Massachusetts Boat Course Information
This article provides course information for Massachusetts 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 if you are 12 to 15 years old and will be operating a motorboat unsupervised in Massachusetts.
You also need boater education if you are 16 or 17 years old and will be operating a personal watercraft unsupervised.
Available courses
Massachusetts courses are available through the following options:
- Boat-Ed
- Ilearntoboat
Course information
| Course Information | Boaterexam | Boat-Ed | Ilearntoboat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Study Guide Only | $54.95 | $74.95 |
| Language(s) | English | English | English |
| Chapters/Units | Study Guide Only | 6 Units + Practice Exam | Interactive |
| Format/Time | Study Guide Only | Online & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Interactive |
| Expiration | N/A | 90 days | 90 days |
| Auto Renew | N/A | Yes | Yes |
| Extension(s) | N/A | Yes | Yes |
| Quizzes/Final Exam | N/A | Quizzes: 80% to pass or redo unit. Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Quizzes: 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. |
| Age Restrictions | N/A | 12 | 12 |
| Residency Requirement | N/A | No | No |
| Registration Requirement(s) | N/A | Gender, eye color, and hair color | Gender, eye color, and hair color |
| Post Course | N/A | Print temporary certificate immediately. Card arrives in 3-5 weeks. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Card arrives in 3-5 weeks. |
| Replacement Card | No card, study guide only | ilostmycard.com | ilostmycard.com |
Registration requirements
Students taking the Massachusetts course may be required to provide:
- Gender
- Eye color
- Hair color
Course expiration and extensions
Boat-Ed and Ilearntoboat expire after 90 days.
Extensions are available for the following course options:
- Boat-Ed
- Ilearntoboat
Quizzes and final exam
Exam requirements may vary by course option.
Boat-Ed: Students must score 80% or higher on quizzes or redo the unit. The final exam includes 60 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
Ilearntoboat: Students must score 80% or higher on quizzes. Students have unlimited quiz attempts. The final exam includes 60 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
Study guide information
The Boaterexam option is a free online study guide to help students prepare for the required classroom-based boating safety course.
The online study guide is not a substitute for the 8-hour class required to obtain certification. Students must successfully complete a state-approved boating safety education course.
After completing the course
After completing a Massachusetts course, students can immediately print their temporary certificate.
The physical card typically arrives in 3-5 weeks.
Age and operator requirements
Anyone 12 to 15 years old needs boater education to operate a motorboat unsupervised.
Anyone 16 or 17 years old needs boater education to operate a personal watercraft unsupervised.
Replacement cards
Replacement cards are handled through ilostmycard.com for students who completed the course with us.
Students who need a replacement card should visit: