Montana Boat Course Information
This article provides course information for Montana boaters, including who needs to take the course, course cost, registration requirements, expiration, and what happens after completion.
Who needs to take this course?
Boater education is required for all persons 13 or 14 years old who operate a personal watercraft or motorized watercraft over 10 horsepower on Montana waters, unless accompanied by someone 18 years old or older.
Available courses
Montana courses are available through the following options:
- Boaterexam
- Boat-Ed
- Ilearntoboat
Course information
| Course Information | Boaterexam | Boat-Ed | Ilearntoboat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $34.95 | $39.95 | $54.95 + $9.95 state fee |
| Language(s) | English | English | English |
| Chapters/Units | 9 Chapters | 6 Chapters + Practice Exam | Interactive |
| Format/Time | Online Only & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Online Only & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Interactive |
| Expiration | 90 days | 90 days | 90 days |
| Auto Renew | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Extension(s) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Quizzes/Final Exam | Quizzes: 10 questions, 70% to pass or redo chapter. Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Quizzes: 10 questions, 70% to pass or redo chapter. Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. |
| Age Restrictions | Only required for 13 and 14-year-old students | Only required for 13 and 14-year-old students | Only required for 13 and 14-year-old students |
| 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 or state replacement option | ilostmycard.com or state replacement option | ilostmycard.com or state replacement option |
Registration requirements
Registration requirements may vary by course option.
Students taking the Montana course may be required to provide:
- Gender
- Eye color
- Hair color
Course expiration and extensions
Montana 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 70% or higher to pass or they must redo the chapter. The final exam includes 60 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
Boat-Ed: Quizzes include 10 questions. Students must score 70% or higher to pass or they must redo the chapter. The final exam includes 60 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
Ilearntoboat: The final exam includes 60 questions. Students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
After completing the course
After completing a Montana course, students can immediately print their temporary certificate.
The physical card typically arrives in 3-5 weeks.
Age and operator requirements
In Montana, youths who are 13 or 14 years old may operate a motorboat or personal watercraft powered by a motor rated at more than 10 horsepower only if they:
- Have a valid Montana motorboat operator’s safety certificate
- Show proof of completing another state or organization’s NASBLA-approved boating safety course
- Are accompanied by someone 18 years old or older
Replacement cards
Replacement cards are handled through ilostmycard.com for students who completed the course with us.
Students who completed the course in person should contact Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks at 406-444-9948.
Replacement card website: