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DEC Announces New Online Exam for Licensed Nuisance
Wildlife Control Operator
Published: February 19, 2026
at 08:00 a.m.
By: Press Release
from NYS DEC
DEC Announces Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator
Online Exam
The New York
State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced a new online
exam for people seeking to become licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control
Operators (NWCOs). 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’s Deputy Commissioner for
Natural Resources Katharine Petronis said. “This process makes it
easier for individuals to meet examination requirements, apply for a
license, and take part in helping others safely respond in situations where
wildlife is damaging property or has become a nuisance.”
A NWCO is a
person at least 18 years of age who is authorized to take/trap, transport,
and release wildlife whenever an animal becomes a nuisance, destroys
property, or threatens public safety. Licensed individuals can conduct
these activities for commercial purposes or as an employee of a
municipality.
Applicants are
not required to be a resident of New York State to receive a NWCO
license.
The 2 hour exam can be completed any time between 7 am
and 11 pm on the assigned date.
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2026 NWCO
Examination Schedule
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Exam Date
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Exam Times
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Registration
Must be Received by
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March 13, 2026
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7:00 a.m.–11:00
p.m.
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March 12, 2026
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April 17, 2026
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7:00 a.m.–11:00
p.m.
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April 16, 2026
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May 15, 2026
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7:00 a.m.–11:00
p.m.
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May 14, 2026
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June 26, 2026
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7:00 a.m.–11:00
p.m.
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June 25, 2026
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July 17, 2026
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7:00 a.m.–11:00
p.m.
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July 16, 2026
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August 14, 2026
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7:00 a.m.–11:00
p.m.
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August 13, 2026
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November 6,
2026
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7:00 a.m.–11:00
p.m.
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November 5,
2026
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December 11,
2026
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7:00 a.m.–11:00
p.m.
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December 10,
2026
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All exams will be
online. Exam and registration instructions and a NWCO training manual can
be found on DEC’s “Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator” webpage.
To register,
visit the “NYS Department of
Environmental Conservation Special Licenses Exam Registration - Nuisance
Wildlife Control Operator Exam” webpage. 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.
For questions or
assistance please contact:
DEC Special Licenses Unit, 625 Broadway,
Albany, NY 12233-4752
Email: SpecialLicenses@dec.ny.gov
Phone: 518-402-8985
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