nyc tour guide exam

Sightseeing Guide

Sightseeing Guide License Application Checklist

Who must have a sightseeing guide license.

You must have a Sightseeing Guide license to guide or direct people to any place or point of public interest or to describe, explain, or lecture about any place or point of public interest to any person in connection with any sightseeing trip or tour within the city.

Sightseeing Guide applicants must be at least 18 years old.

This description is only a general explanation of who must have a Sightseeing Guide license.

Quick List of Requirements to Apply for a Sightseeing Guide License

See Requirements section for detailed descriptions. Make sure you provide all requirements; otherwise, your application is incomplete. DCWP can only consider complete applications for license issuance.

Basic Individual License Application
Photo Identification (ID) of License Applicant
One Current Color Passport-size Photograph of License Applicant
Sightseeing Guide Exam and $50 Exam Fee
Granting Authority to Act Affirmation ( if applicable )
License Fee

Submitting your application does not mean your license is automatically approved.

Additional City or State Permits/Licenses/Clearances You May Need

A business must have a DCWP Sightseeing Bus license to drive a vehicle that carries eight or more paying passengers to places of interest or amusement or for a specific or special trip from a starting point within New York City.

This is not meant to be a complete list. See Additional Resources section.

Requirements

DCWP will deny your application if you do not submit these required documents and information:

Basic Individual License Application Online submission : After reviewing the requirements, please click the Apply Online link at the bottom of the page to submit your application. In-person submission : Download the Basic Individual License Application Form .
Driver’s license or non-driver’s license identification issued by any state in the U.S
License or permit issued by a government agency
Alien card/green card
City, State, or Federal employee ID card
Municipal ID card
One Current Color Passport-size Photograph of License Applicant . In Person : DCWP will photograph license applicants at no cost in the DCWP Licensing Center. Applicants can also submit a current color passport-size photograph. Online : License applicants can upload an image file of digital passport photo quality. A digital camera with a resolution of 1 mega-pixel is adequate.
You can schedule the exam 24 hours after DCWP has processed your completed license application, which includes required documents and fees. You cannot schedule the exam until DCWP has received and processed required documents and payments. Once DCWP has processed your application, it takes 24 hours for your information to appear in ExamBuilder’s system.
You have 60 days to take and pass the exam from the time your information appears in ExamBuilder’s system.
Test Centers are open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. seven days a week in multiple locations citywide. ExamBuilder can confirm available locations when you schedule your exam.
You can find Application Number on your License Application Confirmation Page or payment receipt.
Customer service is available from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. seven days a week.
Granting Authority to Act Affirmation ( download Affirmation ). Required if someone other than the license applicant will prepare and submit this application. Note: The applicant must sign the license application and all related forms.
License Fee . License Period: 2 years | Expiration Date: March 31, Even Years.

Pay by:

○ Check or money order payable to DCWP. ( In person ) ○ Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card only). You will be charged a nonrefundable Convenience Fee. ( In person or online )

Application Filing Process

File Online

Review requirements and gather all materials.
Click the Apply Online button below to login or create an account to start your online license application.

Important: If you need to file another license application, return to the Apply for a DCWP License page to read requirements and proceed to the next online application.

File In Person Schedule an appointment to file in person at the DCWP Licensing Center or NYC Small Business Support Center

DCWP LICENSING CENTER 42 Broadway, Lobby New York, NY 10004 By Appointment Only Hours: Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Last appointment: 3:30 p.m.

NYC SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT CENTER 90-27 Sutphin Blvd, 4th Floor Jamaica, NY 11435 By Appointment Only Hours: Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Last appointment: 3:30 p.m.

By Email: [email protected] By Phone*: Call (212) 436-0441. (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.) *This number is to schedule an appointment for in-person service only. For general questions, email [email protected] .

Free Interpretation Services are available on-site. To request a disability-related accommodation, visit our Accommodations page .

Additional Resources for Sightseeing Guides

For the laws and rules that may affect your business, visit our Laws page .
Download Inspection Checklist: Sightseeing Bus .
For resources to help your business open, operate, and grow, visit nyc.gov/business .

Get Voter Information Note: Whether you apply to register to vote or not, it will not affect the assistance DCWP will provide to you.

Jessie on a Journey | Solo Female Travel Blog

The Truth About Becoming A New York City Tour Guide

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85 Comments

Good for you. I think that would be a lot of fun. The history major in me would love to take that test. Maybe we’ll look you up next time we’re in NYC.

@Lance: I’ll try to find you a copy ha! And if you’re in town you definitely need to look me up 🙂 Just had my first orientation for a startup company was really interesting.

Hi Jessica. This was super helpful. I’m preparing for this test. How long did you study before taking it? Thanks!

Hey Kevin: Less than a week 🙂 Best of luck!

Hi Jessie–Congratulations!

I’m also a New Yorker studying for the exam because guests seems to always want me to take them around.

Do you have any advice on specific subjects that are musts?

Hey Karen: Just use the links provided in the post. That will give you pretty much everything you need to know! 🙂

Thanks Jessie for your insightful article. I have been on a few tours in different countries and have the travel bug much like yourself. I spent 2 weeks last year exploring the Rhine alone and went to Northern Spain this year. One of the best ways to see a town like Madrid, was through the eyes and voice of one who is enthusiastic. Savanna was wonderful by night and Charleston plantation by day. Some tours are better than others due to the person giving it. I feel as if I would be great, because I love people, am not shy and am a bit of a character. Thought I would look into getting certified and doing some creepy ghost tour while I am home in NYC like the Jack the Ripper tour I did in London. You made it sound possible and easy to follow. Thanks and have a wonderful time, no matter where you are…but then, I think you already do!

@Nancy: Thank you so much for the kind words! I think as long as you show people what YOU’RE passionate about, it makes the tour come to life 🙂

Hi Jess2716, Thank you so much for your essay about the tour guide test. This information is very helpful I am going to take it.

@Juan: Good luck!

Thank you for this. This is one of my goals for the new year!

@Chris James: Let me know if you have any questions. Make sure to use the resource links I provided in the article and you’ll be golden!

I think that may have been worse than the DMV! That lady out front was so NASTY! Then once inside, the lady harassed one of my friends because her credit card has her nickname instead of her real name that was on the application. They must match. It was nuts. And they were so dang slow. All three of us had tried to do the app online, but it would not take our phone number. They had to delete that record, then start from scratch and that took 15-20 minutes because staring at the screen is time-consuming. Then we got to the testing room where it took 15 minutes to get seated because there was confusion over first names vs. last names (kid you not) and then there was time spent with a yellow highlighter coloring a row of boxes. I thought my head was going to explode. When she set up my one friend, she did ask, “Did you study?”. I prayed she would ask me because I was going to say, “Nah, just gonna wing it and see what happens.”, but she didn’t ask. When my other friend came in, she sighed and asked, “How many more of you are there?” Took me 1:15 to complete/review the questions and I passed with a 138 and my two friends got their “stars” too. I was so excited to have found this blog post on Thursday as your link to Quizlet had a least 10 new questions on it and most of them were on my exam. Thanks, Jessie!

I’m also DC licensed. They did away with the test last year less than a month after I passed the exam because it violates the right to free speech. I now tell people Lincoln was our 10th President who got us into WWII.

Neither test proves you know how to be a good tour guide, but it’s better than nothing! Happy Guiding!

@Mary: So happy this was helpful for you! Everyone was saying to buy the Blue Book to study but in reality most of the questions are on the links I post in the article. I think the Blue Book is a better resource for afterward planning your tours 🙂 I agree these tests mean nothing. In reality, being a good tour guide is about connecting with people and telling/showing them the city in a moving way. I love food, so that’s usually what I focus on when guiding — barely any of that was on the test!

Agree! I only cracked open the Blue Guide to look at pictures of some of the bridges and statues just in case. I had 7-8 food questions. It was the process that was such a pain – and my second friend got in at 1:50pm. Sheesh!

Hi! I’m planning on talking the test on Monday morning. Did any tour companies reach out to you after you took the test? I’m trying to envision next steps after the exam/license. Thanks!

@Josyf: You’ll need to reach out to them. Having the license is basically a resume booster when you do! 🙂

Jessica, thank you very much for publishin

Jessica, thanks a lot actually for sharing these very valuable resources with us. They turned out to be very helpful!

@Will: You’re welcome! 🙂

Hi Jess great info. i’m considering taking the test by the summer. can you elaborate more on the child form, and where do you get it?

@Milton: All info and forms can be found here – http://www.nyc.gov/html/dca/html/licenses/021.shtml

Jess, your info was very helpful. I scored a 142 today! Didn’t have the negative experiences you did, in fact it was more or less civil and businesslike. People at the DEC were helpful and not surly. I suggest anyone taking the exam should get there as early as possible to avoid the crowds and study, study, study beforehand. I can’t find the “gold star” list anywhere. Do you know where to find it? How’s business?

Should be DCA, of course. Oops.

@David: Congrats on the exam! I’m assuming the DCA, but to be honest I’m not 100% sure. They just told me I received it after the exam 🙂

Dear Jessica, very good tips. Thank you. I’m an Italian living in Florence and a NY lover. I’ve studied to be a tour guide here, but honestly classical art here is not my cup of tea. Do you think there is any chance to become a guide in NY? I guess I would need a visa. Can I get a visa after I’ve passed the tour guide test? Difficul questions, I know… but I wonder how other foreign people do there. perhaps they already got a visa… Can you lead tours also in the museums? How long did it take to get prepared for the exam? is the exam only written text or you also have an oral part? Thank you so much, Chiara

@Chiara: The exam is written (on the computer) not oral. You can sometimes lead tours in museums. I’m not sure about the visa questions, but you can call the Department of Consumer Affairs for more info: http://www1.nyc.gov/site/dca/index.page

I only really know my own experience of becoming a tour guide. As I’m a native New Yorker I’m not sure of the rules for expats. Sorry!

Hi, I’m not sure I could post my questions. Thank you for all the information. Do you know anything about the possibility of becoming a tour guide in Ny for a foreign person? I’m Italian and don’t have a visa. Don’t know if one can get it afterwards. I doubt… Do you have any information about it?

Thank you, Chiara

First of all, I love this post. I’m studying right now, reading The Blue Guide. I find it difficult, because it’s rather dry. I do like jumping around a bit, going to different sections of the book. Is it necessary, in your opinion, to read it cover to cover? I also need to find out about the NYC traffic laws, for buses, as I hear that is a big part of the test. I’ve looked at Cram and Quizlet and found some things on there to be really silly (eg, showing a picture of the Statue of Liberty and asking “What is this statue?”) I’m worried that the whole test is going to be things like “What was Peter Stuyvesant’s hat size?” or some such thing. There should be a Barron’s book for this test! “

@Al: Not necessary to read cover to cover. I’d peruse for the main facts but focus on the Cram and Quizlet questions! 🙂

Thanks Jessie!

Hi Jessie, your information is very helpful, thank you for sharing. Honestly, I have been thinking of,”There are such good people, who spend time to help the other’s find their way out. Thank you again, I’m studying on it now. I was a tourist guide in Turkey in the languages Dutch and French. Now I’m studying the Blue Guide. My question is, how can I reach those agencies who needs tourist guides in Dutch, French and Turkish after I get the license ? Thank yo u. Pinar

@Pinar: Thank you for the kind words and you’re welcome. To be honest I’m not sure. I don’t work for the city nor do I speak other languages fluently, so I only guide in English. I would do a Google search on it, or maybe start your own guiding company offering these services. Best of luck!

Hello Jessie, Your article is so helpful and that inspires me a lot!! Thank you so much. I’m proud of you. As far as i work as an editor for New York CIty guide book in Japanese(for Japanese tourists), i’ve been interested in studying about THIS AMAZING CITY, NYC!! as you said. I totally understand what you are saying and happy to share your passion. Now I started to study for the exam with blue guide. I just realized it was so interesting to discover this city. Of course the goal is to pass the exam, but beyond that this is good chance to learn New York CIty and study “English” for me as well :). Thank you for sharing your story! Best, Mayumi

Love the enthusiasm! 🙂 Enjoy your read and good luck with the exam!

Hi — I hit button by accident on the last one–Fun reading about your experience taking the test.. I wonder if you know If Lic can be renewed every year or do you have to retest. I took the test a while back– when the woman old me I passed i didn’t believe her,Yes the test is ridiculous. My drivers Lic is good for like 5 years — why in the world do I need to retest for Guide Lic!!!!!

Awaiting your answer Thnks

@Shelly: I believe you have to re-pay a certain fee every two years.

I want to be a New York city guide for French speaking people. (I was born and raised in Paris.) Looking into the requirements for this kind of work, (license etc…) I came across your site. I like the way you approach the job. I am going back to France for a couple of months, when I am back, in June, I’ll keep in touch. Looks like I can learn a lot from you. Thank you for all the tips. I did order those books you recommended. Excellent reading while visiting France! (He he…) (That’s LOL in French) Merci beaucoup.

@Simon: Thank you for the kind words. Best of luck! 🙂

Are they open questions or multiple choice?

Outstanding information! THANK YOU JESSIE! I can not seem to find if the test is “multiple choice” or “fill-in”. If “fill-in”, how specific do answers need to be? How often are the tests offered? How long does a license last? After getting a license, does one need to “re-test” every few years or take some type of “continuing education” courses? THANKS AGAIN! I want to put together a walking tour of The Bronx, in my opinion, very much forgotten…

PS Are there any “prep” books or “test exams” officially printed by some publishers?

@Simon: You don’t retest and the test is a variety of question types. If you read the post I list a number of books that will help you study. Those are my recommendations 🙂

Hello jessica I am French and ihave been living in NYC for 2 months. I plan becoming tour guide because I have already experience as tour guide in Greece, Chile and Trinidad Tobago.

I bought the blue book and started studying. It is very detailed and it is not easy to remember everything. Moreover I.have noticed the different examples with cram and quizlet.com you offer.

I would like you to confirm me if the exam is in fact a multiple choice questionnaire. I only saw an example of test from 2012 with different types of exercises.

Have you a multiple choice questionnaire from other years?

I would be grateful if you could give me a piece of advice in order to clarify and make easier my learning.

Regards, Sebastien

Hi There, I can’t seem to find the address of where one goes to write the exam.. I know it’s near Bowling Green, but no exact address. Can u help me?? Much thx, Patricia.

@Patricia: It’s been awhile since I took the exam. Here is more info though: http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dca/downloads/pdf/businesses/Sightseeing-Guide-Study-Reference.pdf

Best of luck!

jessie, one term on the test was famtour,,,,what are the other terms they ask for? RF

@Russell: I took the test at this point over 2 years ago so your best bet is to study the Blue Book listed in the post. They ask manyyyyy terms and questions. Best of luck!

Jessie Thank you for posting and answering many questions. What is the percentage of questions we get at the test that are in Quizlet and Cram? Would you say 70? 80? 100%? Thank you!

@Jerry: At this point it’s been over two years since I’ve taken the exam, so am not sure. Just study as hard as you can, as the questions can always change.

Hi Jesse. I really liked your post. I’m an Italian Travel Blogger and I’d like to follow your steps becoming a tour guide in the States, after many years passed traveling back and forth. Do you have any tip to help me out with that? Being an Italian Citizen can I take the test with no problem? How can I work there after passing the test, as at the moment I do not have a Working Visa? Many thanks, Alessandro

@Alessandro: You’d need to contact the Department of Consumer Affairs with these questions. They’ll have the most up to date answers. Thanks!

Thanks for the info. Thinking about starting a bicycle tour through NYC. Quentin Morgan

Thanks for the fun read!! I’m planning on getting my license soon, and was wondering if you have to fill in forms and applications before you go for the test, or do that after the test? Their website isn’t so clear!! Thanks!!

@Doron: I believe before!

Just passed the NYC Sightseeing test. Thank you so much for your help here, Jessie! Fortunately, I had none of the bureaucratic hassles you encountered. I went at about 11:00 and the whole process was quick and painless. I used Quizlet, studied hard, and scored 129. It took about 90 minutes.

Jessie: Could you recommend a couple of companies to contact that might be good for a newbie to get his feet wet? I would like to give walking tours. Again, thank you so very much!

@Henry: Congrats! Unfortunately I don’t. I have my own photo tour company. You’d really need to contact each company individually to see who is hiring.

@Henry did the Quiz and Study questions in the above help with the test, did they ask similar questions? Did you also study Blue Book?

@Gino: Yes, they helped. The Blue Book is also recommended.

Thanks for this article, it’s both informative and gives me courage to give it a try! What I am mostly worried and ignorant of, is the economic side to it. First off, what kind of business entity you use to be a tour guide (are you a freelancer? LLC?) and if you need to have that sorted before you get your license, and some clarifications regarding the text on the sightseeing laws (for example, the stipulation that you are to charge no more than $1 per person per hour, but I see tours that cost $40 and I don’t understand it).

If you have any insight to any of these queries I’d greatly appreciate it!

@John: You don’t need to be a business entity at all. It totally depends on what kind of business you want to have (or you can work for someone else). And I’ve never heard that you can’t charge more than $1 per person per hour. There’s no way that can be true (otherwise nobody would still be in business). Hope this helps!

1/ When you are taking the test, if you skip a question, can you return to it later? 2/ Can you prepare for the test through self-study with the resources you recommend? Or is a formal course essential? 3/ Does the test focus entirely on New York City history, geography, etc.? Or are there also questions directed specifically to guides about conduct, advertising, fees etc.?

@Jack: Yes, you can prepare through self-study. And it’s more toward history, geography and culture. As for the format, I took my test a few years ago but I believe you can go back. Hope this helps!

Hi Jessie! How are you? I will be taking the test soon. I am curious about the child support form that you mentioned. Where should I fill it? Do I need do provide any extra documents for this?

Super helpful!

Thank you everyone for all your posts! I am a native NY’er and just started studying for the exam myself and that Blue Book is a bit of a bore and a lot of information, I almost wanted to give up. I’ve checked out quizlet and looks like a much easier way to absorb some of the information. any additional tips are greatly appreciated! I know I will be happy once completed and passed!

I am also studying now and find the blue book a snoozer. Not sure how anyone can retain all that info or decifer what’s important for the test. This post helped alot, so thanks for that! Wish I had a study partner or that there were a formal course, which i understand used to be the case. Not clear on whether or not the quizlet and cram sites cover everything…

Jessie: Thanks for a very helpful article. I had a friend who took the test and then started working with a tour company here in NYC. Do you think that is the best way to start? Thanks!

@Tom: As far as I know the information should all be relevant to today! 🙂 And yes, that’s smart.

Awesome! Appreciate the quick reply. Have a great weekend!

Also, since ou wrote this story a few years ago, is there anything you would add or update based on feedback from tour guides that you know? Thanks!

Dear Jessie – Thanks a lot for all of the info here! I just passed the exam with a score of 140 relying almost exclusively on the Cram and Quizlet websites. No problem that they date from 2012. When info there was confusing, I was able to clarify with The Blue Guide’s short entries. It’s also a good idea to know streets and bridges where tour buses are NOT allowed; the current list of tourist sites on Staten Island; the defense of construction of the Twin Towers after they fell; and some specifics about visual artists of The Harlem Renaissance. Pay attention to subway info too. Good luck to everyone! Thanks again. (I’m thrilled.) Elizabeth

HI Jessie. Thanks for your tips I have my license in the first time!!! THANKS A LOT!! I have 99 correct (It´s not 120like youbutI´m spanish and Im living here since may only. Can u give me any advise about jobs or tips? Ihave read that I havent got to pay in museums or similars but I feel so lost, Thanks a lot

@Felipe: I actually started my own company, but check out the guide society of NYC!

Hi! Very interesting post. Does anyone know if non NYC residents can apply to the license? The application form asks for a social security number so I don’t know if that’s mandatory. Thank you!

Thank you Jessie, I just passed 2 days ago with a 126 out of 150 relying on Cram and Quizlet, hugely. I studied through the internet just a little bit getting more information to prepare me for the test, but a friend of mine who is a tour guide gave me Quizlet over 3 years. I look forward to seeing you out there working as a fellow tour guide.

I just passed with score 141! Can’t wait to get my license!

Thanks for all the info! As a tour guide do you need to have some sort of insurance. I have not been able to find any info that says you do. Thanks in advance!

@Ed: It is a smart idea if the company you’re working for does not.

Thank you for the insight and inspiration! I share your enthusiasm for exploring and showing off our City!

@Jeffrey: Always great to meet a fellow NYC-lover! 🙂

Have you already renewed your license? I read that a test is required to renew license. Is it the same test as the first time? or more complicated? where can i find question for renewal test?

LOL great story Jessie!!

Reminds me of my own experiences taking that exam and running my own tour business of the South Bronx many years ago. And I didn’t ace it like you, LOL! And the stories I have competing against that leviathan called the NYC Dept. of Tourism (now called NYC and Co.) are legendary.

I don’t live in NYC anymore – but best of luck, it looks like you’ll do our hometown proud!!

Thank you so much for the kind words! Would love to hear your stories one day!

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THE CITY – NYC News

Reporting to New Yorkers

How to Become a New York City Tour Guide

Who is a tour guide?

You have to be a licensed tour guide if you’re showing people around places or points of interest and charging them money for it. (Tours done for free don’t need to be licensed.)

The DCWP’s defines the work as “to guide or direct people to any place or point of public interest or to describe, explain, or lecture about any place or point of public interest to any person in connection with any sightseeing trip or tour within the city.”

A majority of tour guides do touring part-time as a second job or as their schedule permits — it’s an industry that is as friendly to students and actors as it is to retired or older people, according to guides THE CITY spoke to.

Joe Caffrey, a lifelong Staten Island resident, has led tours on and off since 2002 on buses, ferries and walking tours around the city, a gig that helped his wallet after 9/11 and during the 2008 financial crisis, he said — and allowed him to meet new people.

“Tour operators are not allowed to travel around the city unless there’s a tour guide in the bus, so I first started working on top of the buses,” Caffrey said. “That was a lot of fun and a little crazy because you’re up on this bus in the middle of the streets, you’ve got this microphone and traffic lights all around you, and you’re ducking your head and you’re telling people to stay seated.”

Does it pay well?

There is no minimum wage standard for the job, according to the main industry group, the Guides Association of New York (GANYC), but the hourly rate usually falls between $20 and $60, with some companies offering more.

And demand for guides may be on the rise, given increases in how many visitors have come to the city following a plunge in 2020. New York City is projected to see over 60 million tourists in 2023, up from nearly 57 million visitors in 2022, according to the New York State comptroller — nearly reaching the record 66.6 million who visited the city pre-pandemic in 2019.

And sometimes, tourists can be quite generous. Caffrey said he once had to buy cargo shorts after a boat tour because the happy clients on his tour tipped him $1,200 in singles and fives that he could not stuff into the pants he was wearing.

What are the application requirements to become a tour guide?

The DCWP will ask for:

An application form. Grab one here .
A photo ID, such as a driving license, green card or passport.
A passport-size photo.
Fees, which include an application fee of $50 and a license fee that differs depending on when you apply .
A passing grade on an exam (more on that below).

You can apply online or in-person at the DCWP Licensing Center or NYC Small Business Support Center.

What is the exam like?

Applying is fairly straightforward, but it does involve hitting the books, tour guides told THE CITY.

A day after you finish your application, you can schedule your exam on the DCWP’s portal, ExamBuilder , which you will have to take within 60 days of applying. The exam has 150 questions, and you have to get at least 97 of them correct to pass. (If you get 120, “a star will be placed next to your name on the DCA [now DCWP] Web site,” the study guide says.) You have up to four hours to complete it — but Caffrey said he finished his test in 45 minutes.

You can retake the exam within 10 days if you don’t pass, but taking it a third time will involve paying the fee again.

The questions will test your knowledge of New York City history, landmarks, culture and transportation routes and more. Here are a few of the categories on the DCWP’s study reference :

New York City neighborhoods
Architecture and basic New York City planning
Public sculptures of noted people
Ethnic studies and immigration patterns

A few books the DCWP suggests to read are “The Blue Guide,” “New York: A Guide to the Metropolis” and “Manhattan, Block by Block: A Street Atlas.”

Anina Young, a guide who’s been leading tours for over 20 years and has taken the exam four times for renewals, also recommended watching New York City documentaries, but noted that the exam tends also to test things that the everyday tourist might not care for, like driving laws and regulations or the history of a statue, that are nevertheless important to know if you plan to lead a tour.

“A good percentage of the questions and answers on the test are things that the tourists never ask about and things that would be very odd to include on your tour,” she noted, “unless you are doing like a historical statue tour of New York City — which, you know, my gosh, you can’t swing a dead cat without hitting a statue in New York City.”.

Exams used to be taken with a paper test and a proctor, Young said, but now most of the process — from the application to scheduling the exam — can be done online. You still have to go to a test center to take the exam.

You can also request disability and language accommodations online at [email protected] or [email protected] . You can reschedule using the portal, or by calling (646) 974-8244.

What kinds of tours can I lead?

Most newer tour guides join an existing tour operator business, like the double-decker bus companies or boat tour operators, to start.

You can also choose to lead your own walking tours, subway tours, ferry tours and themed tours — for example, “Seinfeld” tours, tours of Victorian Flatbush and Malcolm X-themed tours of Harlem, Caffrey and Young said.

Young also offers a wheelchair-accessible tour of Central Park.

“I show people the Imagine Mosaic, the Strawberry Fields, Bethesda Fountain and Belvedere Castle, the rambles — but I show them how to get there with their chair,” she said. “I want everyone to enjoy … the park as much as I do. People who have to access the park differently than able-bodied people do are part of that everyone.”

Young has been in the game long enough to start her own business, but both she and Caffrey recommended GANYC, the guide association, as a place to start making inroads.

Jeremy Wilcox, an executive board member at GANYC and a full-time guide, also added that the association lets new guides meet older guides and different touring groups, learn how they lead their tours and find which type of tour suits them best.

“Though it’s predominantly walking, some guides will rent a nice town car, you’ll get driven around and they’ll give you commentary from the car,” Wilcox said. “There is as much variety as there are ways to get around New York.”

Most tours are walking tours these days, Wilcox added, because the double-deck bus companies laid off their tour guides in 2020 and haven’t rehired them, opting instead to have a pre-recorded tape guiding the bus through the tour.

Wilcox, Caffrey and Young all disapproved of this development — saying recorded tapes could cause errors if the bus was stuck in traffic, and did not make room for human connection and spontaneity.

Caffrey recalled one such memorable experience from his days atop a double decker.

“I once had a bus that had a husband and wife fighting, and the husband got off the bus and got on another bus,” he said. “And then later the bus he was on caught up with our bus and they began to fight from bus to bus. I said, ‘ladies and gentlemen, this is the last time I’ll let my parents come to visit me at work.’”

What happens if I lead a tour without a license?

The law says that you or the company you work for will likely get fined by the DCWP if you’re caught, Wilcox said. If you’re self-employed, then you’ll be stopped from leading tours until you’re in compliance.

The DCWP said all enforcement for sightseeing guides is complaint-based and the potential penalty for violating the rule is $100 for each day of the violation.

How can I be a successful guide?

Get ready to answer a lot of questions and tap into your patience — as a people-facing business, tour guides are always bantering, experts said.

“You’ve got to be good on your feet,” advised Young. “And you have to have a very good file cabinet of knowledge in your brain.”

Finally, leave room for questions and reactions, even if you have a script, Wilcox said.

“A good guide knows that you never deliver the same tour,” he said.

Have more questions about becoming a New York City guide? Or want to share a little-known New York fact that you think others would like to know? Let us know at [email protected].

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Getting An NYC Tour Guide License – Tips And Truths – New York City

Published: September 8, 2023

Modified: December 27, 2023

by Saraann Benton

Plan Your Trip
Travel Essentials & Accessories
Travel Guide
Travel Tips

Introduction

Welcome to the bustling and vibrant city of New York! As one of the most iconic and popular tourist destinations in the world, New York City offers an incredible array of sights, sounds, and experiences for visitors to explore. Whether it’s the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan, the stunning beauty of Central Park, or the cultural richness of neighborhoods like Harlem and Greenwich Village, there is no shortage of attractions to discover in the Big Apple.

If you have a passion for sharing your love of New York City with others and want to turn it into a rewarding career, obtaining an NYC Tour Guide License is a great place to start. Becoming a licensed tour guide allows you to showcase the city’s history, culture, and hidden gems to visitors from around the world, all while immersing yourself in the energy and diversity that defines New York City.

But before you can lead groups through the bustling streets of Manhattan or offer insights into the historical significance of landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Times Square, there are a few important steps you need to take to obtain your NYC Tour Guide License. In this article, we will guide you through the process, provide you with tips for success, and shed some light on the truths of being an NYC Tour Guide.

So, get ready to embark on an exciting journey of becoming a licensed tour guide in the city that never sleeps. Let’s dive into the details of what it takes to obtain an NYC Tour Guide License and the rewarding opportunities that await you!

Understanding the NYC Tour Guide License

The NYC Tour Guide License is a credential issued by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, allowing individuals to lead and conduct tours within the city limits. It is a requirement for anyone who wants to work as a professional tour guide in New York City.

Obtaining the NYC Tour Guide License ensures that tour guides have a comprehensive understanding of the city’s history, landmarks, culture, and regulations. It also serves as a measure of trust and professionalism for tourists who are looking for knowledgeable guides to enhance their New York City experience.

The license specifies the type of tours a guide is authorized to conduct, such as walking tours, bus tours, or bike tours. It is important to note that different types of tours may have additional requirements or restrictions. For example, leading bike tours may require a separate license or certification.

The NYC Tour Guide License is valid for two years and must be renewed to continue working as a tour guide in the city. Renewal requires completing a certain number of continuing education hours to stay up-to-date on new developments and information about the city.

Having an NYC Tour Guide License also grants certain privileges, such as access to certain attractions, priority access to tickets, and the ability to provide a more immersive and interactive experience for tour participants.

Now that we have a basic understanding of the NYC Tour Guide License, let’s explore the eligibility requirements and steps involved in obtaining this coveted credential.

Eligibility Requirements

Before embarking on the journey of becoming a licensed NYC tour guide, it’s crucial to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs. Here are the basic eligibility criteria:

You must be at least 18 years old.
You must have a high school diploma, GED, or its equivalent.
You must have a good moral character and be free from any felony convictions.
You must have a strong command of the English language, as the NYC Tour Guide Exam is conducted in English.
You must be knowledgeable about New York City’s history, landmarks, attractions, and culture.
You must complete a New York City-approved tour guide training course.

Please note that additional requirements may apply based on the type of tours you wish to conduct. For example, if you plan to lead tours on topics like art, architecture, or specific neighborhoods, you may need to demonstrate specialized knowledge in those areas.

It’s also important to note that non-U.S. citizens are eligible to apply for an NYC Tour Guide License as long as they have appropriate work authorization.

Meeting the eligibility requirements is the first step towards obtaining your NYC Tour Guide License. Once you confirm that you meet these criteria, you can move forward with the application process, which involves completing an approved training course and passing the NYC Tour Guide Exam. Let’s explore the steps further in the next section.

Steps to Obtain an NYC Tour Guide License

Obtaining an NYC Tour Guide License involves several steps that you need to follow in order to successfully obtain the credential. Here is a breakdown of the process:

Complete an approved training course: The first step is to complete an NYC-approved tour guide training course. These courses provide in-depth knowledge about the city’s history, landmarks, culture, and regulations. They are designed to prepare you for the NYC Tour Guide Exam and ensure that you have the essential knowledge and skills to be a competent tour guide. There are various training providers in the city, and it’s important to choose a reputable and approved course.
Submit an application: Once you have completed the training course, you need to submit an application for the NYC Tour Guide License. This application can be submitted online through the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs website. Make sure to provide all the required information and supporting documents accurately.
Pay the application fee: Along with your application, you will be required to pay the necessary application fee. The fee covers the processing of your application and is non-refundable, even if your application is not approved.
Pass the NYC Tour Guide Exam: After your application is processed and approved, you will be eligible to take the NYC Tour Guide Exam. This exam assesses your knowledge of the city and your ability to accurately and effectively communicate information to tourists. The exam includes multiple-choice questions, open-ended questions, and an oral presentation. It’s essential to thoroughly prepare for the exam by reviewing course materials, studying relevant resources, and practicing your presentation skills.
Receive your license: Once you successfully pass the NYC Tour Guide Exam, you will receive your NYC Tour Guide License. This license allows you to legally work as a tour guide in New York City and opens doors to exciting opportunities in the tourism industry.

It’s important to note that the process of obtaining an NYC Tour Guide License may take some time, so it’s advisable to start the application process well in advance. Additionally, make sure to keep track of any deadlines and requirements provided by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs to ensure a smooth and successful application.

Now that you understand the steps involved in obtaining an NYC Tour Guide License, let’s move on to the next section, where we’ll discuss how to prepare for the NYC Tour Guide Exam.

Preparing for the NYC Tour Guide Exam

The NYC Tour Guide Exam is a comprehensive assessment of your knowledge and skills as a tour guide in New York City. It’s crucial to dedicate time and effort to prepare effectively for the exam. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

Review course materials: Go back to the materials provided in your approved training course. Review the content, take notes, and ensure that you have a solid understanding of the city’s history, landmarks, attractions, and culture. Pay attention to specific details and dates that may be asked in the exam.
Study additional resources: Expand your knowledge by studying additional resources about New York City. This can include books, documentaries, online articles, and official city websites. Familiarize yourself with current events, notable figures, and any recent developments that may be relevant to the exam.
Take practice exams: Practice exams are invaluable tools for preparing for the NYC Tour Guide Exam. These exams simulate the actual exam experience and help you become familiar with the types of questions that may be asked. Pay attention to any areas where you may need more practice and focus your studying accordingly.
Develop your presentation skills: The NYC Tour Guide Exam includes an oral presentation component. Practice speaking confidently and eloquently about different topics related to the city. Work on your presentation skills, such as clear articulation, engaging storytelling, and effective body language.
Take advantage of online resources: Utilize online resources that provide study guides, flashcards, and additional practice questions. These resources can offer different perspectives and help reinforce your understanding of the material.
Join study groups: Consider joining study groups with fellow aspiring tour guides. This allows you to exchange knowledge, discuss challenging topics, and support each other throughout the preparation process. Collaborative learning can be highly beneficial in improving your overall understanding and retention of the material.

Remember to pace yourself and give yourself enough time to review the material thoroughly. It can be helpful to create a study schedule and allocate specific time slots for different topics. This will ensure that you cover all relevant areas and minimize last-minute cramming.

By dedicating time to proper preparation, you can increase your chances of success in the NYC Tour Guide Exam and feel confident in your ability to share the wonders of New York City with visitors from all over the world.

Next, let’s discuss some tips to help you pass the NYC Tour Guide Exam with flying colors.

Tips for Passing the NYC Tour Guide Exam

The NYC Tour Guide Exam can be challenging, but with proper preparation and strategic approaches, you can increase your chances of passing the exam. Here are some helpful tips to help you succeed:

Study strategically: Focus on understanding the key themes and concepts related to New York City. Identify the most important landmarks, historical events, and cultural aspects, and ensure you have a solid grasp of their significance.
Practice time management: The NYC Tour Guide Exam has multiple sections, and each one has a specific time limit. Practice managing your time during the practice exams, so you can effectively allocate your time to different sections and complete all the questions within the given time frame.
Master the oral presentation: The oral presentation component is an opportunity to showcase your communication skills and ability to engage an audience. Practice delivering compelling and informative presentations, focusing on speaking clearly, maintaining eye contact, and utilizing engaging storytelling techniques.
Stay up-to-date with current events: New York City is a dynamic place, and events and developments can influence its tourism landscape. Stay informed about current events, new exhibits, temporary closures, or any changes that may affect the information you provide during the exam.
Review sample questions: Familiarize yourself with the types of questions that may appear on the exam. Look for sample questions or past exam papers that can give you an idea of the format and content. Practice answering them and assess your performance to identify areas where you may need to improve.
Utilize mnemonic devices: New York City is known for its abundance of landmarks and historical information. Use mnemonic devices, such as acronyms or visual associations, to help remember key facts and details. These devices can aid in recalling information during the exam.
Stay calm and confident: It’s natural to feel some nervousness before the exam, but it’s important to stay calm and confident. Remember that you have prepared diligently and trust in your knowledge and abilities. Take deep breaths, maintain a positive mindset, and approach each question with a focused and analytical mindset.

Remember that practice and persistence are key to success. Keep practicing with sample questions, revisiting course materials, and refining your presentation skills. Trust in the preparation you have done and believe in your ability to excel in the exam.

Now that you have learned valuable tips to help you pass the NYC Tour Guide Exam, let’s move on to the next section, where we will discuss the process of scheduling and taking the exam.

Scheduling and Taking the NYC Tour Guide Exam

Once you have completed your training and feel prepared for the NYC Tour Guide Exam, the next step is to schedule and take the exam. Here’s what you need to know about the process:

Scheduling the exam: You can schedule the NYC Tour Guide Exam online through the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs website. Select a date and time that works best for you, keeping in mind any other commitments or deadlines you may have. It’s advisable to schedule the exam well in advance to secure your preferred date.
Exam location: The exam is typically held at designated testing centers in New York City. Check the exam confirmation details provided to you after scheduling to know the exact location and any additional instructions.
What to bring: On the day of the exam, make sure to bring your identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, as well as the confirmation of your exam appointment. Additionally, bring any necessary writing materials, such as pens or pencils.
Exam format: The NYC Tour Guide Exam consists of multiple-choice questions, open-ended questions, and an oral presentation. The exam assesses your knowledge of New York City history, landmarks, attractions, culture, and communication skills as a tour guide. Be prepared for a comprehensive examination of your expertise.
During the exam: Read each question carefully and ensure you understand what is being asked before selecting your answer. For open-ended questions, provide detailed and concise responses. During the oral presentation, speak clearly and confidently, and showcase your ability to engage and inform an audience.
After the exam: Once you have completed the NYC Tour Guide Exam, you may need to wait for the results. The exact timeline for receiving your results may vary, but you will be notified by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs regarding the outcome. If you pass the exam, you will receive instructions on how to obtain your NYC Tour Guide License.

Remember to arrive at the testing center well-rested and prepared. Take your time while answering the questions, manage your time effectively, and give your best effort during the oral presentation. Stay calm and confident, trusting in the knowledge and skills you have acquired throughout your training and preparation.

Once you have successfully completed the exam and obtained your NYC Tour Guide License, you can begin your exciting journey as a licensed tour guide in the captivating city of New York.

Now that you understand the process of scheduling and taking the NYC Tour Guide Exam, let’s explore what you can expect after obtaining your license.

After Obtaining the NYC Tour Guide License

Congratulations on obtaining your NYC Tour Guide License! With your license in hand, you are officially recognized as a professional tour guide in the city of New York. Here’s what you can expect after obtaining your license:

Job opportunities: As a licensed tour guide, you have opened the door to a wide range of job opportunities. You can pursue employment with established tour companies, work as a freelancer, or even create your own tour business. Many attractions, museums, and cultural institutions in the city also hire licensed tour guides to enhance the visitor experience.
Showcasing your expertise: Your NYC Tour Guide License is a testament to your knowledge and abilities as a tour guide. Display it proudly and leverage it in your marketing materials, website, and professional profiles, demonstrating your credibility and expertise to potential clients and employers.
Continuing education: As a licensed tour guide, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and trends in the city. The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs requires licensed tour guides to complete a certain number of continuing education hours during each license renewal period. This ensures that you remain knowledgeable and informed about new attractions, cultural events, and important updates that can enhance your tours.
Networking opportunities: The tourism industry in New York City is vast and diverse, providing numerous opportunities for networking and collaboration. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with fellow tour guides to expand your network. Building relationships with others in the field can lead to referrals, collaborations, and valuable insights to further enhance your career.
Professional growth: Obtaining your NYC Tour Guide License is just the beginning of your journey as a tour guide. Continuously seek opportunities to develop your skills and expand your knowledge. Consider specializing in specific types of tours, such as food tours, architecture tours, or niche historical tours, to further differentiate yourself and cater to specific interests and markets.

Remember, being a licensed tour guide in New York City is not only about providing information but also about creating memorable experiences for your clients. Your passion, enthusiasm, and ability to engage and connect with people are what will set you apart.

Embrace the opportunity to showcase the wonders of New York City to visitors from around the world. Share your knowledge, stories, and love for the city, and create unforgettable experiences that will leave a lasting impression on your tour participants.

Now that you understand what awaits you after obtaining your NYC Tour Guide License, let’s uncover the truths about being an NYC Tour Guide in the next section.

Renewing the NYC Tour Guide License

Once you have obtained your NYC Tour Guide License, it is important to note that it is valid for a period of two years. To continue working as a tour guide in New York City, you will need to renew your license before it expires. Here’s what you need to know about renewing your NYC Tour Guide License:

Continuing education requirements: The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs requires licensed tour guides to complete a certain number of continuing education hours during each two-year license renewal period. These hours are designed to keep tour guides updated on new developments, regulations, and trends within the city. It is essential to stay informed and maintain a high level of knowledge to provide the best possible experience for your tour participants.
Renewal application: To renew your NYC Tour Guide License, you will need to submit a renewal application to the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs. The application can be completed online and will require you to provide updated information, such as any changes to your contact details or employment status.
Renewal fee: Along with your renewal application, you will be required to pay a renewal fee. The fee covers the processing of your application and helps support the administration of the licensing program. It is important to submit the payment on time to avoid any lapses in your licensing status.
Document verification: As part of the renewal process, you may be required to provide documentation to verify your continuing education completion. This documentation can include certificates of completion or transcripts from approved courses or training programs. Make sure to keep track of your continuing education records to streamline the renewal process.
Renewal timeline: It’s important to keep track of the expiration date of your NYC Tour Guide license to ensure that you initiate the renewal process on time. The renewal application should be submitted well in advance of the expiration date to allow for processing time. Late renewals may require additional documentation or result in a temporary lapse in your licensing status.

Renewing your NYC Tour Guide License demonstrates your commitment to staying current and maintaining the highest standards as a tour guide. It allows you to continue sharing your knowledge, passion, and love for the city with visitors from around the world.

By staying proactive and fulfilling the renewal requirements, you can ensure that your NYC Tour Guide License remains valid, enabling you to continue pursuing your career as a trusted and knowledgeable tour guide in the vibrant city of New York.

Now that you understand the renewal process, let’s uncover some truths about being an NYC Tour Guide in the next section.

The Truths about Being an NYC Tour Guide

Being an NYC Tour Guide is an exciting and rewarding career choice, allowing you to share your love for the city and its rich history with visitors from around the world. However, it’s important to understand the realities and truths about being an NYC Tour Guide. Here are some key truths:

Continuous learning: As an NYC Tour Guide, you are expected to have a deep knowledge of the city’s history, landmarks, attractions, and cultural significance. However, it’s important to acknowledge that the city is constantly evolving. New attractions, events, and historical discoveries can occur, and it’s crucial to stay informed and continuously learn to provide accurate and up-to-date information to your tour participants.
Adapting to different audiences: Every tour group is unique, with different interests, backgrounds, and levels of knowledge. As a tour guide, you will need to adapt your narration and delivery to suit the needs of each group. Whether you are leading a family tour or a corporate group, being flexible and adjusting your approach will ensure a memorable and engaging experience for everyone.
Navigating unpredictable situations: The nature of being a tour guide means that you may encounter unexpected situations or challenges. Weather changes, traffic disruptions, or unforeseen events can impact your planned itinerary. Being adaptable and having backup plans in place will help you navigate these situations smoothly and provide a positive experience for your guests.
Public speaking skills: As an NYC Tour Guide, you will be speaking in front of groups of people on a daily basis. Developing and honing your public speaking skills is essential to engage and captivate your audience. Confidence, clear communication, and the ability to convey information in an entertaining and accessible manner are vital traits of a successful tour guide.
Long and irregular hours: Being a tour guide often involves long and irregular hours. Tours can take place in the early mornings, late evenings, and even on weekends and holidays when tourists are most active. This flexibility is necessary to accommodate the needs of visitors and maximize your opportunities for bookings.
Customer service skills: Providing exceptional customer service is a fundamental aspect of being an NYC Tour Guide. It’s essential to be patient, friendly, and attentive to the needs and questions of your guests. Building rapport and creating a positive experience will leave a lasting impression and can lead to positive reviews, recommendations, and repeat business.

While being an NYC Tour Guide is undoubtedly fulfilling, it requires dedication, passion, and the ability to adapt to various situations. It’s an opportunity to embrace the diversity and richness of New York City and to inspire and connect with people from around the globe.

Embrace the truths of being an NYC Tour Guide, and with each tour, you’ll have the chance to make a lasting impact and create unforgettable memories for your tour participants.

After understanding these truths, you are ready to embark on a fulfilling journey as a licensed NYC Tour Guide. Good luck, and enjoy sharing the wonders of the Big Apple with the world!

If you need any further assistance or information, feel free to reach out. Happy guiding!

Congratulations on learning about the process of obtaining an NYC Tour Guide License and the exciting opportunities that come with it. By understanding the eligibility requirements, steps to obtain the license, exam preparation tips, and the truths of being an NYC Tour Guide, you are well-equipped to embark on this fulfilling career path.

Being an NYC Tour Guide allows you to showcase the city’s rich history, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture to visitors from all walks of life. It’s a chance to connect with people, share your passion for the city, and create memorable experiences that will leave a lasting impression.

Remember to approach the exam preparation process strategically, making use of study materials, practice exams, and additional resources to enhance your knowledge. Focus on developing your presentation skills and staying informed about current events and developments in the city.

Obtaining your NYC Tour Guide License is only the beginning. Continuously seek opportunities for professional growth, stay up-to-date with the latest information, and strive to provide exceptional customer service to your guests.

Being an NYC Tour Guide comes with its own set of challenges and realities. Adaptability, flexibility, and excellent communication skills are key to navigating the ever-changing nature of the tourism industry while providing unforgettable experiences for your clients.

As you embark on your journey as a licensed NYC Tour Guide, embrace the opportunities for continuous learning and personal growth. Network with fellow tour guides, join professional associations, and seize every chance to expand your knowledge and enhance your skills.

Now, armed with the knowledge and insights provided in this article, you are ready to take on the challenge of obtaining your NYC Tour Guide License and sharing the wonders of New York City with the world. Best of luck on your exciting and rewarding journey as an NYC Tour Guide!

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Hell's Kitchen attitude, New York state of mind

How to Become a New York City Tour Guide

Who is a tour guide?

You have to be a licensed tour guide if you’re showing people around places or points of interest and charging them money for it. (Tours done for free don’t need to be licensed.)

Does it pay well?

What are the application requirements to become a tour guide.

The DCWP will ask for:

What is the exam like?

You can retake the exam within 10 days if you don’t pass, but taking it a third time will involve paying the fee again.

What kinds of tours can I lead?

Caffrey recalled one such memorable experience from his days atop a double decker.

What happens if I lead a tour without a license?

How can i be a successful guide.

Get ready to answer a lot of questions and tap into your patience — as a people-facing business, tour guides are always bantering, experts said.

Have more questions about becoming a New York City guide? Or want to share a little-known New York fact that you think others would like to know? Let us know at [email protected].

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GANYC is the association of professional tour guides in New York City. Learn More

Celebrate GANYC's 50th Anniversary on March 1st at the 92nd Street Y!

This year marks GANYC's 50th Anniversary, and we're celebrating with a huge party (open to all) at the 92nd Street Y on March 1.

Become a GANYC Member!

If you have a NYC sightseeing guide license, we welcome you to join us. Benefits include networking opportunities, members-only tours + events, optional liability insurance, and more!

GANYC Events and Public Meetings

Our monthly meetings are open to the public and take place in venues across the five boroughs. GANYC members are also welcome to exclusive site visits and FAM (Familiarization) tours offered by fellow guides. GANYC guides offer FAM tours to their peers to receive invaluable feedback and to practice new tours.

Any licensed NYC tour guide is eligible for GANYC membership! Join us at our next monthly meeting and learn the benefits of being a GANYC Guide.

Sign Up for the GANYC Newsletter

How to Become a New York City Tour Guide

This is your guide on how to become a New York City Tour Guide. Always refer to the current NYC.gov sites for the most up-to-date qualifications.

Do you love meeting new people and being their “New York City expert”?

Do you have friends who come to visit New York City and you are the first person they ask to be their personal tour guide?

Did you grow up in the New York area and have a true passion for New York City and its history?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, you are a great candidate to applying for the NYC tour guide License and becoming a New York City tour guide.

Becoming a sightseeing guide is a simple process, but there are ways to make the process even easier. By following these steps, you will be a tour guide in no time.

But it doesn’t just stop with taking a test and flashing your tour guide ID card around town; you must continually be learning. Keep reading for some top tips to skyrocket you into your new sightseeing guide role.

There are a plethora of tours in NYC.

The magnitude of choices gives you the power to decide what type of tour guide you want to be. Popular topics of discussion for sightseeing guides include:

NYC history
Food and Beverage Niches (ethnic food, desserts, taverns)
Fitness Tours
Celebrity homes/ movie film locations

Before you decide which niche you want to tackle, you need to become licensed.

The law states that “ You must have a Sightseeing Guide license to guide or direct people to any place or point of public interest or to describe, explain, or lecture about any place or point of public interest to any person in connection with any sightseeing trip or tour within the city.” – The department of consumer’s affairs

You can take Mike and Sarah who are visiting from Kentucky around NYC without being licensed, but most tourists want to know they are being led around by someone who is licensed.

Even if you decide to create your own tours, legally you cannot take more than 20 people around NYC without the license. Plus, if you decide to work for a tour company, most of them require you to have a license. The NYC tour guide license also shows business owners and tourists that you take pride in your job, and are serious about your new position. Check out a walking tour of FiDI here .

The Application Process for the NYC Tour Guide License:

Go to the NYC Consumer Affairs website to start gathering everything you will need.
Items required to get your NYC tour guide license include: a photo ID, passport photo, approximately $50 (depending on when you apply), and the application filled out online, or in person.
You must be a NYC resident with proof and a social security number to apply
PRO TIP: You must take the test within 30 days of applying! Don’t apply, and then start studying. The test is heavily based on historical moments and very specific sculptural questions, as well as traffic laws for buses. Do not give yourself only 30 days to study, you will regret it.

Small white dice spelling the word "study"

Studying Options

Consumer Affairs can provide you with a list of studying materials for the NYC tour guide exam. The problem is that some of the books are VERY outdated on the list. The Ethnic New York book was written in the 1980’s, so unfortunately most of the restaurants they speak of, have long closed. The number one book all tour guides will tell you to read is the Blue Guide. The book is very factual but boring.

There is also always the easy way out, you can use Cram . People who have either previously taken the test, or have access to the test, complied 500 questions that may or may not be on the test. Search “NYC sightseeing guide” on the website for the cards you will need.

The NYC Tour Guide Test

You will take the test in person at the DCA Licensing Center, 42 Broadway, in Manhattan. The office resembles a DMV, you take a number and wait to be called. From personal experience, the room was very hot, so make sure you bring water.

You will be told that you are not allowed to leave the room until you have finished unless it is an emergency. Be prepared to be seated next to someone, taking the same test as well.

The exam consists of 150 questions.

You must answer a minimum of 97 questions correctly to pass the NYC tour guide exam. If you answer over 120, you get a special asterisk* next to your name saying that you are a smarty pants. They will tell you immediately if you pass or fail, right there in the licensing office.

You’ve Passed the NYC Tour Guide Exam ! Now What?

Now that you have passed congrats! You now have two options, work for a tour company or lead your own private tours. **Don’t worry if you don’t pass, you will be allowed to take it again for free one more time.

If you decide to be an employee of a NYC tour company, it will either be paid by tips from the guests on the tour, with no base pay; or you will be paid a base pay per tour, by the tour company itself.

Take some tours on your own or head to Little Italy in the Bronx for my self-guided food tour!

Both have advantages and disadvantages.

There tend to be more people on the free tours, so you have a greater chance of making more money, approximately $5-$10 per guest on the tour. However, the downside is that if the weather is not ideal, fewer people will show up, as it is “free”, so people tend to cancel without alerting the tour company. Also, if you do not keep the guests entertained, people may leave in the middle of the tour, or not tip you at all.

The advantage of working for a base-pay tour company is that you will be guaranteed money if people show up, (whether they like you or not), plus the guests may even tip you themselves, on top of what they paid for the tour. The disadvantage is that these tours tend to be smaller, so you have less chance of making additional tips, on top of your base pay from the tour company.

The third option is to run your own tours privately. The advantage is that you can set your own hours and prices, and the disadvantage is that you need to find clients. A website that can help you put your profile out to the world is called Show Around .

Whichever path you decide to take, the learning begins after you pass the NYC tour guide exam.

There are millions of resources out there to learn about New York City. Check out this list for some reference materials . The overall process of becoming a NYC tour guide is simple.

What will set you apart from other guides is to be engaging, and knowledgeable, and offer suggestions before and after the tour on where to dine or visit.

Many people on tours want to know more about this amazing city, or some have never been to NYC before and just want to meet a local.

Live, Eat, and breathe the Gotham City and you will succeed!

About your author

Gina has been a tour guide since 2015, running a wide range of tours in NYC on topics such as history, food, and prohibition. When she was living in the New York area, she also ran fitness tours through Central Park with Fit Tours NYC.

Did this post help you or a friend to become a guide? Let me know in the comments below!

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5 thoughts on “How to Become a New York City Tour Guide”

Thank you very much for this info. Very helpful

You are very welcome, good luck if you take the test!

Indeed. Thank you very much for this info. Very helpful

Hi Gina….I am considering being a part time guide as I have another job. So all this info was insightful! However, in a few articles or blogs that I’ve read as well as the New York City consumer affairs website there is no mention of any insurance requirements. If you start your own tour guide company are you required to have insurance? Thank you in advance for your reply!

As far as I know, if you are just guiding people privately, you do not need insurance. I already had some as I was a personal trainer at the same time so I was already paying for coverage. But my educated guess would be that you will need it, if you are transporting people anywhere. You can look into Next Insurance, very cheap to cover walking people around also. If you register as a small business in NYC I am pretty sure you will need it also.

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How to Study for the NYC Tour Guide Test

How to study for the NYC tour guide test can be a daunting task. This test covers the five boroughs, one-way streets, and small streets, and requires 97 correct answers or 64 percent. With such a high pass rate, it’s crucial to prepare for it as best as you can. Here are some ways to study:

New York City’s biggest cultural attraction

The National September 11 Memorial and Museum is the main tribute to the victims of the September 11th attacks. The museum features an extensive permanent collection with interactive displays, genuine artifacts, and a one-acre twin reflecting pool. Surrounding the pools are bronze panels that bear the names of every victim of the attacks. Founded in 1870, the Met has been a landmark in the history of the city and is a must-visit for any visitor to New York.

Another highlight of the museum is the scale model of the city. This colourful model was commissioned for the 1964 World’s Fair and offers a detailed aerial view of the city in miniature. It is an excellent place to spend a couple of hours if you only have a limited amount of time. Its enchanting design is sure to inspire wonder. And, if you can afford it, you’ll love the interactive display of antique railroad cars.

Exam questions

Several resources are available to help you prepare for the NYC tour guide test. The Consumer Affairs website provides a list of resources that you can use to prepare. Some of these resources are outdated, like a book on ethnic New York, which was written in the 1980s. Regardless, the Blue Guide is the most popular study tool used by tour guides. The Blue Guide is factual and boring, which makes it a great choice for those who want to get a guide license in New York City.

In 2003, the Department of Consumer Affairs updated the exam to better test the skills of licensed tour guides. Currently, the exam consists of 150 multiple-choice and true-false questions. Justin Ferate, the man who developed the current exam, aims to create an exam with fewer precise facts. Therefore, he drafted the questions with context, but other tour guides disagree, saying it is difficult to pass.

Sample questions

Before pursuing the license exam, you must have some knowledge about New York City. Among other things, you must know how to navigate Times Square, the odd ceiling of Grand Central Terminal, and Museum Mile, the newest district in the city. But in order to get your license, you need to pass a test that’s over 150 questions long, with a lot of irrelevant and obscure information. Luckily, there’s sample questions for the NYC tour guide test available.

You will also need a map of the NYC subway system, which is very handy when you’re guiding motor coaches. Some questions may require you to think about which locations you can pick up and drop off passengers. Then, you need to know how to navigate a bus without violating any road restrictions. But you must keep in mind that you must rule out answers that depend on restricted roads. Fortunately, there’s a solution to this problem: sample questions for the NYC tour guide test are available online.

Ways to study

Taking a NYC tour guide test is not an easy task. The test is 150 questions long, and you have to get 97 correct to pass. You must be well-versed in the five boroughs and know your way around small, one-way streets. Those who pass the test with a high score are considered “gold-star” tour guides. The exam is administered by the Department of Consumer Affairs. According to the DCA, there are over 2,600 tour guides licensed in the five boroughs. If you fail, you may be fined $100. Here are some ways to study for the NYC tour guide test.

You can use the NYC subway map to study for the sightseeing exam. You will need to know the restrictions of motor coaches in the city. This is because DCA expects drivers to know the rules. For example, charter buses can’t drive north of 42nd street. You can also use a city map to memorize the city’s main streets and subway stations. You can also look up the rules and regulations regarding charter buses on the DCA’s website.

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Do You Have What it Takes to Be an NYC Tour Guide?

More than 3,000 city-licensed tour guides offer curated experiences all year long.

"We are the faces of New York that tourists are seeing," says Jeremy Wilcox of the Guide Association of New York City (GANYC).

The Department of Consumer Affairs requires guides pass a licensing exam of 150 multiple choice and true/false questions. Tour guide Justin Ferate developed the current version of the exam in 2003.

Ferate says he didn't want to create an exam where one had to know precise facts. Instead, he drafted many questions as short paragraphs providing details and context, hoping it would aid one's ability figure out an answer.

Guide Bob Gelber says the exam wasn't difficult. He actually enjoyed it. Others disagree.

"If you talk to most guides, they’ll tell you it is certainly harder than they anticipated," Wilcox says.

Questions about all five boroughs test knowledge about such topics as history, art, food, entertainment, and religion.

"For me, it was all the questions dealing with the [Department of Transportation] regulations, where you can take buses, where you can drop people off," says Michael Dillinger, president of GANYC. "Those are really technical and every guide needs to know them."

Susan Burns agrees.

"I've had some issues with drivers who've come in here from another place, who've never been here before, and they don't understand about one-way streets and how small the streets are," she explains.

It may have tough questions, but the test taker need only get 97 questions correct, which is about a 64 percent, to get a license. And the department's data shows most who attempt pass. There's about a 95 percent rate.

To test whether a guide's book smarts translate to street smarts, three local guided tours were examined undercover revealing factual discrepancies were discovered in two.

On a tour through the Lower East Side, a guide stopped at a cemetery to mistakenly explain it was the "New York Marble – this is one of the first secular cemeteries in the city."

Though it’s correct that the New York Marble Cemetery, located on East 2nd between Bowery and Second Avenue, is the first secular cemetery opened to the public, that wasn't where the tour was stopped. The group was actually about one block away at the New York City Marble Cemetery, which was the second secular cemetery opened in the city.

On another tour through the Highline, a guide stopped next to Chelsea Market. "This whole block of brick buildings was purchased in March of this year," she states. "It was the largest real estate transaction ever in the history of the United States. These buildings were sold for $2.4 billion – with a B."

Google’s purchase of Chelsea Market certainly garnered attention for the price tag, but is not the most expensive real estate transaction in the United States. It's not even the most expensive in New York City. The GM building at 767 Fifth Avenue closed at around $2.8 billion in 2008.

Professional guides agree that it takes more than robotic citation of cold hard facts to be a great tour guide.

"Knowing how to make the information interesting because something like history, dates, might not be engaging to people," explains Wilcox.

Do YOU have what it takes to be an NYC tour guide? The creator of the licensing exam, Justin Ferate , shared with NY1 some sample questions similar to those appearing on the exam. Some questions are condensed for publication space. See if you know the answers!

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The Evolving Danger of the New Bird Flu

An unusual outbreak of the disease has spread to dairy herds in multiple u.s. states..

This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email [email protected] with any questions.

From “The New York Times,” I’m Sabrina Tavernise, and this is “The Daily.”

[MUSIC PLAYING]

The outbreak of bird flu that is tearing through the nation’s poultry farms is the worst in US history. But scientists say it’s now starting to spread into places and species it’s never been before.

Today, my colleague, Emily Anthes, explains.

It’s Monday, April 22.

Emily, welcome back to the show.

Thanks for having me. Happy to be here.

So, Emily, we’ve been talking here on “The Daily” about prices of things and how they’ve gotten so high, mostly in the context of inflation episodes. And one of the items that keeps coming up is eggs. Egg prices were through the roof last year, and we learned it was related to this. Avian flu has been surging in the United States. You’ve been covering this. Tell us what’s happening.

Yes, so I have been covering this virus for the last few years. And the bird flu is absolutely tearing through poultry flocks, and that is affecting egg prices. That’s a concern for everyone, for me and for my family. But when it comes to scientists, egg prices are pretty low on their list of concerns. Because they see this bird flu virus behaving differently than previous versions have. And they’re getting nervous, in particular, about the fact that this virus is reaching places and species where it’s never been before.

OK, so bird flu, though, isn’t new. I mean I remember hearing about cases in Asia in the ‘90s. Remind us how it began.

Bird flu refers to a bunch of different viruses that are adapted to spread best in birds. Wild water birds, in particular, are known for carrying these viruses. And flu viruses are famous for also being shapeshifters. So they’re constantly swapping genes around and evolving into new strains. And as you mentioned back in the ‘90s, a new version of bird flu, a virus known as H5N1, emerged in Asia. And it has been spreading on and off around the world since then, causing periodic outbreaks.

And how are these outbreaks caused?

So wild birds are the reservoir for the virus, which means they carry it in their bodies with them around the world as they fly and travel and migrate. And most of the time, these wild birds, like ducks and geese, don’t even get very sick from this virus. But they shed it. So as they’re traveling over a poultry farm maybe, if they happen to go to the bathroom in a pond that the chickens on the farm are using or eat some of the feed that chickens on the farm are eating, they can leave the virus behind.

And the virus can get into chickens. In some cases, it causes mild illness. It’s what’s known as low pathogenic avian influenza. But sometimes the virus mutates and evolves, and it can become extremely contagious and extremely fatal in poultry.

OK, so the virus comes through wild birds, but gets into farms like this, as you’re describing. How have farms traditionally handled outbreaks, when they do happen?

Well, because this threat isn’t new, there is a pretty well-established playbook for containing outbreaks. It’s sometimes known as stamping out. And brutally, what it means is killing the birds. So the virus is so deadly in this highly pathogenic form that it’s sort of destined to kill all the birds on a farm anyway once it gets in. So the response has traditionally been to proactively depopulate or cull all the birds, so it doesn’t have a chance to spread.

So that’s pretty costly for farmers.

It is. Although the US has a program where it will reimburse farmers for their losses. And the way these reimbursements work is they will reimburse farmers only for the birds that are proactively culled, and not for those who die naturally from the virus. And the thinking behind that is it’s a way to incentivize farmers to report outbreaks early.

So, OK, lots of chickens are killed in a way to manage these outbreaks. So we know how to deal with them. But what about now? Tell me about this new strain.

So this new version of the virus, it emerged in 2020.

After the deadly outbreak of the novel coronavirus, authorities have now confirmed an outbreak of the H5N1 strain of influenza, a kind of bird flu.

And pretty quickly it became clear that a couple things set it apart.

A bald eagle found dead at Carvins Cove has tested positive for the highly contagious bird flu.

This virus, for whatever reason, seemed very good at infecting all sorts of wild birds that we don’t normally associate with bird flu.

[BIRD CRYING]

He was kind of stepping, and then falling over, and using its wing to right itself.

Things like eagles and condors and pelicans.

We just lost a parliament of owls in Minneapolis.

Yeah, a couple of high profile nests.

And also in the past, wild birds have not traditionally gotten very sick from this virus. And this version of the virus not only spread widely through the wild bird population, but it proved to be devastating.

The washing up along the East Coast of the country from Scotland down to Suffolk.

We were hearing about mass die-offs of seabirds in Europe by the hundreds and the thousands.

And the bodies of the dead dot the island wherever you look.

Wow. OK. So then as we know, this strain, like previous ones, makes its way from wild animals to farmed animals, namely to chickens. But it’s even more deadly.

Absolutely. And in fact, it has already caused the worst bird flu outbreak in US history. So more than 90 million birds in the US have died as a result of this virus.

90 million birds.

Yes, and I should be clear that represents two things. So some of those birds are birds who naturally got infected and died from the virus. But the vast majority of them are birds that were proactively culled. What it adds up to is, is 90 million farmed birds in the US have died since this virus emerged. And it’s not just a chicken problem. Another thing that has been weird about this virus is it has jumped into other kinds of farms. It is the first time we’ve seen a bird flu virus jump into US livestock.

And it’s now been reported on a number of dairy farms across eight US states. And that’s just something that’s totally unprecedented.

So it’s showing up at Dairy farms now. You’re saying that bird flu has now spread to cows. How did that happen?

So we don’t know exactly how cows were first infected, but most scientists’ best guess is that maybe an infected wild bird that was migrating shed the virus into some cattle feed or a pasture or a pond, and cattle picked it up. The good news is they don’t seem to get nearly as sick as chickens do. They are generally making full recoveries on their own in a couple of weeks.

OK, so no mass culling of cows?

No, that doesn’t seem to be necessary at this point. But the bad news is that it’s starting to look like we’re seeing this virus spread from cow to cow. We don’t know exactly how that’s happening yet. But anytime you see cow-to-cow or mammal-to-mammal transmission, that’s a big concern.

And why is that exactly?

Well, there are a bunch of reasons. First, it could allow the outbreak to get much bigger, much faster, which might increase the risk to the food supply. And we might also expect it to increase the risk to farm workers, people who might be in contact with these sick cows.

Right now, the likelihood that a farmer who gets this virus passes it on is pretty low. But any time you see mammal-to-mammal transmission, it increases the chance that the virus will adapt and possibly, maybe one day get good at spreading between humans. To be clear, that’s not something that there’s any evidence happening in cows right now. But the fact that there’s any cow-to-cow transmission happening at all is enough to have scientists a bit concerned.

And then if we think more expansively beyond what’s happening on farms, there’s another big danger lurking out there. And that’s what happens when this virus gets into wild animals, vast populations that we can’t control.

We’ll be right back.

So, Emily, you said that another threat was the threat of flu in wild animal populations. Clearly, of course, it’s already in wild birds. Where else has it gone?

Well, the reason it’s become such a threat is because of how widespread it’s become in wild birds. So they keep reintroducing it to wild animal populations pretty much anywhere they go. So we’ve seen the virus repeatedly pop up in all sorts of animals that you might figure would eat a wild bird, so foxes, bobcats, bears. We actually saw it in a polar bear, raccoons. So a lot of carnivores and scavengers.

The thinking is that these animals might stumble across a sick or dead bird, eat it, and contract the virus that way. But we’re also seeing it show up in some more surprising places, too. We’ve seen the virus in a bottle-nosed dolphin, of all places.

And most devastatingly, we’ve seen enormous outbreaks in other sorts of marine mammals, especially sea lions and seals.

So elephant seals, in particular in South America, were just devastated by this virus last fall. My colleague Apoorva Mandavilli and I were talking to some scientists in South America who described to us what they called a scene from hell, of walking out onto a beach in Argentina that is normally crowded with chaotic, living, breathing, breeding, elephant seals — and the beach just being covered by carcass, after carcass, after carcass.

Mostly carcasses of young newborn pups. The virus seemed to have a mortality rate of 95 percent in these elephant seal pups, and they estimated that it might have killed more than 17,000 of the pups that were born last year. So almost the entire new generation of this colony. These are scientists that have studied these seals for decades. And they said they’ve never seen anything like it before.

And why is it so far reaching, Emily? I mean, what explains these mass die-offs?

There are probably a few explanations. One is just how much virus is out there in the environment being shed by wild birds into water and onto beaches. These are also places that viruses like this haven’t been before. So it’s reaching elephant seals and sea lions in South America that have no prior immunity.

There’s also the fact that these particular species, these sea lions and seals, tend to breed in these huge colonies all crowded together on beaches. And so what that means is if a virus makes its way into the colony, it’s very conducive conditions for it to spread. And scientists think that that’s actually what’s happening now. That it’s not just that all these seals are picking up the virus from individual birds, but that they’re actually passing it to each other.

So basically, this virus is spreading to places it’s never been before, kind of virgin snow territory, where animals just don’t have the immunity against it. And once it gets into a population packed on a beach, say, of elephant seals, it’s just like a knife through butter.

Absolutely. And an even more extreme example of that is what we’re starting to see happen in Antarctica, where there’s never been a bird flu outbreak before until last fall, for the first time, this virus reached the Antarctic mainland. And we are now seeing the virus move through colonies of not only seabirds and seals, but penguin colonies, which have not been exposed to these viruses before.

And it’s too soon to say what the toll will be. But penguins also, of course, are known for breeding in these large colonies.

Probably. don’t have many immune defenses against this virus, and of course, are facing all these other environmental threats. And so there’s a lot of fear that you add on the stress of a bird flu virus, and it could just be a tipping point for penguins.

Emily, at this point, I’m kind of wondering why more people aren’t talking about this. I mean, I didn’t know any of this before having this conversation with you, and it feels pretty worrying.

Well, a lot of experts and scientists are talking about this with rising alarm and in terms that are quite stark. They’re talking about the virus spreading through wild animal populations so quickly and so ferociously that they’re calling it an ecological disaster.

But that’s a disaster that sometimes seems distant from us, both geographically, we’re talking about things that are happening maybe at the tip of Argentina or in Antarctica. And also from our concerns of our everyday lives, what’s happening in Penguins might not seem like it has a lot to do with the price of a carton of eggs at the grocery store. But I think that we should be paying a lot of attention to how this virus is moving through animal populations, how quickly it’s moving through animal populations, and the opportunities that it is giving the virus to evolve into something that poses a much bigger threat to human health.

So the way it’s spreading in wild animals, even in remote places like Antarctica, that’s important to watch, at least in part because there’s a real danger to people here.

So we know that the virus can infect humans, and that generally it’s not very good at spreading between humans. But the concern all along has been that if this virus has more opportunities to spread between mammals, it will get better at spreading between them. And that seems to be what is happening in seals and sea lions. Scientists are already seeing evidence that the virus is adapting as it passes from marine mammal to marine mammal. And that could turn it into a virus that’s also better at spreading between people.

And if somebody walks out onto a beach and touches a dead sea lion, if their dog starts playing with a sea lion carcass, you could imagine that this virus could make its way out of marine mammals and into the human population. And if it’s this mammalian adapted version of the virus that makes its way out, that could be a bigger threat to human health.

So the sheer number of hosts that this disease has, the more opportunity it has to mutate, and the more chance it has to mutate in a way that would actually be dangerous for people.

Yes, and in particular, the more mammalian hosts. So that gives the virus many more opportunities to become a specialist in mammals instead of a specialist in birds, which is what it is right now.

Right. I like that, a specialist in mammals. So what can we do to contain this virus?

Well, scientists are exploring new options. There’s been a lot of discussion about whether we should start vaccinating chickens in the US. The government, USDA labs, have been testing some poultry vaccines. It’s probably scientifically feasible. There are challenges there, both in terms of logistics — just how would you go about vaccinating billions of chickens every year. There are also trade questions. Traditionally, a lot of countries have not been willing to accept poultry products from countries that vaccinate their poultry.

And there’s concern about whether the virus might spread undetected in flocks that are vaccinated. So as we saw with COVID, the vaccine can sometimes stop you from getting sick, but it doesn’t necessarily stop infection. And so countries are worried they might unknowingly import products that are harboring the virus.

And what about among wild animals? I mean, how do you even begin to get your head around that?

Yeah, I mean, thinking about vaccinating wild animals maybe makes vaccinating all the chickens in the US look easy. There has been some discussion of limited vaccination campaigns, but that’s not feasible on a global scale. So unfortunately, the bottom line is there isn’t a good way to stop spread in wild animals. We can try to protect some vulnerable populations, but we’re not going to stop the circulation of this virus.

So, Emily, we started this conversation with a kind of curiosity that “The Daily” had about the price of eggs. And then you explained the bird flu to us. And then somehow we ended up learning about an ecological disaster that’s unfolding all around us, and potentially the source of the next human pandemic. That is pretty scary.

It is scary, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by it. And I feel like I should take a step back and say none of this is inevitable. None of this is necessarily happening tomorrow. But this is why scientists are concerned and why they think it’s really important to keep a very close eye on what’s happening both on farms and off farms, as this virus spreads through all sorts of animal populations.

One thing that comes up again and again and again in my interviews with people who have been studying bird flu for decades, is how this virus never stops surprising them. And sometimes those are bad surprises, like these elephant seal die-offs, the incursions into dairy cattle. But there are some encouraging signs that have emerged recently. We’re starting to see some early evidence that some of the bird populations that survived early brushes with this virus might be developing some immunity. So that’s something that maybe could help slow the spread of this virus in animal populations.

We just don’t entirely know how this is going to play out. Flu is a very difficult, wily foe. And so that’s one reason scientists are trying to keep such a close, attentive eye on what’s happening.

Emily, thank you.

Thanks for having me.

Here’s what else you should know today.

On this vote, the yeas are 366 and the nays are 58. The bill is passed.

On Saturday, in four back-to-back votes, the House voted resoundingly to approve a long-stalled package of aid to Ukraine, Israel and other American allies, delivering a major victory to President Biden, who made aid to Ukraine one of his top priorities.

On this vote, the yeas are 385, and the no’s are 34 with one answering present. The bill is passed without objection.

The House passed the component parts of the $95 billion package, which included a bill that could result in a nationwide ban of TikTok.

On this vote, the yeas are 311 and the nays are 112. The bill is passed.

Oh, one voting present. I missed it, but thank you.

In a remarkable breach of custom, Democrats stepped in to supply the crucial votes to push the legislation past hard-line Republican opposition and bring it to the floor.

The House will be in order.

The Senate is expected to pass the legislation as early as Tuesday.

Today’s episode was produced by Rikki Novetsky, Nina Feldman, Eric Krupke, and Alex Stern. It was edited by Lisa Chow and Patricia Willens; contains original music by Marion Lozano, Dan Powell, Rowan Niemisto, and Sophia Lanman; and was engineered by Chris Wood. Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Andrew Jacobs.

That’s it for “The Daily.” I’m Sabrina Tavernise. See you tomorrow.

April 24, 2024 • 32:18 Is $60 Billion Enough to Save Ukraine?
April 23, 2024 • 30:30 A Salacious Conspiracy or Just 34 Pieces of Paper?
April 22, 2024 • 24:30 The Evolving Danger of the New Bird Flu
April 19, 2024 • 30:42 The Supreme Court Takes Up Homelessness
April 18, 2024 • 30:07 The Opening Days of Trump’s First Criminal Trial
April 17, 2024 • 24:52 Are ‘Forever Chemicals’ a Forever Problem?
April 16, 2024 • 29:29 A.I.’s Original Sin
April 15, 2024 • 24:07 Iran’s Unprecedented Attack on Israel
April 14, 2024 • 46:17 The Sunday Read: ‘What I Saw Working at The National Enquirer During Donald Trump’s Rise’
April 12, 2024 • 34:23 How One Family Lost $900,000 in a Timeshare Scam
April 11, 2024 • 28:39 The Staggering Success of Trump’s Trial Delay Tactics
April 10, 2024 • 22:49 Trump’s Abortion Dilemma

Hosted by Sabrina Tavernise

Produced by Rikki Novetsky , Nina Feldman , Eric Krupke and Alex Stern

Edited by Lisa Chow and Patricia Willens

Original music by Marion Lozano , Dan Powell , Rowan Niemisto and Sophia Lanman

Engineered by Chris Wood

Listen and follow The Daily Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music

The outbreak of bird flu currently tearing through the nation’s poultry is the worst in U.S. history. Scientists say it is now spreading beyond farms into places and species it has never been before.

Emily Anthes, a science reporter for The Times, explains.

On today’s episode

Emily Anthes , a science reporter for The New York Times.

Two dead pelicans are pictured from above lying on the shore where the water meets a rocky beach.

Background reading

Scientists have faulted the federal response to bird flu outbreaks on dairy farms .

Here’s what to know about the outbreak.

There are a lot of ways to listen to The Daily. Here’s how.

We aim to make transcripts available the next workday after an episode’s publication. You can find them at the top of the page.

Special thanks to Andrew Jacobs .

The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Dan Farrell, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Renan Borelli, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson and Nina Lassam.

COMMENTS

DCWP
Basic Individual License Application. Photo Identification (ID) of License Applicant. One Current Color Passport-size Photograph of License Applicant. Sightseeing Guide Exam and $50 Exam Fee. Granting Authority to Act Affirmation ( if applicable) License Fee. Submitting your application does not mean your license is automatically approved.
How To Become a NYC Tour Guide
NYC Department of Consumer & Worker Protection (DCWP) is responsible for issuing the tour guide license ("Sightseeing Guide License") and currently requires all applicants to be at least 18 years old, pay a fee and pass a computer-based multiple-choice examination in person in Manhattan. All licenses must be renewed every 2 years and have the ...
Getting An NYC Tour Guide License
After looking online, I knew the fee would be $100, so when the girl told me $115 I wanted to know why. "If you had come April 1 when the new filing season starts it would be $100. But because you came earlier you have to pay for having the license for extra time.". I felt my face pinch in and my head cock back.
How to Become a New York City Tour Guide
How to Become a New York City Tour Guide. You need a license to lead paid tours in New York City. Get ready to take a 150-question exam before you take a group of tourists out on the town. A tour guide leads a group in front of the Stock Exchange, May 4, 2023. Credit: Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY.
Getting An NYC Tour Guide License
Exam format: The NYC Tour Guide Exam consists of multiple-choice questions, open-ended questions, and an oral presentation. The exam assesses your knowledge of New York City history, landmarks, attractions, culture, and communication skills as a tour guide. Be prepared for a comprehensive examination of your expertise.
How to Become a New York City Tour Guide
How to Become a New York City Tour Guide. You need a license to lead paid tours in New York City. Get ready to take a 150-question exam before you take a group of tourists out on the town. Guide Michael Taback leading a tour of the Garment District in November 2021. Photo: Phil O'Brien. Divya Murthy, The City.
How to Become a Tour Guide in NYC
The test has to be taken in person and is administered at the DCA Licensing Centre in Manhattan. The best study resource dedicated entirely to the test is the online platform Cram. The exam ...
How to Become a New York City Tour Guide
May 07, 2023. I was recently interviewed for local publication The City for their article, ' How to Become a New York City Tour Guide '. The article explores how the NYC government legally defines a tour guide, the licensing and exam process to become a legal guide in the city, and what it takes to be a successful guide in a crowded industry.
New York City Tour Guide Exam Practice Questions
Want to be an NYC sightseeing guide? You'll need to pass a test first! Start by seeing if you can get these 10 practice questions. Have practice questions to...
NYC Tour Guide Exam Flashcards
NYC Tour Guide Exam 2022. Teacher 213 terms. koloo_deno. Preview. Slice 2 (b, c) Teacher 30 terms. mjpowell1. Preview. Cards Against Humanity: Black Cards. 60 terms. d8tpqn8jc5. Preview. Geo. ... What is the tallest structure in NYC outside of Manhattan? Citicorp Office building in Queens, at 663' , or 48 stories tall. ...
NYC Tour Guide Exam 2022 Flashcards
IMPROVED NYC Tour Guide Exam. Teacher 188 terms. Nutmegs_4. Preview. NYC Tour Guide Exam. 214 terms. joan_chiu. Preview. Unit 2 History. 48 terms. eliza_peerboom. Preview. HISTORY SET 1 INTERIM 2. 25 terms. caylynnconyers. Preview. Terms in this set (213) The physical size of the Bronx is approximately the equivalent of what European city?
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GANYC Events and Public Meetings. Our monthly meetings are open to the public and take place in venues across the five boroughs. GANYC members are also welcome to exclusive site visits and FAM (Familiarization) tours offered by fellow guides. GANYC guides offer FAM tours to their peers to receive invaluable feedback and to practice new tours.
How to Become a NYC Tour Guide
Go to the NYC Consumer Affairs website to start gathering everything you will need. Items required to get your NYC tour guide license include: a photo ID, passport photo, approximately $50 (depending on when you apply), and the application filled out online, or in person. You must be a NYC resident with proof and a social security number to apply.
IMPROVED NYC Tour Guide Exam Flashcards
NYC Tour Guide Exam 2022. Teacher 213 terms. koloo_deno. Preview. NYC Sightseeing Guide Exam (2023) Teacher 32 terms. koloo_deno. Preview. SNCOA - Test 3: Joint Warfighter. Teacher 156 terms. Jackline_Mwangi2. Preview. The Second Red Scare and McCarthyism. 22 terms. akiruri08. Preview. NYC Tour Guide Exam. 214 terms.
NYC Tour Guide License Exam Questions Flashcards
Where is a revolutionary war monument which honors some 11,500 patriots who died aboard British prison ships during the American Revolutionary War? Study Flashcards On NYC Tour Guide License Exam Questions at Cram.com. Quickly memorize the terms, phrases and much more. Cram.com makes it easy to get the grade you want!
How to Study for the NYC Tour Guide Test
Taking a NYC tour guide test is not an easy task. The test is 150 questions long, and you have to get 97 correct to pass. You must be well-versed in the five boroughs and know your way around small, one-way streets. Those who pass the test with a high score are considered "gold-star" tour guides. The exam is administered by the Department ...
Nyc Tour Guide License Exam Questions Flashcards
Where does the New York Ballet perform the Nutcracker Suite during Christmas time? David H Koch Theater - formerly the NY State Theater - which is part of the Lincoln Center for performing Arts. ... Nyc Tour Guide License Exam Questions. Share. 4.3 (8 reviews) Flashcards; Learn; Test;
Do You Have What it Takes to Be an NYC Tour Guide?
The GM building at 767 Fifth Avenue closed at around $2.8 billion in 2008. Professional guides agree that it takes more than robotic citation of cold hard facts to be a great tour guide. "Knowing ...
NYC Sightseeing Guide Exam (2023) Flashcards
NYC Tour Guide Exam. 214 terms. joan_chiu. Preview. NYC Tour Guide Exam 2022. Teacher 213 terms. koloo_deno. Preview. Western Civilization II CLEP. Teacher 370 terms. Tush3161. Preview. IBOLC COMP EXAM. Teacher 73 terms. session01. Preview. Chi Omega History (Final Test) Teacher 39 terms. muchiris. Preview. IBOLC Entrance Exam, IBOLC Entrance Exam.
New York DMV
If you are 18 or older you must sign the Online Permit Test Attestation for Applicants 18 Years of Age and Older (PDF) (MV-264) at a DMV office, in front of a DMV representative. Please note: DMV reserves the right to require additional testing of any Online Permit Test applicant prior to issuing the applicant's learner permit.
The Evolving Danger of the New Bird Flu
The Evolving Danger of the New Bird Flu. An unusual outbreak of the disease has spread to dairy herds in multiple U.S. states. April 22, 2024, 6:00 a.m. ET. Share full article. Hosted by Sabrina ...

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The Truth About Becoming A New York City Tour Guide

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How to Become a New York City Tour Guide

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Getting An NYC Tour Guide License – Tips And Truths – New York City

Introduction

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Preparing for the NYC Tour Guide Exam

Tips for Passing the NYC Tour Guide Exam

Scheduling and Taking the NYC Tour Guide Exam

After Obtaining the NYC Tour Guide License

Renewing the NYC Tour Guide License

The Truths about Being an NYC Tour Guide

How to Become a New York City Tour Guide

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Who is a tour guide?

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