ALBANY — New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) commissioner Basil Seggos announced testing plans for people who want to become licensed guides. DEC offers exams for leadership in the fields of camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, whitewater rafting, canoeing or kayaking, and rock or ice climbing.
“Licensed guides play a critical role in safely introducing New Yorkers to the many natural treasures around them,” said Commissioner Seggos. “I encourage outdoor enthusiasts who want to pass on their knowledge to others to take the exam and increase their environmental responsibility.”
A guide must be at least 18 years old. Guides offer services to hire, guide, instruct, or assist others in a variety of recreational activities. DEC’s Special Licenses Unit manages the licensing of outdoor guides. Applicants do not have to be residents of New York State to obtain a license.
To provide increased access to exams, DEC 2023 is offering licensed Guided Exams online. Dates and registration details are below:
02/03/2023 – 08:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The registration must be received by 02/01/2023;
March 11, 2023 – In-person exams will be offered at the New York State Outdoor Guides Association Winter Rendezvous Meeting. Registration must be received by March 4, 2023;
March 31, 2023 – 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Registration must be received by March 29, 2023;
May 12, 2023 – 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Registration must be received by May 10, 2023;
June 23, 2023 – 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Registration must be received by June 21, 2023;
July 7, 2023 – 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Registration must be received by July 5, 2023;
September 15, 2023 – 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Registration must be received by September 13, 2023; and
October 13, 2023 – 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Registration must be received by October 11, 2023.
For registration instructions, visit the DEC 2023 Licensed Exam Guide Registration website. Applicants will receive an email confirmation of registration and an additional one-time link to access the site on the day of the exam. Upon successful completion of the exam(s), applicants will receive information on how to apply for the appropriate driver’s license, including an application form. Please do not send applications or fees before passing the exam(s).
For an overview of exam content, a study guide, and more information, visit the DEC Licensed Guide Program website. The Fieldbook, a reference book published by the Boy Scouts of America, is also recommended and is available at a local library or bookstore. A list of current New York State licensed guides is available online.
For questions or assistance, contact the Special Licenses Unit at NYS DEC Special Licenses Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4752; Phone: 518-402-8985, Fax: 518-402-8925; Email: [email protected]
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