PAVE Evaluated Clinical Experience (ECE): Complete Guide

The Evaluated Clinical Experience (ECE) is the clinical step of PAVE. You enroll at an AVMA-accredited veterinary school, complete the same clinical rotations as its final-year students, and are graded to the same standard. You find and pay for the place yourself, the school sends two AAVSB forms (one before you start, one when you finish), and passing the QSE does not guarantee you a seat. This guide explains every rule the AAVSB publishes about the ECE, as of October 2026.

The ECE is step three of four in the PAVE program, after the application and the Qualifying Science Examination (QSE). If you are still preparing for the exam, our QSE practice questions mapped to the 2027 outline cover the science you need first.

Last verified against AAVSB on 6 October 2026, using the PAVE Standards and Policies (revised December 2025) and the PAVE Candidate Information Handbook. navleexam.com is not affiliated with AAVSB, AVMA, ICVA or PSI. This is general information, not legal or immigration advice, and the rules change; check with the AAVSB and your host school before you commit money.