Updated July 2026
The following publications are used in combination with a panel of experts in the field of veterinary practice management to develop the examination and to validate the veterinary management standards and best practices reflected in the exam content. These publications may be used as part of a comprehensive exam preparation strategy. While valuable for exam preparation, their usefulness extends well beyond the examination, as successful managers frequently reference these materials in the course of their professional responsibilities.
Inclusion of a publication on this list does not imply endorsement by the VHMA or CVPM program. The examination is not designed to test a candidate's recollection of statements made by a specific author or in a particular publication or edition. Rather, these sources are used to support and validate the veterinary management principles, standards, and best practices assessed on the examination.
This list is intended solely as a resource to support candidate preparation. Use of these materials alone does not guarantee a passing score on the examination.
Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Practice Management Consult (4th edition)
Author: Lowell Ackerman, DVM, DACVD, MBA, MPA
Publisher: Wiley
The Complete Veterinary Practice Regulatory Compliance Manual (7th edition) *
Author: Phillip Seibert, CVT
Publisher: SafetyVet
*Not applicable to Canadian candidates.
Practice Management for the Veterinary Team, 4th edition (formerly Front Office Management for the Veterinary Team)
Author: Heather Prendergast, BS, AS, RVT, CVPM
Publisher: Elsevier or Amazon
Law & Ethics of the Veterinary Profession
Authors: James Wilson, DVM,
Publisher: Priority Press Ltd. (Amazon) or contact Steve Kellner at The Roasa Law Group, 215-791-0587 or email
Practice Made Perfect: A Guide to Veterinary Practice Management (3rd edition) Volumes 1 and 2
Authors: Marsha Heinke, DVM, EA, CPA, CVPM
Publisher: American Animal Hospital Association, AAHA Press
Standards for AAHA Hospitals
Publisher: American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
Instructions to access the AAHA Standards are here.
Standard Abbreviations for Veterinary Medical Records
Publisher: American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
VHMA Code of Ethics
Publisher: Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA)
Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics, AVMA
Publisher: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)