Examination results are scheduled to be mailed approximately six weeks following the exam.
• No telephone or verbal confirmation of examination results is provided.
• Examination results are only confirmed in writing.
• If results are not received within ten weeks of the exam, it is the candidate’s responsibility to contact the AVCA office.

CONFIDENTIALITY

The ACCC respects the privacy of all applicants, candidates and certified doctors. Any information or material, other than certification status, that is received or generated by the ACCC in connection with the certification of a candidate will be kept confidential and will not be released except when release is authorized by the candidate or required by law.

Applicants and candidates are strictly forbidden from contacting any members of the Certification Commission during the evaluation process. Failure to comply with this regulation may result in voiding of the results.

RE-SCORES
Unsuccessful candidates may request a hand scoring of their answer sheet. An additional fee applies. Requests for re-scoring of answer sheets must be received no later than 30 days following the release of examination results. Requests received later than 30 days will not be processed.

APPEALS

An appeal is a separate action from a re-score. Appeals can ONLY be made on the circumstances of the examination and not the results. Candidates may only appeal examination results in those situations that arise from extraordinary circumstances. Extraordinary circumstances shall be defined as situations outside of the control of the candidate relating to the candidate’s ability to sit for the examination or examinations and shall be determined to be extraordinary in the sole discretion of the Examination Chair.

An Extraordinary Circumstance Form must be completed and turned in to exam proctors before leaving the last examination station. An Extraordinary Circumstance Form will not be given to candidates if they have communicated with any other candidate or a person external to the examination process.

All appeals relating to extraordinary circumstances shall be invigilated by the Certification Commission Chair.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

• Applicants are cautioned to read and follow instructions when completing the application.
• Incomplete applications are not considered and will NOT be accepted.
  • Candidate will receive a “continue” email for an incomplete application.
  • The continue link will NOT be valid after the examination deadline.
• Candidate will receive an email confirming receipt of a completed application.
• Submission of a complete application by the application deadline date does not automatically guarantee eligibility to take an examination. Candidates must meet all eligibility criteria to sit for an examination.
• Applicants are solely responsible for ensuring that the ACCC receives all required documentation and fees by the applicable deadlines.

TESTING DAY/TIME/LOCATION (PRACTICAL)

• A confirmation email containing the applicant’s test date/s, time/s and location/s will be emailed approximately 15 - 20 business days after the examination application deadline.
• A reply from you to confirm receipt of the email is required.
• It is advisable to wait to make travel arrangements until after receiving the confirmation email with candidate’s specific test day/s and time/s though candidates are encouraged to make motel (or lodging) reservations early.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION

• A copy of state/provincial, or country’s current professional license or the equivalent thereof to upload or,
• If a chiropractic or veterinary student, a copy of official student ID, and a copy of statement on letterhead from your college verifying that the school anticipates student will pass examinations and graduate on a specified date from their professional school to upload.
• A copy of certificate of completion from the AVCA approved animal chiropractic program attended to upload,
• or if your animal chiropractic program is still in session at the time of application deadline but ends prior to the examination, a copy of the completion certificate may be sent when you receive it,
• or if a doctor is recertifying, a letter of attendance or a completion certificate for the Integrated module completed within 12 months prior to the examination to upload.
  • If a doctor recertifying is enrolled in an Integrated module at or after the time of application, but completes module prior to the examination, completion certificate must be sent to AVCA office prior to the examination.
• A Passport/Driver’s License portrait style (headshot) photo to upload.
  • This is for ID purposes. No candid photos. Headshot only; no headgear unless religious.
  • Image files should be in .jpg or .png format with a MAXIMUM file size of 2MB.
  • Please submit a passport/portrait type photo at least 300 pixels wide and 300 dpi.
  • Photo should be good quality and is used for ID badge and doctor’s database file.
  • UPLOAD NOTE: Oversized uploads will not load and the application will not allow you to go further. Please resize your document or photo and try again. Once upload has been accepted, you will be able to move forward with the application. If you continue to have issues, please contact the AVCA office.

If you are requesting Testing Accommodations, the additional forms and documentation MUST BE RECEIVED in the AVCA office 2 WEEKS PRIOR to the examination deadline. NO Exceptions.

Candidate's examination application will not be considered complete until all accommodation information is received in the AVCA office.

Please direct all questions to the AVCA at avcainfo@junct.com