Updated May 2025
The following publications are used in the development of the examination. While they are valuable for examination preparation, their usefulness goes far beyond preparation for the test. Successful managers reference these resources while performing their responsibilities. The CVPM Board reviews and updates this list annually. Inclusion of a publication on the CVPM Recommended Reading List does not imply an endorsement of the publication by the VHMA or CVPM. This list is intended to be a resource only; using these materials does not guarantee a candidate will achieve a passing score on the exam.
Note that these sources are used to validate recognized veterinary management standards and best practices tested on the examination, not to test your knowledge on what a specific author said in any specific publication or edition.
Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Practice Management Consult (3rd 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.
Financial Management of the Veterinary Practice
Authors: Justin Chamblee, CPA, MAcc and Max Reiboldt, CPA
Publisher: American Animal Hospital Association, AAHA Press
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
Instructions to access AAHA Standard Abbreviations are here.
VHMA Code of Ethics
Publisher: Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA)
Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics, AVMA
Publisher: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)