The VBMA strives to establish a benchmark of competency to assist animal owners, farmers, and veterinarians in choosing a veterinary herbalist. Our VBMA Herbalist Certification process ensures that professionals meet the highest standards of expertise.
CERTIFICATE TYPES
- Veterinarians who earn certification from the VBMA proudly carry the title of "Certified Veterinary Herbalist" (CVH).
- For non-veterinary herbalists, the title of "Certified Veterinary Herbalism Educator" (CVHE) is granted upon meeting our rigorous standards. To sit for the exam, non-veterinary herbalists must be VBMA members for at least 1 year, showcasing their commitment to the field.
REQUIREMENTS
To obtain certification from the VBMA, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
These requirements ensure that certified veterinary herbalists possess a thorough understanding of the subject matter and can provide the highest level of care. The VBMA is committed to maintaining a standard of excellence within the field of veterinary herbalism, and we encourage candidates to meet these criteria as they pursue certification.
- Successfully pass the comprehensive exam, which consists of 100-200 multiple choice questions, with a minimum grade of 75%. Maximum time allowed for the exam is 3 hours.
- Submit three publication-quality case reports. Two case reports must be submitted prior to sitting for the exam and the third must be submitted within one year after the exam. We strongly encourage candidates to consider publishing these reports for peer review in the VBMA Journal.
- Contribute a minimum of 10 test questions that can be utilized in future exams, helping to enrich the knowledge base of our community within 3 years.
These requirements ensure that certified veterinary herbalists possess a thorough understanding of the subject matter and can provide the highest level of care. The VBMA is committed to maintaining a standard of excellence within the field of veterinary herbalism, and we encourage candidates to meet these criteria as they pursue certification.
EXAM LOCATION
Our 2024 Exam will be held on December 12th at Herbalist & Alchemist, 401 East Washington Ave, Washington, NJ 07882. Start time is 1:00 PM.
The 2025 Exam will be held at the September 6th - 9th AHVMA Conference in West Palm Beach FL, and other locations to be announced.
The 2025 Exam will be held at the September 6th - 9th AHVMA Conference in West Palm Beach FL, and other locations to be announced.
EXAM GUIDE
Veterinary herbalists are certified as possessing a high level of competence, and should be familiar with the science, traditional use, and energetics of herbs. The herbalist should stay abreast of the accumulating research on herbs, particularly studies in companion and food animals. Modern herbalism is indeed becoming a synthesis of many traditions, and since competent herbalists keep up with the emerging literature, it is expected that there will be some crossover between Western and Chinese herbs in their knowledge. An additional hint to help pass this test is to study where the same or similar plants are used in multiple traditions or systems.
Veterinary herbalists who are certified by VBMA are automatically eligible for consideration as a candidate for diplomate status.
If you're interested in sitting for the exam, we strongly encourage you to download our Herbalist Certification Exam Guide.
Veterinary herbalists who are certified by VBMA are automatically eligible for consideration as a candidate for diplomate status.
If you're interested in sitting for the exam, we strongly encourage you to download our Herbalist Certification Exam Guide.
EXAM APPLICATION
Our Exam Application is located HERE. The fee to sit for the exam is $300.00. This fee is NOT refundable.
CASE REPORT EXAMPLES
Examples of case reports submitted by those who have attained CVH status and whose certification status is pending are provided for you below.
CERTIFIED VETERINARIANS (CVH) & VETERINARY HERBALISTS (CVHE):
Susan Wynn (CVH)
Barbara Fougere (CVH)
Cindy Lankenau (CVH)
Barbara Fougere (CVH)
Cindy Lankenau (CVH)
VETERINARIANS & VETERINARY HERBALISTS PENDING CERTIFICATION
Those listed below have passed the exam and are pursuing the completion of additional qualifications.
Hue Karreman, DVM
Rona Sherebrin, DVM
Joyce Harman, DVM
Laurie Dohmen, DVM
Kris August, DVM
Emily Yunker, DVM
Elizabeth Shuler, DVM
Laura Pearson, DVM
Rona Sherebrin, DVM
Joyce Harman, DVM
Laurie Dohmen, DVM
Kris August, DVM
Emily Yunker, DVM
Elizabeth Shuler, DVM
Laura Pearson, DVM