QSE 2027: Format, Content Outline, Dates and How to Register

The Qualifying Science Examination (QSE) is the science exam in PAVE, the AAVSB's Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence for graduates of non-accredited veterinary schools. From the January 2027 administration, the QSE follows a new content outline: 155 scored questions in three domains, replacing the six-domain outline used through September 2026. This guide explains the new outline, what changed, when and how you can sit the exam, and how registration works, using the AAVSB's own published information.

What the QSE Is

The AAVSB describes the QSE as an assessment of the foundational science and pre-clinical knowledge typically covered in the first three years of an accredited veterinary curriculum. In PAVE it comes after your application and before the Evaluated Clinical Experience (ECE). Passing it also makes you eligible to apply for the NAVLE. If you are still deciding between PAVE and the AVMA's ECFVG program, start with our PAVE vs ECFVG comparison.

The 2027 Content Outline

The AAVSB states that the new content outline takes effect after the September 2026 exam date. It lists 155 operational (scored) questions across three domains.