Licensed guides offer services for hire, including directing, instructing, or aiding another individual in camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, whitewater rafting/canoeing/kayaking, rock climbing and ice climbing. To provide enhanced access, DEC is offering these examinations online and free-of-charge.

“As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the customer experience, DEC is proud to offer these free examinations online,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said in a press release. “This process makes it easier for individuals to apply and take part in helping others safely and responsibly enjoy New York’s incredible outdoor recreational opportunities.”

To become a licensed guide, a person must be 18 or older. Applicants are not required to be a resident of New York State to receive a guide’s license. All exams will be online, except for the in-person exam offered at the New York State Outdoor Guides Association Winter Rendezvous meeting on March 28. Exam and registration instructions can be found on DEC’s Licensed Guide Program webpage at tinyurl.com/yc3yh94m.

–

Exam dates

–

The Licensed guide examinations for this year have been scheduled for:

– Jan. 29

– Feb. 20

– March 28 (in-person)

– April 14

– May 12

– June 11

– July 9

– Aug. 21

– Sept. 15

– Oct. 23

People will have 30 minutes to complete each exam with the exception of the Basic Requirements exam, which allows 90 minutes for completion.

Registration for each exam will close the Thursday before the exams, with the exception of the in-person exam which will close a week before the exam.

–

Registering

–

To register, visit the exam registration website at tinyurl.com/yvk6t2k8. Applicants will receive an email acknowledging registration with a one-time link to access the exam on the specified exam date.

Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive information on applying for the license, including an application form. Please do not send applications or fees prior to passing the examination.

An outline of exam content and a study guide can be found on DEC’s Licensed Guide Program webpage.

The “Scouting America Fieldbook” is also recommended as a reference and is available online.

For questions or assistance please contact: NYS DEC Special Licenses Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4752; email: SpecialLicenses@dec.ny.gov; phone: 518-402-8985.