Credentialing FAQs

CACVT Credentialing Frequently Asked Questions

CACVT credentialing is the first step to becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) in Colorado. Below are answers to common questions about eligibility pathways, application requirements, and what to do next to register with DORA.

FAQ on this Page by Category:

Getting Credentialed FAQ | Titles & Compliance FAQ | After Approval & DORA Registration FAQ | Special Requests & Updates FAQ

Have other questions? See our other FAQ pages below:

Obtain a Credential

CE FAQ

Renewal/Reinstatement FAQ

– Getting Credentialed –

How do I become a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) in Colorado?

As of January 1, 2024, becoming an RVT in Colorado is a two-step process:

1. - Step One – You must obtain and maintain an active veterinary technician credential through CACVT.
  - Step Two – You must register with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) to hold active RVT registration.

DORA registration is required to use Colorado’s legally protected veterinary technician titles, including Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), Veterinary Technician (VT), the related specialist designations, and to be represented to the public using those titles. Title protection also helps ensure that delegation and supervision expectations under Colorado rules are applied consistently based on credential status.

Using or being represented with protected veterinary technician titles without the required registration is a misdemeanor under Colorado law.

Important Resources:
Colorado Veterinary Practice Act
Colorado Veterinary Technician Scope of Practice

What is a CACVT Credential?

A CACVT credential confirms that an individual has met Colorado’s veterinary technician credentialing requirements and is eligible to register with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). CACVT serves as Colorado’s veterinary technician credentialing organization and completes the primary verification step for registration eligibility.

As part of credentialing, CACVT verifies requirements based on the applicant’s pathway. This may include confirmation of veterinary technology education, VTNE results, eligibility for limited experience-based credentialing (when applicable), and verification of an active credential from another jurisdiction for endorsement/transfer pathways.

CACVT also verifies ongoing maintenance of the credential through biennial renewal, including completion and review of continuing education (CE) submitted for renewal to ensure it meets applicable standards.

How do I apply for a CACVT credential?

To become credentialed through CACVT, you will submit an application based on your qualifications. This includes confirming your personal information, providing the required documentation for your pathway, and paying the applicable credentialing fee(s).

Routes for obtaining a CACVT credential include:

Credential by Exam
Late Credential by Exam
Credential Reinstatement
Credential Transfer
Credential by Experience (Limited Eligibility)

What is the difference between a CACVT credential and a CACVT membership?

CACVT serves Colorado’s veterinary technician community in both roles: as the credentialing organization (credential verification and maintenance) and as the professional association (member support and professional development).

A CACVT credential is the required credentialing step for veterinary technicians in Colorado. CACVT verifies that an applicant meets the eligibility requirements for their pathway and confirms eligibility to register with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT).

A membership with CACVT’s professional association is optional and is separate from credentialing. Membership is not required to apply for or maintain a CACVT credential, but it provides access to professional association benefits, community resources, and programming.

Click Here to see more about optional membership with CACVT’s Professional Association

How much does CACVT credentialing cost?

CACVT credentialing fees are reviewed and set each biennial cycle. The most up-to-date fee information will always be listed on the application page at the time you apply (including renewal or reinstatement applications, when applicable).

Many clinics offer payment of credentialing fees as an employee benefit. We recommend checking with your employer before applying or renewing to see if this benefit is available.

– Titles and Compliance –

Am I a CVT or an RVT in Colorado?

In Colorado, CVT is not a recognized title for veterinary technicians. Title protection for veterinary technicians took effect on January 1, 2024, and the protected titles include Veterinary Technician (VT) and Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) (and related specialist designations).

A CACVT credential is the credentialing step that verifies you meet requirements to register with the state, but it does not, by itself, authorize title use. You may use protected veterinary technician titles only after you are registered with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).

If you hold a CACVT credential but have not completed DORA registration, you are not registered with the State of Colorado and should not use, or be represented to the public as, a VT or RVT (or any title that implies state registration).

Can I call myself a vet tech or technician if I am not registered with DORA?

Colorado law protects veterinary technician titles and representations. If you are not registered with the State of Colorado (DORA), you may not use, or be represented to the public as, a Veterinary Technician (VT) or Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). You should also avoid any title, abbreviation, or wording that could reasonably imply you hold a protected veterinary technician credential, even if it is not the exact VT/RVT title.

“Representation” includes how you are identified in any client-facing or public context. This can include name badges, business cards, email signatures, clinic websites and staff bios, appointment and invoice communications, signage, and how you are introduced to clients in a clinic setting. It also includes public and professional platforms such as social media profiles/posts, LinkedIn, and resumes, especially when those materials could be shared with clients, employers, or the public.

Because the public may interpret “technician” or “vet tech” as meaning a credentialed and registered individual, unregistered individuals should use a role title that accurately reflects their position (for example, “veterinary assistant” or the employer’s designated non-credentialed staff title) and reserve “VT/RVT” wording for registered individuals.

Using or being represented with protected veterinary technician titles without the required registration is a misdemeanor under the Colorado Veterinary Practice Act.

If you are working toward registration and want to describe that accurately without implying current credentialed status, use clear language such as “pursuing RVT registration” only when true, and avoid abbreviations or titles that suggest you already hold VT/RVT status.

Are there any task restrictions for anyone not registered as a veterinary technician?

Colorado law allows licensed veterinarians to delegate many veterinary tasks to team members, but the required level of supervision depends on the task and the individual’s training, experience, and credentials. In general, someone who is not registered as a veterinary technician may still be able to perform certain delegated tasks, but they may require a higher level of veterinary supervision than an RVT or VTS.

Separately, title protection is strict. Individuals who are not registered may not use, or be represented to the public as, a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), Veterinary Technician (VT), or any other title or wording that implies a protected veterinary technician credential.

For task delegation details and supervision levels, please visit our Veterinary Technician Scope of Practice page. If you have a specific delegation question, you can also reach us at regulation@cacvt.org.

How do I report suspected misuse of a protected veterinary technician title?

We take title protection seriously because it supports public trust and the integrity of the profession. If you believe someone is using or being represented with a protected veterinary technician title without proper registration, you may submit a complaint using CACVT’s Veterinary Technician Complaint Form. If you’re unsure whether your concern should go to CACVT or the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine, email regulation@cacvt.org and we’ll help route it.

– After Approval and DORA Registration –

I have obtained my CACVT credential. How do I move forward with registering with DORA?

Congratulations on your credential approval! Your next step is to complete state registration with DORA to hold active RVT registration in Colorado. CACVT credentialing and DORA registration are separate processes, and your CACVT Credential Approval email includes the most current instructions for what to do next.

To move forward:

1. 1. Review your Credential Approval email for next-step instructions and reminders.
  2. Download your CACVT credential certificate from your CACVT User Portal. (See associated FAQ on this page).
  3. Apply for veterinary technician registration through DORA.

DORA manages the state registration application and can answer questions about registration status, the online application, and technical issues. To apply, directly on their website – DORA Application Page (select Veterinary Technician)

For questions about the DORA online applications or registration status, contact DORA directly:
Phone: 303-894-7800
Email: dora_dpo_onlinelicenses@state.co.us

How do I access my CACVT credential certificate to download or print?

Once your CACVT credential is approved, we recommend downloading your credential certificate and saving a copy for your records. You may also need it for DORA registration or renewal.

To access it, log in to your CACVT.org account and go to your User Portal landing page. Click “Download Credential Certificate” to open the step-by-step guide.

How do I maintain my CACVT credential and DORA registration? Do I need to renew both?

Maintaining RVT status in Colorado requires keeping both your CACVT credential and your DORA registration current.

CACVT credentials need to be renewed on a biennial cycle, by June 30 of even-numbered years. To renew your CACVT credential, you will submit your CACVT renewal application and the required continuing education (CE) per CACVT CE Guidelines.

After your CACVT credential is renewed, you will also need to renew your DORA registration during DORA’s renewal window. DORA will email registrants directly to provide instructions for completing the renewal in their system closer to their expiration date (October 31 of even-numbered years).

For questions about your DORA renewal timing, renewal status, or the online application, please contact DORA directly:
DORA’s Phone: 303-894-7800
DORA’s Email: dora_dpo_onlinelicenses@state.co.us

– Special Requests and Updates –

I registered through DORA using an out-of-state credential. How do I obtain a CACVT credential?

In the past, some individuals were able to obtain Colorado RVT registration through DORA using an out-of-state veterinary technician credential before completing CACVT credentialing. Moving forward, CACVT credentialing is required to obtain and maintain RVT registration in Colorado.

What you do next depends on your current out-of-state credential status:

If you currently hold an active veterinary technician credential in another state or province, graduated from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program, and have a passing VTNE score, you may apply now through Credential by Endorsement.

If your out-of-state credential is inactive or expired, you will need to apply through the Credential by DORA Endorsement pathway once the application becomes available (expected in May). This pathway will require submission of the required continuing education (CE) hours as part of the application.

Please note: Creating a CACVT.org account (including logging CE or joining CACVT as a professional association member) is not the same as obtaining a CACVT credential.

How do the PVT and experience-based credentialing pathways work?

Colorado’s experience-based credentialing pathways were created as a temporary transition option during the implementation of title protection. These pathways are time-limited and have specific eligibility requirements and deadlines.

If you are eligible under the experience-based pathway, you must follow the requirements outlined for that pathway, including any provisional-related eligibility rules and deadlines. Please note that PVT applications are no longer available, and only individuals who already obtained a PVT during the eligible period may continue toward the experience-based credentialing requirements within the established timeframe.

For the most accurate, up-to-date requirements and instructions, please visit our Credential by Experience page.

How do I verify my VTS for an official Colorado VTS designation?

Colorado’s official VTS designation is available through DORA beginning January 1, 2026. If you already hold an active VTS credential, you may request VTS verification through CACVT for your DORA submission. Visit our VTS Verification page to review requirements and submit the request form.

Please note: This verification request is only for individuals who already hold an active VTS credential. It is not an application to become a VTS. To learn how to earn a VTS, visit NAVTA’s website for academy options and requirements.

How do I change my name for my CACVT credential?

To update your name on your CACVT credential or within your CACVT.org account, submit a Name Change Request form and upload the required supporting documentation.

Please use your full legal name and ensure it matches the name on your DORA registration. Matching names across CACVT and DORA helps prevent delays with registration, renewal, and verification.

If your name changes after you are registered with DORA, you should also update your name directly with DORA as soon as possible, following DORA’s instructions for licensee updates.

Where can I get a Letter of Good Standing from CACVT for an out-of-state transfer or a VTS application?

A Letter of Good Standing may be required for an out-of-state credential transfer or for certain applications (including some VTS-related requirements). Requirements vary by receiving state or organization, and depending on when you became credentialed, you may be asked for documentation from CACVT and/or primary source verification from DORA (if you are registered).

To request a Letter of Good Standing from CACVT, complete the CACVT Letter of Good Standing request form. Before submitting, we recommend confirming with the receiving state or organization whether they need a Letter of Good Standing from CACVT or whether primary source verification from DORA is acceptable.

If you are transferring to another state, please have the receiving state’s contact information ready when completing the form, as many jurisdictions will only accept Letters of Good Standing sent directly from the credentialing entity. Email delivery is typically the fastest option and is often preferred by receiving agencies.

Please note: International requests may involve additional fees, such as international shipping costs, depending on the requirements of the receiving country.

Have Additional Questions?

If your question isn’t addressed in the FAQ section for Credentialing or for the CE or Renewal pages linked above, we’re happy to help:
Email: information@cacvt.org
Text: 303-318-0652