Virginia Boat Course Information
This article provides course information for Virginia boaters, including who needs to take the course, course cost, registration requirements, expiration, and what happens after completion.
Who needs to take this course?
All personal watercraft operators age 14 and older and all motorboat operators of 10 horsepower or greater, regardless of age, need to take a boating safety course.
Some exemptions may apply. See the exemptions section below.
Available courses
Virginia courses are available through the following options:
- Boaterexam
- Boat-Ed
- Ilearntoboat
Course information
| Course Information | Boaterexam | Boat-Ed | Ilearntoboat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $49.95 | $54.95 | $74.95 |
| Language(s) | English | English; Spanish | English |
| Chapters/Units | 9 Chapters | 6 Units | Interactive |
| Format/Time | Online & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Online & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Interactive |
| Expiration | 90 days | 90 days | 90 days |
| Extension(s) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Renew | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Quizzes/Final Exam | Quizzes: 10 questions, 90% to pass, unlimited attempts. No final exam for this course. | Quizzes: 10 questions, 90% to pass or redo unit. No final exam for this course. | Final exam: 60 questions, 90% to pass, unlimited attempts. |
| Age Restrictions | No | No | No |
| Residency Requirement | No | No | No |
| Registration Requirement(s) | Gender, eye color, and hair color | Gender | Gender |
| Post Course | Print temporary certificate immediately. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. |
| Replacement Card | ilostmycard.com | ilostmycard.com | ilostmycard.com |
Registration requirements
Registration requirements may vary by course option.
Students taking the Virginia course may be required to provide:
- Gender
- Eye color
- Hair color
Course expiration and extensions
Virginia courses expire after 90 days.
Extensions are available for the following course options:
- Boaterexam
- Boat-Ed
- Ilearntoboat
Quizzes and final exam
Exam requirements may vary by course option.
Boaterexam: Quizzes include 10 questions. Students must score 90% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts. There is no final exam for this course.
Boat-Ed: Quizzes include 10 questions. Students must score 90% or higher to pass or they must redo the unit. There is no final exam for this course.
Ilearntoboat: The final exam includes 60 questions. Students must score 90% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
After completing the course
After completing a Virginia course, students can immediately print their temporary certificate.
The physical card typically arrives in 3-5 weeks.
Exemptions
An operator may meet Virginia boating safety education requirements by:
- Passing a boating course approved by NASBLA and accepted by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
- Passing an equivalency exam offered by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
- Holding a valid vessel operation license from the U.S. Coast Guard
- Holding a marine certificate issued by the Canadian government
- Holding a Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Card
- Holding a Virginia temporary operator’s certificate
- Providing documentation of qualifying service in the U.S. Navy, U.S. Armed Forces, U.S. Coast Guard, or U.S. Merchant Marine
Replacement cards
Replacement cards are handled through ilostmycard.com for students who completed the course with us.
Students who took an internet course before January 1, 2009, may need to contact their original course provider.
If the student cannot be located through ilostmycard.com, they may need to contact the state for assistance.
Replacement card website: