What the Course Entails and Exam Details

The material covered in preparation for this exam is comprehensive and multidisciplinary.

It involves a rigorous study of the current California Fish and Game Code and Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, which detail licensing requirements, allowed species, capture methods, and reporting procedures.

Applicants must also master raptor natural history, including identifying indigenous and exotic species, understanding their biology, and knowing their life history in the wild.

A significant portion of the material focuses on husbandry, covering proper healthcare, disease prevention, nutrition, and the creation of appropriate raptor housing facilities, or mews.

Finally, ethical considerations, hunting safety, and the history and traditions of falconry are integral components of the syllabus.

What to Expect in the Final Exam

The official final exam is a supervised, closed-book written test, typically consisting of multiple-choice and true-false questions.

It is designed to be challenging, with approximately 100 questions covering the entire scope of the regulatory and biological material.

To pass, applicants must achieve a score of at least 80 percent, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the regulations and raptor care.

There is usually a generous time limit of roughly two hours to complete the test, allowing sufficient time for careful consideration of each question.

Specific rules include the prohibition of any outside reference materials, code books, or digital devices inside the testing room.

How to Study and Exam Centers

The most critical step in studying is to obtain and master the official Falconry License Laws and Regulations pamphlet provided by the CDFW.

Augment this by reading essential falconry texts, such as the North American Falconry and Hunting Hawks and the California Hawking Club Apprentice Study Guide.

Forming a study group or connecting with a mentor, or sponsor, who is already a licensed General or Master Falconer, can provide invaluable practical context.

When you are prepared, you must make an appointment to take the exam at a local CDFW Regional Field Office or at the License and Revenue Branch in Sacramento.

Unlike many professional exams, this test is currently administered primarily in person at these specific physical government testing centers, rather than through online portals or commercial centers like Pearson VUE.

 Job Opportunities from the Course

Obtaining a falconry license is typically a pursuit of passion rather than a direct career path, but it can open doors to specialized and rewarding opportunities.

Raptor Abatement Specialist Commercial Wildlife Control Operator Educational Wildlife Presenter at Museums or Zoos Raptor Rehabilitation Specialist (working with nonprofits) Raptor Biologist or Field Technician (State or Federal) Hollywood Raptor Handler for Film and TV Falconry Experiences Guide for Ecotourism