Texas Boat Course Information
This article provides course information for Texas boaters, including who needs to take the course, course cost, registration requirements, expiration, and what happens after completion.
Who needs to take this course?
You need boater education in Texas if you are at least 13 years old, were born on or after September 1, 1993, and will be operating one of the following on Texas waters:
- A boat powered by a motor over 15 horsepower
- A personal watercraft
- A windblown vessel over 14 feet long
Boater education may also be required for certain violations of the Texas Water Safety Act.
Available courses
Texas courses are available through the following options:
- Boaterexam
- Boat-Ed
- Ilearntoboat
- BoatSmart!
Course information
| Course Information | Boaterexam | Boat-Ed | Ilearntoboat | BoatSmart! |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $49.95 + $10.00 state fee | $54.95 + $10.00 state fee | $74.95 + $10.00 state fee | $49.95 |
| Language(s) | English | English; Spanish | English | English |
| Chapters/Units | 9 Chapters | 6 Units | Interactive | 6 Modules |
| Format/Time | Online & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Online & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Interactive | Online & Timed, 3-hour minimum |
| Expiration | 90 days | 90 days | 90 days | No expiration |
| Extension(s) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Auto Renew | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Quizzes/Final Exam | Quizzes: 10 questions, 80% to pass or redo chapter. Final exam: 75 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Quizzes: 10 questions, 80% to pass or redo chapter. Final exam: 75 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Final exam: 75 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Quizzes: 9 questions, 80% to pass or retake module. Final exam: 50 questions, 2 hours, 80% to pass. |
| Age Restrictions | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Residency Requirement | No | No | No | No |
| Registration Requirement(s) | Gender, ethnicity, eye color, and hair color | Gender and ethnicity | Gender and ethnicity | Gender, race, and county |
| Post Course | Print temporary certificate immediately. Card is available on the state website within 10 days. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Card is available on the state website within 10 days. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Card is available on the state website within 10 days. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Card is available on the state website within 10 days. |
| Replacement Card | Handled by the state | Handled by the state | Handled by the state | Handled by the state |
Registration requirements
Registration requirements may vary by course option.
Students taking the Texas course may be required to provide:
- Gender
- Race
- Ethnicity
- County
- Eye color
- Hair color
Course expiration and extensions
Boaterexam, Boat-Ed, and Ilearntoboat expire after 90 days.
BoatSmart! does not expire.
Extensions are available for the following course options:
- Boaterexam
- Boat-Ed
- Ilearntoboat
BoatSmart! does not offer extensions.
Quizzes and final exam
Exam requirements may vary by course option.
Boaterexam: Quizzes include 10 questions. Students must score 80% or higher to pass or they must redo the chapter. The final exam includes 75 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
Boat-Ed: Quizzes include 10 questions. Students must score 80% or higher to pass or they must redo the chapter. The final exam includes 75 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
Ilearntoboat: The final exam includes 75 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
BoatSmart!: Quizzes include 9 questions. Students must score 80% or higher to pass or they must retake the module. The final exam includes 50 questions and has a 2-hour time limit. Students must score 80% or higher to pass.
After completing the course
After completing a Texas course, students can immediately print their temporary certificate.
Students will be emailed a link to access their Boater Education Certificate through Texas Parks and Wildlife after all certification requirements are completed.
The certificate is typically available on the state website within 10 days.
Replacement cards
Replacement certificates are handled through the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.
Students can search for and print their certificate from the state website: