WIT FAQs

Why do I need to do the Waterfowl Identification Test (WIT)?

Hunting of native game birds in NSW is only permitted on private land through the Native Game Bird Management Program. You must complete the WIT to qualify.

You must achieve a minimum grade of NSW-T to participate in the program. You must also hold a NSW Game Hunting Licence (General or Restricted).

How do I get endorsed for the program after I do the WIT?

When you provide evidence of your WIT certification to the department, your licence can be endorsed for the program.

Existing licence holders can email their WIT certificate to hunting@dpird.nsw.gov.au.

New licence applicants can attach their WIT certificate to their application.

If your licence is endorsed for the program, 'GB' is printed on the rear of the card.

Who can attempt the NSW WIT?

Anyone can register and attempt the WIT.

I live in Victoria - can I do the NSW WIT?

Yes, you can attempt the NSW WIT.

However, if you intend to hunt waterfowl in Victoria as well as NSW, you must complete additional education modules and apply for a Victorian Game Hunting Licence. Visit the Victorian Game Management Authority website for more information.

My family member doesn't speak English, can they attempt the test?

The WIT is an English-language test.

If your family member doesn't speak English, or has learning difficulties, they are encouraged to email gamebirds@dpird.nsw.gov.au to discuss their circumstances.

How do I attempt the NSW WIT?

Visit the Hunter Leap website and select 'Take test' on the WIT tile.
Register for the test by providing your contact details, including a valid email address, and attach a current form of photo identification.
Answer the declaration questions.
Pay the $50 fee.

What types of photo identification can I use?

During the registration process you must attach one of the following:

driver's licence
firearms licence
passport
identity card (with photo).

How much does the NSW WIT cost?

The NSW WIT is $50.00 AUD per attempt.

The fee is payable each time you register and is non-refundable if you fail to complete or do not pass the test.

I'm a landholder and I hold a management licence; do I pay the fee?

No. If you hold a current Native Game Bird Management (Owner/Occupier) Licence, you don't need to pay the fee. The fee waiver also applies to members of your household and employees.

Please email gamebirds@dpird.nsw.gov.au for more information.

Will I be refunded if I don't pass the WIT?

No, the fee is payable each time you register for and attempt the WIT. The fee is not refunded if you do not complete or pass the test, or if you don't achieve the grade you need.

What does the test involve?

The WIT is a timed assessment and you should be prepared to quickly identify waterfowl in flight. After watching a short video, you have 20 seconds to answer two multiple-choice questions. Your answers determine your WIT score and the grade you receive.

This is why it's important to prepare before you attempt the WIT.

Watch Duck WISE - the clips of waterfowl in flight are taken from this movie.
Try the practice test - make sure you're comfortable making quick species identification and selecting the correct answers.

Don't attempt the WIT until you have reviewed these resources.

Can I attempt the WIT on my phone?

We don't recommend using a smart device. Please use a desktop or laptop computer for a better user experience.

What sort of internet connection do I need?

We highly recommend you have a stable and secure internet connection when you attempt the WIT.

I had some technical issues when I attempted the WIT, who can I contact?

Please email gamebirds@dpird.nsw.gov.au to report any technical issues.

When do I find out my score and grade?

DPIRD Hunting will mark and grade your WIT, then send you an email with your results.

If you've achieved a successful grade, your email will have an official WIT certificate attached. The certificate has your score and grade.

If your score was less than 47 points or you made errors in identifying certain game and non-game species, your email will advise that you were unsuccessful.

If you receive an AA or P grade (which qualify you to hunt in Victoria and South Australia), the department will forward your test results to GMA so they can create a user profile in the MyGL system.

How long does it take to mark my test?

Please allow up to 10 working days for your WIT score and grade to be processed. We will email you your results.

I didn't achieve the grade I was after; do I need to pay again?

Yes, the fee is payable each time you attempt the WIT. The fee is not refunded if you do not complete or pass the test, or if you don't achieve the grade you need.

How many times can I attempt the NSW WIT?

As many times as you like. However, the $50.00 fee is payable each time.

I'm trying to attempt the WIT again, but it's not working; what do I do?

You can only attempt the WIT once every 24 hours. Please ensure you allow a full day to pass between WIT attempts.