2025 Job Task Analysis
Registered Veterinary Specialty Organizations such as the ACVAA must develop their examinations to reflect the professional competence expected of the diplomate based on a job task analysis. A job task analysis study is designed to obtain descriptive information about the tasks performed on a job, the knowledge needed to adequately perform those tasks, and must be performed at least once every 10 years. The results are used to develop the test specifications (or blueprint) for the certification exam. In 2025, working with the testing and assessment company, Prometric, the ACVAA completed a job task analysis.
A total of 147 ACVAA Diplomates submitted completed surveys. Based on the analysis of
survey responses, a representative group of professionals completed the survey in sufficient
numbers to meet the requirements for statistical analysis of the results. This is evidenced by
review of the responses for each of the background and general information questions with
confirmation by the Test Specifications Committee.
WHO COMPLETED THE SURVEY
A total of 147 responses were used
for analysis. The majority of
respondents reported being active
diplomates working in academia or
private practice.
TASK IMPORTANCE RATINGS
60 out of 68 tasks included in the
survey achieved high importance
ratings for the overall group.
KNOWLEDGE IMPORTANCE RATINGS
130 out of the 138 knowledge
statements included in the survey
achieved ‘high’ importance ratings for
the overall group, with an additional 2 included as ‘borderline’.
TEST CONTENT WEIGHTS
Percentage weights for the exam were assigned
to each knowledge domain based on a combination of
survey responses and recommendations from the
Test Specifications Committee.
2025 JTA Domains and Recommended Test Weights
| Knowledge Domains | Recommended Test Weights |
|---|---|
| I. Anatomy | 7% |
| II. Euthanasia | 2% |
| III. Pharmacology | 17% |
| IV. Physics | 5% |
| V. Physiology/Pathophysiology | 18% |
| VI. Research & Ethics | 2% |
| VII. Public Safety & Regulations | 2% |
| VIII. Case Management | 22% |
| IX. CPR | 3% |
| X. Equipment | 10% |
| XI. Monitoring | 12% |
| Total | 100% |