How Many Questions Are on the Falconry Apprentice Exam?

The falconry apprentice exam is a written test administered by your state (or tribal) wildlife agency that you must pass before you can hold a raptor or begin practicing falconry. It is the first formal gate in a licensing process governed by a combination of federal rules and state-specific requirements — and knowing what to expect before you sit down to study can save you significant time.

TL;DR: Most states give a 100-question exam covering raptor biology, housing, health care, training, and laws. You need to answer at least 80% of questions correctly to pass. Contact your state wildlife agency to schedule the test — there is no single national exam portal.

What is the falconry apprentice exam?

The falconry apprentice exam is a multiple-choice and true/false test that every first-time falconry permit applicant must pass. It is designed to confirm that a candidate understands how to care for a bird of prey humanely, legally, and safely before they ever take possession of one.

The exam is not administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) directly. Instead, federal regulations under 50 CFR Part 21 set the floor — requiring at minimum that states test applicants on the care and handling of falconry raptors and on applicable federal, state, and tribal laws — and each state or territory runs its own version of the test. This means the exact format can vary, but the core subject matter is consistent nationwide.

How many questions are on the falconry exam?

The most common format is 100 questions, a standard that appears in California, Texas, and many other states. Questions are a mix of multiple-choice and true/false items. California's exam, for example, uses exactly 100 multiple-choice and true/false questions, and Texas follows the same 100-question structure.

A small number of states may use a shorter or slightly different format, so it is worth confirming the exact count with your state agency before you start. What is consistent across virtually every jurisdiction is the passing threshold: you must correctly answer at least 80% of the questions — meaning no more than 20 errors on a 100-question test. That requirement is written into federal regulations and flows down to all participating states.

Exam tip: The 80% threshold is non-negotiable in every jurisdiction that participates in the federal falconry framework. One common mistake is treating this like a typical school exam where 70% is acceptable — it is not. Build your study plan around a target of 85-90% to give yourself a safety margin.

What topics does the falconry apprentice exam cover?

Federal rules specify that the exam must cover the care and handling of raptors, relevant federal and state laws, and "other appropriate subject matter." In practice, states interpret that mandate consistently. The exam draws from five broad subject areas:

• Raptor biology. Taxonomy, anatomy (including falconry-specific terminology like cere, tarsus, train, and mutes), molt cycles, sexual dimorphism, and behavioral cues such as rousing, preening, and bating. Questions on this topic are among the most numerous.
• Housing and equipment. Legal mews and weathering yard specifications, perch types, tethering equipment, jesses, hoods, bells, and leashes. States have specific minimum dimensions and construction standards that the exam tests directly.
• Health, weight, and maintenance. Recognizing signs of illness, managing a bird's flying weight, understanding the risks of obesity versus being too sharp (hungry), crop function, feather imping, and molt management.
• Training and hunting. Manning, the process of acclimating a new bird to the falconer's presence; lure work; creance flying; quarry selection; and the ethical obligations of the sport, including what constitutes legitimate take.
• Federal and state regulations. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act, permit classes (Apprentice, General, Master), possession limits, species restrictions for apprentices (federally limited to Red-tailed Hawk and American Kestrel in most situations), banding and reporting requirements, and transfer rules.

The biology and health sections together account for the largest share of questions in most exam pools, so candidates who focus only on regulations often underestimate how much natural history knowledge is expected.

What score do you need to pass?

You need 80% or higher to pass the falconry apprentice exam. On a 100-question test, that means answering at least 80 questions correctly. Most states allow you to retake the exam if you do not pass on your first attempt, typically after a short waiting period. California's experience suggests the pass rate is meaningful but not guaranteed — one hawking club reported roughly 80% of test-takers passing, but that was among motivated candidates who had already sought out study materials.

Failing is not the end of the road, but it does delay the clock on your two-year apprenticeship, so most experienced falconers recommend studying for at least two to three months before scheduling your first attempt.

How do you register for the falconry apprentice exam?

There is no national registration system. You register through your state wildlife agency. The process differs in a few meaningful ways depending on where you live:

• In-person proctored exams are common. Florida's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, for example, asks candidates to call their regional office and schedule an appointment. Many states operate similarly.
• Online exams are offered in some states, including New York, which runs scheduled online sittings several times per year (exam dates are announced in advance, and registrants receive a one-time link to access the test).
• Texas offers its online exam quarterly, on the first Tuesday of February, May, August, and November. Candidates contact the falconry administrator after submitting an application to schedule their sitting.

The general process is: find your state wildlife agency's falconry or captive wildlife permit page, download any available study guide or reading list, submit a preliminary application or intent form if required, then contact the agency to schedule the exam. Most states charge a modest exam or permit fee in the range of $10–$30.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take the falconry exam without a sponsor?

Yes, in most states you can sit the exam before finding a sponsor. However, you will need a licensed General or Master falconer as a sponsor before your permit is actually issued and before you can possess a raptor. Finding a sponsor early is strongly encouraged because they can also guide your study.

What birds can an apprentice possess?

Federal regulations limit apprentices to one raptor at a time, and that bird must be either a Red-tailed Hawk or an American Kestrel. Some states narrow this further or, in a few cases, approve additional species. Always check your state's current permit conditions alongside the federal baseline.

How long does the apprenticeship last?

A minimum of two years, during which you must maintain, train, fly, and hunt with your raptor for at least four months in each year. After completing two years, a letter from your sponsor confirming your experience allows you to apply for advancement to the General Falconer level.