Test Preparation Program

Program Overview

VHMA is excited to offer a unique Test Preparation Study Program tailored to managers pursuing CVPM certification and those interested in career advancement and refining and expanding their skills.

The Test Preparation Study Program supports learning through an organized and facilitated study group. It is indispensable to veterinary practice managers preparing for the CVPM examination, new managers looking for a comprehensive introduction to management concepts, and experienced managers interested in a thorough review and update of management principles.

The program covers the five essential management domains identified by the CVPM program: Human Resources, Law and Ethics, Marketing, Organization of the Practice, and Finance.

The program outline, content, and assignments are developed directly from the CVPM Task Analysis Outline and Recommended Reading List. Participants receive a print copy of the CVPM Preparation Workbook to guide them through the course (included in the registration price). The Workbook is a valuable reference document even after the course concludes. Participants are individually responsible for purchasing the resources on the Recommended Reading List separately from the course registration. We encourage you to buy those resources as soon as you register to be ready when the program starts. THIS PROGRAM HAS SIGNIFICANT READING ASSIGNMENTS.

The course emphasizes general veterinary management concepts and content common to U.S. and Canadian practices, essential to building a strong foundation and in-depth understanding of management principles. Please note that while only U.S. federal law is addressed in the course, the CVPM Preparation Workbook does provide a list of Canadian federal laws that Canadian managers should be aware of. The CVPM program offers applicable examination forms for the U.S. and Canada.

REGISTRATION CLOSED for Group 1 2026 - January 17 to March 28

REGISTER for Group 2 2026 - April 25 to July 11

Program Details

Program Fees

VHMA members $595

VHMA membership is required (trial membership does not qualify). If you are not a member you can create a paid membership account here. Log into your membership account and use the registration link on this page to register for the group you would like to participate in.

Registrants must register using their own account. Don't register another person for an event while you are logged into your account. The registrant's name must match the membership account holder.

Included in the registration cost:

A print copy of the CVPM Preparation Workbook is provided to each participate (a $229 value).
A license to access CVPM Test Prep Digital Flashcards ($45 value)
Access to two (2) VHMA Empower U Self-Assessment examination forms (a $138 value).

Please note, the resources on the Recommended Reading List are not included in the registration fee. Participants are individually responsible to obtain those resources separately. These resources should be obtained before the sessions start.

Brainscape Flashcards - Why spaced repetition works

Participation is limited per study group.

Meeting Information

Each meeting will include:

An assignment in the CVPM Preparation Workbook
Reading assignments from publications on the CVPM Recommended Reading List
A quiz after each section to help you test your knowledge and reinforce understanding

Program participants have the added benefit of sharing questions, answers and other resources through a private online community. All discussion will be held in the online community. Given the extensive amount of material that will be covered during the 90 minute monthly presentations, the sessions will focus on course material only.

Weekly sessions will be recorded for those unable to attend a session. All program materials are available to candidates one year beyond the program dates so that CVPM candidates can continue their studies.

When & Where

Each administration of the program runs for eleven (11) weeks and will meet live online for 90 minutes each week. All meetings will be held on Saturdays at 8:00 a.m. PST. The program will be offered two times in 2024:

Group 1 2026 - January 17 to March 28

Saturday, January 17, 2026, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET
Saturday, January 24, 2026, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET
Saturday, January 31, 2026, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET
Saturday, February 7, 2026, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET
Saturday, February 14, 2026, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET
Saturday, February 28, 2026, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET
Saturday, March 7, 2026, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET
Saturday, March 14, 2026, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET
Saturday, March 21, 2026, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET
Saturday, March 28, 2026, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET

REGISTRATION CLOSED for Group 1 2026 - January 17 to March 28

Group 2 2026 - April 25 to July 11

Saturday, April 25, 2026, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET

Saturday, May 2, 2026, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET
Saturday, May 9, 2026, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET

Saturday, May 16, 2026, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET
Saturday, May 23, 2026, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET
Saturday, May 30, 2026, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET

Saturday, June 6, 2026, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET

Saturday, June 13, 2026, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET

Saturday, June 20, 2026, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET
Saturday, June 27, 2026, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET
Saturday, July 11, 2026, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET

REGISTER for Group 2 2026 - April 25 to July 11

Waiting List

A waiting list is offered if a group has sold out. Should a seat in the group become available, you will receive an email and have 24-hours to accept the seat. Individuals on the waiting list will be contacted in order of registration. If a new group is opened, wait list registrants will be contacted first.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made in writing 45 days prior to the program start will be fully refunded. Cancellations made in writing 45-14 days prior to the program start will be eligible for a partial refund, $296. Cancellations made less than 14 days in advance of the program start are not eligible for a refund.

Facilitator

Amy Williams, MBA, CVPM.

Amy has been serving the veterinary community since 1999. She has worked in both small and large emergency and general practice hospitals in a variety of positions, including Kennel Technician, Veterinary Technician, Customer Service Representative, Inventory Manager, Practice Manager, Practice Administrator, and currently regional operations for Thrive Pet Healthcare, formally known as Pathway Vet Alliance. She was instrumental in forming the Houston Veterinary Practice Managers Association and served as the Association’s President until 2021. Among her most exciting accomplishments, she received her CVPM in 2012 and her MBA in Human Resources in 2017. Amy is passionate about helping others to become effective, motivated individuals, which in turn helps the growth and movement of veterinary medicine.

Facilitator

Susan Driever

Susan Driever, BS, CVPM.

Susan Driever's career in veterinary medicine began as an accounting clerk at Texas A&M's College of Veterinary Medicine in 1997. Early in her professional career, she was a software skills trainer before spending several years as a stay-at-home mom. She became a veterinary practice manager in 2015 when her DVM husband purchased his hospital from his associate. Susan was brought on initially as a bookkeeper, but over time transitioned into the hospital's first-ever practice manager. In January of 2021, Susan earned her CVPM and is always looking for ways to learn and grow as a leader. Susan serves as the President of the board of the Houston Veterinary Practice Managers Alliance and volunteers for the American Animal Hospital Association whenever she gets a chance. In March of 2025, Susan was honored to be named Paraprofessional of the Year by the Texas Veterinary Medical Association.

Disclaimer

Participation in the VHMA Test Preparation Study Program is not required to earn the CVPM credential, and participation does not guarantee that you will pass the CVPM examination.

There is no one recommended method to best prepare for the CVPM examination. Each candidate must determine what works best for them based on their own educational background, practice experience, and best learning style. Networking or study groups have become a great resource for many applicants. The ability to review material with others who are pursuing similar goals can be very rewarding and motivating. It will be up to you to determine how you will get the most out of a study group. We feel this program will provide you with much needed resources to compliment your other study methods.

Material presented has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice.

Notetaking Tools Policy

During meetings, the use of any AI notetaking tools is prohibited. Participants are expected to rely on traditional methods of notetaking to ensure the confidentiality and security of the discussion.

Test Preparation Program