Veterinarians · California · Continuing education
California Veterinary CE Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- DVM36 hours every 2 years; renewal on the date shown on your license.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
02 Calculator
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03 Requirements
California DVM CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 36hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- On license
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- On the date shown on your license
- Accepted credit
- AAVSB RACE-approved courses and statutorily approved providers (B&P Code §4846.5); classroom, conferences, seminars, interactive online and self-study
- New licensees
- No CE required for initial licensees (licensed in California for less than two years).
- Audits & records
- Random audits; keep proof of CE for at least 4 years.
- Renew online
- www.breeze.ca.gov ↗
Alternatives & exemptions. Petition for waiver under specific criteria; inactive license needs no CE.
Good to know. Max 6 h self-study/non-interactive online; online unlimited but at least 30 h must be interactive. Max 24 h practice management. 1 h on judicious use of medically important antimicrobial drugs every 4 years (no matching topic code). No extensions.
Source: www.vmb.ca.gov · Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §4846.5; §4858.1(e); 16 CCR Div. 20, Art. 9 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Conferences in California
05 Questions
Which CE courses count for veterinarians in California?
AAVSB RACE-approved courses and statutorily approved providers (B&P Code §4846.5); classroom, conferences, seminars, interactive online and self-study.
How many CE hours do veterinarians need in California?
36 hours every 2 years.
How do I verify a veterinarian license in California?
Use the license lookup of the California Veterinary Medical Board (vmb.ca.gov); the board's own record is the primary source. CE status itself is checked by the board at renewal.
When is the renewal deadline for veterinarians in California?
Licenses renew on the date shown on your license (2 years cycle).