Anyone who wants to hunt in Flanders must pass the hunting exam. It consists of two parts: first the theoretical hunting exam, then the practical hunting exam. Only after both parts can you apply for a Flemish hunting permit. Good preparation is important and can be done through training from jachtexamen.be.
Theoretical hunting exam ( First step)
The theoretical hunting exam is organized by Nature and Forest and is the first step.
Where and when in 2026?
The exam takes place at the Van den Heuvel Institute (KU Leuven, Leuven) on:
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Saturday 25 April 2026 (registration from 12 January to 9 March 2026)
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Saturday 30 May 2026 (registration from 27 April to 10 May 2026)
Who can participate?
Anyone who is at least 17 years old on the exam date.
Content and Strokes
The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions on:
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Legislation
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Fauna
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Hunting weapons and ammunition
To pass, you must achieve at least 50% per subject and 60% in total (36/60).
Cost
The registration fee is 70 euros (non-refundable).
Registration is done via [ https://natuurenbos.vlaanderen.be/e-loketten/jachtexamen ]
Practical hunting exam ( After passing theoretical hunting exam)
The practical hunting exam is organized once a year and tests whether you can hunt safely and competently.
Terms
You can only participate if you have a valid theoretical certificate (maximum 3 years old). In addition, an extract from the criminal record and a medical certificate are mandatory.
Where and when in 2026?
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Box 1 – Safe handling of firearms: 3 to 7 August 2026 (location to be determined)
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Section 2 – Shooting skills shotgun: 22 and 23 August 2026 (Herentals)
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Section 3 – Shooting skills shotgun: 10 to 12 August 2026 (Leopoldsburg)
Structure
The exam consists of three subjects:
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Safe handling of firearms and ammunition
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Shotgun Shooting Skills
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Shooting skills with the pellet gun
You must pass section 1 to participate in sections 2 and 3. Units remain valid for three years.
Cost
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Full exam: 180 euros
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Partial exemption: 40 to 100 euros
You can register via the e-portal between 4 May and 24 June 2026.
Start well prepared
Thorough preparation significantly increases your chances of success. Through a training course from [https://jachtexamen.be/] you can prepare for both the theoretical and the practical hunting exam.
