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National Examining Board (NEB) Clinical Proficiency Examination (CPE) Head Examiner Position Posting at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) within the University of Saskatchewan

August 6, 2026

The NEB Clinical Proficiency Examination (CPE) is a high-stakes, standardized, performance-based examination administered in Canada and the United States. The CPE is an examination for veterinary graduates wishing to gain educational equivalency or pursue licensure in Canada or the United States, respectively, and who have not graduated from a veterinary school/college accredited by the Council on Education (COE). In some instances, the NEB also uses the CPE for examination of graduates of veterinary schools/colleges accredited by the COE who have not been successful on the national licensure examination. The CPE is designed to assess the candidate’s practical clinical veterinary skills at the level of a day-one ready graduate of a COE-accredited veterinary school/college.

Relationships:

The team responsible for the administration of the CPE is developed, led, and supervised by a Head Examiner (HE). The HE plays a critical role in the administration of the exam at each location. The HE is appointed by the NEB in collaboration with the exam site administration, and is approved by the NEB Committee. The HE reports to NEB Director on operational and logistical matters, and the Chief Examiner for examination content, standards and quality.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Before the exam

  • Identify approximate dates and capacity for the administration of CPE sessions at their site and advise the NEB Director within established operational timelines of a planned exam.
  • Draft and transmit to the NEB Director a detailed draft exam schedule within established operational timelines ahead of a CPE session.
  • Coordinate the scheduling of Examiners and registered veterinary technicians (RVTs).
  • Reserve examination facilities and equipment.
  • Select Examiners and RVTs to deliver the CPE in accordance with the Manual of Administration.
  • Submit to the NEB the names of Examiners and RVTs who administer each section of the exam within established operational timelines prior to each CPE session.
  • Ensure the Examiners and RVTs are completely briefed on the administration of the CPE and that they are provided with all the relevant documentation.
  • Assist Examiners with the procurement of appropriate station case materials.
  • Oversee the procurement of all animal resources.
  • Instruct the Examiners to adhere to the uniform standards contained in the Manual of Administration for all sections of the exam.
  • Ensure healthy snacks and water are available to candidates.

Exam Day

  • Remain physically present at the examination site for the entire duration of examination administrations.
  • Maintain the security and integrity of exam materials and information at all times.
  • Ensure candidates arriving for the examination are welcomed and guided to the exam facilities.
  • Verify candidate identity.
  • Read the candidate orientation script verbatim and answer candidate queries.
  • Oversee and support Examiners with any questions or concerns.
  • Distribute examination assessment sheets to the Examiners prior to the beginning of the examination.
  • Ensure that the Examiners complete the assessment sheets in full, including the cover page, and that they are returned to the NEB office after each session.
  • Investigate, manage, and report exam day incidents and ensures that the incident forms are filled out appropriately.

After the exam

  • Collect the completed assessment sheets and return them to the NEB within established operational timelines following the end of the exam.
  • Ensure timely oversight of completion of exam documents.
  • Provide feedback to improve the examination, including content and process, with input from the Examiners as required to the Chief Examiner.
  • Communicate any irregularities or concerns related to the administration of the examinations, including scheduling, logistics, results tallying, reporting, and Examiners’ fees, to the NEB (NEB Staff).

Payment:

The HE will be offered a flat-rate service fee in addition to a fee determined based on the number of candidates. All-inclusive fees/rates take into consideration travel-related costs.

Required Qualities and Expertise:

  • Support the NEB mandate and the examination process.
  • Registered/licensed veterinarian in Saskatchewan practicing in a patient care setting or a similar environment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with colleagues, team members, contractors, and external partners.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with NEB staff and NEB Committee.
  • High attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to multitask effectively under pressure.
  • Comfort with highly structured environments, adhering rigorously to policies, procedures, schedules, and deadlines.
  • Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
  • Experience in recruiting, training, orienting, and supervising staff.
  • Proven crisis management and problem-solving abilities.
  • Understanding of high-stakes examinations and standardized testing.
  • Holding the core values of equity, transparency, and consistency.

How to Apply?

Those who are interested are encouraged to submit their resume to Ms. Michelle Chen, NEB Director, by email at mchen@cvma-acmv.org by Monday, September 7th.

Questions?

For questions about eligibility and qualifications, please contact Ms. Michelle Chen, NEB Director, by email at mchen@cvma-acmv.org.