1. (1) Testing procedures

   1. (a) Scheduling

      1. 1. Arrangements must be made with a TWRA regional office as to time and place where the test will be given.
      2. 2. Each test taken will cost ten (10) dollars and payment of the fees shall be made prior to the test being given.

   2. (b) Administration

      1. 1. A Class I Qualification Test must be taken at a TWRA Regional office.
      2. 2. Scoring - There will be a maximum of one hundred (100) questions in the technical section of the test and each will have equal value. The point value will be announced before the test. A score of 70% correct will be passing.
      3. 3. No copies of the test questions can be taken from the testing area by the person taking the test.
      4. 4. The test will be scored at a later date and the applicant will be notified of the score by mail.
      5. 5. If the applicant fails to pass the test, he may request to retake the test at a later date. There shall be at least ten days between tests.
      6. 6. The test may be taken a maximum of three times per calendar year.

   3. (c) Test material – The test will be developed and reviewed by persons with extensive training, knowledge and experience with Class I animals. The test will cover basic knowledge of habits, health care, diseases, diet, exercise needs, housing and handling of the Class I species to be possessed. Four separate tests will be developed for the four major groups of Class I species that are similar in their handling, habits, health care and housing requirements. Experience with any species within one of these groups shall be regarded as qualifying experience for any other species within the group but not for other species or groups of species. Other species listed under Class I are so varied in their handling requirements that separate tests will be developed. The four major groups of Class I species as pertains to experience and qualification testing shall be:

      1. 1. Primates;
      2. 2. Bears;
      3. 3. Felines; and
      4. 4. Reptiles and amphibians.
   4. (d) Reference materials will not be provided by the TWRA. It is the applicants’ responsibility to obtain access to their own reference materials. A list of suggested reference books will be provided upon request.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 70-1-206, 70-4-401, 70-4-403, 70-4-404, and 70-4-405. Administrative History: Original rule filed April 20, 1992; effective June 4, 1992. Amendments filed November 1, 2021; effective January 30, 2022.