The requirement to pass the WIT ensures that only those hunters able to demonstrate adequate waterfowl identification skills are permitted to hunt game ducks in Victoria. This assists in reducing the number of protected non-game species shot by duck hunters each year.

Since the introduction of the WIT in 1990 and ongoing hunter education by the GMA, its predecessors and hunting organisations, the number of protected non-game birds shot by duck hunters each year has decreased significantly.

On the day of your test, you will need to bring the following to the test centre:

• proof of your identity (see below for more details)
• your MyGL account login details (username and password)

Proof of identity

When you sit the Waterfowl Identification Test you will need to prove who you are by taking certain documents to the test centre. Acceptable documents include any one of the following:

• a current Australian drivers licence
• a passport (not expired by more than two years)
• a current Firearms Licence.

You may also present a birth certificate or Australian naturalisation/citizenship document. However, if you provide either of these documents, you will also need to present another form of identification that includes a photo of yourself, such as a Student Identity Card. Only originals of all these documents will be accepted (photocopies of documents certified or otherwise, will not be accepted).

The test consists of 22 multiple-choice questions. The test is viewed as a video, and you have 20 minutes to complete all 22 multiple-choice questions. A species of waterfowl is viewed for approximately five seconds and hunters must select the correct waterbird species and its hunting status before moving to the next question.

Test results will be available through the test attendee's MyGL account once processed.

The test is in English only, as the translation of waterfowl names is not possible. A person must be able to recognise each species by sight, and know its common name. By prior arrangement, an interpreter may be used to assist those who have difficulty with English.

A score of 85% or greater will be required to obtain a pass (i.e. 57 out of 66), provided that the applicant also correctly identifies all non-game species.

The WIT only needs to be completed once. Hunters renewing an existing Game Licence and who have successfully completed the WIT are not required to pass the test again, unless a court so determines. This may happen if a hunter is convicted of shooting non-game birds.

You must make a booking and pay the test fee before you can sit the WIT.

To book into a test session, you must have a My Game Licence (MyGL) account and have completed the compulsory eLearning module. Information on how to create a MyGL account can be found here. Once you have identified a preferred location, click on the 'Sign-up' link (refer sample image below) to select and book your preferred date and time for that location.

Please note GMA reserves the right to cancel a test session if there are insufficient attendees booked in for that session. GMA will contact affected individuals and discuss another session that may suit or organise a refund of the test fee amount.

To book into a test session, you must have a My Game Licence (MyGL) account and have completed the compulsory eLearning module.

For further educational material view the Duck Wise education video and complete the free online practice test which allows you to familiarise yourself with the testing procedure.