● ANSWER
Sourced & dated

Texas veterinary CE requirements

Texas requires licensed veterinarians to complete 17 CE hours annually, including 2 hours on opioids every 2 years.

● WHAT'S DOCUMENTED

Texas veterinarians must complete 17 hours of continuing education annually, which includes 2 hours of opioid courses every two years.

Texas renewal and CE

RequirementBoard information
Required CE17 hours
Online and live rulesUp to 17 hours may be from live/in real time/interactive courses in person or online. Up to 5 hours may be from non interactive/pre recorded/on demand correspondence courses.
Renewal deadlineCE must be completed during the renewal year immediately preceding the renewal application.
ExemptionsNew licensees are exempt from CE requirements during their first year.

Required topics in Texas

TopicHoursConditions
opioids2every two years

Texas official board source, checked 2026-11-06.

Confirm Texas requirements with the licensing board before renewing.

Veterinary CE requirements by state

Annual Hours and Format Limits

Texas requires 17 continuing education hours completed during the renewal year immediately preceding license renewal. Veterinarians in Texas can complete all 17 hours via live interactive courses held in person or online. Non-interactive or pre-recorded correspondence courses are capped at a maximum of 5 hours per year.

Opioid Topics and Licensee Exemptions

Texas mandates 2 hours of continuing education on opioids every two years. Newly licensed Texas veterinarians receive an exemption from continuing education requirements during their first year of licensure.

State Board Verification

Veterinarians should regularly confirm current regulations directly with the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners to ensure compliance prior to submission.

Vetinuity

Vetinuity provides clinical resource tools for veterinary professionals.

● SOURCES
  1. 1. Texas veterinary licensing board. Continuing education and renewal. Checked 2026-11-06.
● RELATED ANSWERS
● FAQ

How many CE hours does Texas require annually?

Texas requires veterinarians to complete 17 continuing education hours during the renewal year immediately preceding renewal.

Can Texas veterinarians complete CE hours online?

Yes, Texas permits up to 17 hours from live interactive online or in-person courses, and up to 5 hours from non-interactive pre-recorded courses.

Are first-year veterinarians in Texas exempt from CE?

Yes, new Texas licensees are exempt from continuing education requirements during their first year of practice.

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