The alternative credentialing program NAAVOS offers is a difficult process.  While it is difficult it is also quite doable with proper preparation and dedication.  The first step is setting aside time to read and study.  Working and studying can be very trying and good time management is essential.  Try to put aside at least an hour a day to read, more time if you can.  While I was studying to take credentialing examinations I read at lunch time and between appointments.  I went to work early so I could read before I started appointments or procedures. Sometimes that can't be done, those really busy days will leave little time during the day to read and study.  Old tests can be used as a study guide as well.  Although NAAVOS does not have any published test questions there are other sources.  The Australian College of Veterinary Scientists (ACVSc) has an alternative credentialing program quite similar to ours.  In fact, our system is designed much like that of the ACVSc Surgery Chapter program and the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) credentialing process.
     The ACVSc has a website with links to access the various chapters.  Old tests for the Membership and Fellowship examinations are available for downloading.  The ACVSc testing method uses essay type examination questions. Essay type examination questions are not generally part of examinations given by colleges in the United States.  Utilizing these test questions is a good way to exercise and prepare for essay type examination questions.  The ACVSc website is acvs.org.au.  Once you access the website the will be links to Membership and Fellowship guidelines on the left margin.  Clicking these links will bring up another page with a list of items at the top.  Click on Sample Examinations and a list of chapter examinations will appear.  Click on surgery and old tests from past examinations will appear which you can download.  Once these are downloaded you can print them out and use the questions concerning orthopedic surgery and related topics to practice with.  Although our test questions will not be the same, taking these tests, first by open book, then by closed book, will give you a good way to study and prepare for the examination at the same time.
     Set aside time to read the chapters on Fossum and other textbooks that concern orthopedic surgery.  Use textbooks that are as current as possible.  Also use the journals, especially the most current issues to obtain a knowledge base of new advances in orthopedic surgery.  Most of the test topics from the journals will likely come from Veterinary Comparative Orthopedics and Traumatology and Veterinary Surgery.  Be sure you have access to these.  The other journals will be helpful but the bulk of current material will be found in the two aforementioned journals.  Again, be sure to put the time aside to read and study. 
   Case reports are also an important part of the credentialing process.  Writing acceptable case reports may be the most difficult part of the credentialing program.  The case reports are important because they must show your ability to communicate in a scientific, professional manner.  The case reports must also show your ability to manage orthopedic cases successfully using accepted methods and techniques.  The best way to prepare for writing a case report is to carefully review the guidelines.  The case reports must follow a specific format.  Follow the guidelines carefully, everything you need to write an acceptable case report is in the guidelines.  Review case reports and articles published in the journals.  Do not be afraid to ask for help.  Obtaining advice from others who have written case reports is fine, just be sure to do all the work yourself.  Ask for mentorship, someone will be available to provide help when you need it. 
   Remember, NAAVOS exists to provide you, the practicing veterinarian, with an opportunity to obtain credentialing without leaving practice.  There are not many programs in the United States available to practicing veterinarians today that do allow credentialing in a specific discipline using a practical method.
The Members of NAAVOS are here to help you complete the credentialing process successfully.