(1) The board shall provide for at least one (1) examination for licensing, certification or registration during each calendar year and may provide for such additional examinations as are necessary. The board shall give public notice of the time and place of each examination at least one hundred twenty (120) days before the date of the examination.

(2) The preparation, administration, grading and criterion for passing examinations shall be governed by rules prescribed by the board. Examinations for veterinary licensure shall be designed to test the examinee’s knowledge of and proficiency in the subjects and techniques pertaining to the practice of veterinary medicine commonly taught in an accredited college of veterinary medicine. The passing score shall be determined by the testing entity. The board may adopt and use the results of a nationally recognized testing entity such as the National Board of Veterinary Medical Licensing Examiners.

(3) Any person, not licensed to practice veterinary medicine under the laws of Mississippi, shall be required to take the state board examination. This examination shall be designed to test the applicant’s knowledge of the Mississippi Veterinary Practice Act and Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics as set forth by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Notice of this examination shall be given one hundred twenty (120) days in advance, and application must be made at least thirty (30) days before the examination. The examination shall be administered annually on the second Tuesday of June. The application fee and time and location of the examination shall be determined by the board.

(4) After examination, each examinee shall be notified of the result of the examination, and the board shall issue a license signed by members of the board. Any person who fails an examination may be admitted to any subsequent examination on payment of the application fee.