New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Announces 2025 Exam Dates for Licensed Guide Program and Other Select Licenses
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the 2025 exam dates for the licensed guide program and other select licenses. These examinations will be offered online for free.
New York State Licensed Guide Exams
A guide is a person offering services for hire, including directing, instructing or aiding someone in camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, and more. Guides must be at least 18 years old. Applicants are not required to be a New York State resident to receive a guide license.
Examination dates for the New York State Licensed Guide program are as follows:
- February 7, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. – Registration closes February 5, 2025
- March 1, 2025, New York State Outdoor Guides Association (NYSOGA) meeting only – registration closes February 21, 2025
- May 9, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. – Registration closes May 7, 2025
- June 6, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. – Registration closes June 4, 2025
- July 11, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. – Registration closes July 9, 2025
- September 12, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. – Registration closes September 10, 2025
All exams will be online, except for the in-person exam offered on March 1, 2025, at the NYSOGA meeting. To register for the exam or to find study materials, visit the DEC Licensed Guide Program webpage.
Apprentice Falconry License Exams
Due to the significant commitment of time and effort required for falconry, apprentices are limited to possessing one bird: either an American kestrel or a red-tailed hawk. To qualify for the Apprentice Falconry License, applicants must:
- Score 80 percent or higher on the written exam
- Be at least 14 years of age
- Possess a valid New York State hunting license
- Maintain DEC-approved facilities for housing falconry raptors
- Be a resident of New York State
Examination dates for the Apprentice Falconry License are as follows:
- April 11, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. – Registration closes April 9, 2025
- August 8, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. – Registration closes August 6, 2025
The exams are free, and a five-year falconry license costs $40. Registration for the August exam will open the week after the April exam. To register for the exam or to find study materials, visit the DEC Falconry License webpage.
Wildlife Rehabilitator License Exam
Wildlife rehabilitators provide care to injured, sick, and orphaned wild animals to return them to the wild once rehabilitated. Prospective applicants are encouraged to build experience by first serving as an assistant to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. To qualify for the Wildlife Rehabilitator License, applicants must:
- Score 80 percent or higher on the written exam
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Be interviewed by DEC Regional wildlife staff
- Be a resident of New York State
Examination dates for the Wildlife Rehabilitator License are as follows:
- April 11, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. – Registration closes April 9, 2025
- August 8, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. – Registration closes August 6, 2025
The exams are free, and there is no cost for the five-year rehabilitation license. Registration for the August exam will open the week after the April exam. To register or to find study materials, visit the DEC Wildlife Rehabilitator License webpage.
Leashed Tracking Dog License
Leashed tracking dog handlers aid hunters in finding wounded big game that might otherwise go unrecovered. To qualify for a Leashed Tracking Dog License, applicants must:
- Score 80 percent or higher on the written exam
- Possess a valid New York State hunting license
Examination dates for the Leashed Tracking Dog License are as follows:
- April 11, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. – Registration closes April 9, 2025
- August 8, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. – Registration closes August 6, 2025
The exam is free, and the five-year leashed tracking dog license costs $50. There is also a $25 non-refundable fee for first-time applicants. To register for an exam or find study materials, visit the DEC Leashed Tracking Dog License webpage.
Conclusion
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) offers various licenses for individuals who wish to engage in activities such as guiding, falconry, wildlife rehabilitation, and leashed tracking dog handling. The 2025 exam dates have been announced, and interested applicants are encouraged to register online for the exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a guide?
A: A guide is a person offering services for hire, including directing, instructing or aiding someone in camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, and more.
Q: What are the requirements to become a guide?
A: Guides must be at least 18 years old and not required to be a New York State resident.
Q: What are the exam dates for the New York State Licensed Guide program?
A: The exam dates are February 7, 2025, March 1, 2025, May 9, 2025, June 6, 2025, July 11, 2025, and September 12, 2025.
Q: How do I register for the exam?
A: To register for the exam or to find study materials, visit the DEC Licensed Guide Program webpage.
