Falconry Apprentice Exam Prep
Prepare for your state falconry apprentice exam with 398+ questions on raptor biology, housing standards, federal regulations, and hunting ethics.
The falconry apprentice exam is required in all U.S. states before you can legally practice falconry. Most states use a 100-question exam with an 80% passing score. Ryno Tools has 398 practice questions covering raptor biology, mews housing standards (50 CFR Part 21), species identification, health and nutrition, and state and federal hunting regulations.
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About Falconry Exam Prep on Ryno Tools
The falconry apprentice exam is the first formal gate in a licensing process governed by both federal law (50 CFR Part 21) and state-specific requirements. Every U.S. state requires you to pass this exam before you can legally hold a raptor or begin your apprenticeship. Most states administer a 100-question multiple-choice test with an 80% passing threshold — the highest passing score of any common licensing exam.
Ryno Tools' 398-question falconry bank is tagged by subject area so you can isolate the topics where you need the most work. Biology and health questions together account for the largest share of real exam content, so the question distribution here reflects what you will actually face on test day.
Questions cover all five subject areas tested on the apprentice exam: raptor biology and species identification, mews housing and equipment standards, health and nutrition management, training and hunting practices, and federal and state regulations. Every question includes a detailed explanation citing the relevant regulation or biological principle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is on the falconry apprentice exam?
The falconry apprentice exam typically covers five subject areas: raptor biology and species identification (taxonomy, anatomy, molt cycles), housing standards (mews dimensions, perch types, escape-proofing), health and nutrition (weight management, recognizing illness, imping), training and hunting practices, and federal and state regulations (50 CFR Part 21, permit classes, possession limits, reporting). Biology and health questions together account for the largest share of the exam.
What score do you need to pass the falconry apprentice exam?
Most U.S. states require an 80% passing score on the falconry apprentice exam. On a 100-question test, that means answering at least 80 questions correctly. The 80% threshold is written into the federal regulatory framework (50 CFR Part 21) and applies in virtually every participating state. Some states allow a retake after a waiting period if you do not pass on the first attempt.
What birds can a falconry apprentice possess?
Federal regulations (50 CFR Part 21) limit apprentice falconers to one raptor at a time, and that bird must be either a Red-tailed Hawk or an American Kestrel. Some states approve additional species, but the Red-tail and Kestrel are the nationwide federal baseline. Always verify current species allowances with your state wildlife agency, as regulations can change.
How long does the falconry 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. You must also be sponsored by a licensed General or Master falconer throughout the apprenticeship. After completing two years, a letter from your sponsor confirming your experience allows you to apply for advancement to the General Falconer level.
How do I register for the falconry apprentice exam?
There is no national registration system. You register through your state wildlife agency. Some states offer in-person proctored exams by appointment; others (such as New York and Texas) offer scheduled online sittings several times per year. The general process is: find your state's falconry permit page, download the study guide or reading list if available, submit a preliminary application or intent form if required, then contact the agency to schedule the exam.
Study Guides
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Falconry Mews & Housing Standards Every Apprentice Must Know
A mews is more than a shed with a bird in it. Falconry housing standards are federally regulated and heavily tested on the apprentice exam. Here's what you need to know.
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How Many Questions Are on the Falconry Apprentice Exam?
The falconry apprentice exam is typically 100 questions and requires an 80% score to pass. Here is what the test covers, how scoring works, and how to register through your state wildlife agency.