Colorado Licenses

Veterinary License Renewal & CE Requirements

Colorado

Next Renewal Deadline: October 31, Every Even-Numbered Year

Colorado veterinary licenses renew biennially on October 31 of every even-numbered year. Renewal processes typically open approximately six weeks prior to this expiration date. A 60-day grace period is generally provided for license renewal, though a late fee is assessed for renewals submitted after the October 31 deadline.

Proactive Advice

To ensure continuous licensure, veterinarians should complete all required continuing education and submit their renewal applications well before the October 31 deadline. The Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations primarily communicates via email regarding application status and processes, making it essential to maintain a current and accurate email address on file.

Official Board Information

Board Name: Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine
Website: https://dpo.colorado.gov/Veterinary
Phone: 303-894-7800
Email: dora_veterinarymedicineboard@state.co.us

At a glance

CE Requirements

Veterinarians:

32 hours of continuing education are required every two years.
Specific mandatory CE includes: 2 hours on the Colorado Veterinary Practice Act jurisprudence, 1 hour on Substance Use Prevention Training, and 2 hours on delegation. These 5 hours are included within the total 32 hours.
Up to 16 hours may be in non-biomedical topics, such as client communication, management, and leadership.
Courses approved by the Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) are automatically accepted.
New licensees are exempt from CE for their first renewal if licensed for 12 months or less. If licensed for longer than 12 months but less than two years, only 16 hours are required.

Veterinary Technicians:

As of January 1, 2024, veterinary technicians are required to maintain active credentialing with a Board-approved credentialing organization, specifically the Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians (CACVT).
Proof of a current credential with CACVT will be required at the time of renewal. The specific CE hours for technicians are determined by CACVT guidelines.

For Busy Veterinarians

Ensure completion of 32 CE hours every two years, prioritizing the mandatory 2 hours in jurisprudence, 1 hour in substance use prevention, and 2 hours in delegation.
Take advantage of the flexibility to earn up to 16 hours in non-biomedical topics that support practice management and professional development.
Submit your renewal application and CE documentation before October 31 of even-numbered years to avoid late fees.
If licensed for less than two years at your first renewal, be aware of the prorated CE requirements.
For veterinary technicians, maintain active credentialing with CACVT, as this is now a direct requirement for state registration renewal.
Bookmark the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine's website for direct access to online services and official resources. https://dpo.colorado.gov/Veterinary

get an email reminder a month before your license renewal is due

deep dive

What Counts and What Doesn’t

Application Process & Requirements (Veterinarians)

License Types: The Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine regulates and licenses veterinarians and veterinary technicians. The board is also working to implement Proposition 129, which establishes Veterinary Professional Associates, effective January 1, 2026.
Educational Requirements: Applicants must graduate from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)-accredited program. Foreign veterinary graduates must complete a certificate program offered by the ECFVG or PAVE. Official transcripts showing the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and conferral date must be uploaded.

Examinations:
- North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE): Applicants must pass the NAVLE, and results must be submitted directly to the Colorado Board. Examination applicants must have passed the NAVLE within the last year.
- Licensure by Endorsement: Veterinarians licensed in good standing in another state and who have been practicing for at least 3 of the last 5 years can apply via the Endorsement process, which has a lower licensing fee. This requires submitting official letters of good standing for any licenses currently or previously held, including details of any disciplinary action. The AAVSB Vault Service can be used to transfer NAVLE test results and letters of good standing. The streamlined endorsement process for experienced practitioners facilitates the movement of qualified veterinarians into Colorado, potentially addressing workforce needs and reducing barriers for established professionals.

Required Documents:
- Online application: The Division of Professions and Occupations primarily communicates via email, so a current email address is essential.
- Official transcripts.
- Official letters of good standing from all states where licensed.
- Current photograph.
- Social Security Number: Mandatory for purposes of establishing, modifying, or enforcing child support under Colorado Revised Statutes. Failure to provide it will result in denial of licensure.
- Application Process Notes: If all required information is not submitted within a one-year period, the original application materials will be destroyed, and the applicant will be required to submit a new application, fee, and all required documentation. Colorado does not issue temporary licenses. Applicants may not practice veterinary medicine until they are officially licensed and notified by the Board.

Accepted CE Formats & Topics (Veterinarians)

Required Hours: 32 hours every two years for active licensees.
- Prorated CE: If licensed for 12 months or less before the first renewal, no CE is required. If licensed for longer than 12 months but less than two years, 16 hours of CE are required.

Specific Mandatory CE:
- Two (2) hours of jurisprudence on the Colorado Veterinary Practice Act (no exemptions).
- At least one (1) hour of Substance Use Prevention Training (exemptions apply for national board certification or attestation of no opioid prescribing).
- Two (2) hours on delegation for license renewal.

CE Topics:
- Biomedical/Scientific: Clinically applicable to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease, or related to veterinary science.
- Nonbiomedical/Practice Management: Up to 16 hours may be in topics such as client communication, management, leadership, and other topics supporting veterinary practice and workforce development.

Accepted Methods of Delivery: Seminars, lectures, in-person/face-to-face programs, online learning (webinars, teleconferences, digital formats, live or not), wet or dry laboratories, and demonstrations.

Qualifications of Presenter: Must be an AVMA certified specialist or a recognized expert in the subject matter.

Length of Course: 45-60 minutes of active learning qualifies for one hour of continuing education.

Substance Use Prevention Training: This mandatory 1-hour training covers best practices for veterinary opioid prescribing, potential harm of inappropriately limiting prescriptions, best practices for prescribing benzodiazepines, recognition of human substance use disorders, referral for treatment, and use of the electronic prescription drug monitoring program. This training is a separate statutory requirement but can be applied to general CE requirements if it meets those criteria.