Kentucky Boat Course Information
This article provides course information for Kentucky 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 boaters between the ages of 12 and 17 years old, who are unaccompanied, must have a Kentucky Boater Education Card to operate any motorized watercraft over 10 horsepower.
Available courses
Kentucky courses are available through the following options:
- Boaterexam
- Boat-Ed
- Ilearntoboat
- BoatSmart!
Course information
| Course Information | Boaterexam | Boat-Ed | Ilearntoboat | BoatSmart! |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $49.95 | $54.95 | $74.95 | $49.95 |
| Language(s) | English | English | English | English |
| Chapters/Units | 9 Chapters | 6 Units + Practice Exam | Interactive | 6 Modules |
| Format/Time | Online Only & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Online Only & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Online Only & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Online & Timed |
| Expiration | 90 days | 90 days | 90 days | No expiration |
| Extension(s) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Auto Renew | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Quizzes/Final Exam | Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Quizzes: 10 questions, 70% to pass or redo unit. Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Quizzes: 10 questions, 24 minutes, 80% to pass. Retake module if failed. Final exam: 50 questions, 2 hours, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. |
| Age Restrictions | No | No | No | 12-17 years old for 10+ horsepower |
| Residency Requirement | No | No | No | No |
| Registration Requirement(s) | No | No | No | 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. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. |
| Replacement Card | ilostmycard.com | ilostmycard.com | ilostmycard.com | ilostmycard.com |
Registration requirements
Registration requirements may vary by course option.
BoatSmart! students may be required to provide:
- Gender
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: The final exam includes 60 questions. 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 unit. 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.
BoatSmart!: Quizzes include 10 questions and have a 24-minute time limit. Students must score 80% or higher to pass. If a quiz is failed, the student 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. Students have unlimited attempts.
After completing the course
After completing a Kentucky course, students can immediately print their temporary certificate.
The physical card typically arrives in 3-5 weeks.
Age and operator requirements
A person must be 12 years old or older to operate a motorboat, including a personal watercraft, with 10 horsepower or more on Kentucky public waters.
Operators 12 to 17 years old may legally operate a motorized vessel over 10 horsepower, including a personal watercraft, only if they:
- Have passed an approved boating safety course and carry their boater education certificate on board
- Are accompanied on board by a person 18 years old or older
- Are accompanied on board by a person who has a boater education card
Replacement cards
Replacement cards are handled through ilostmycard.com.
Students who need a replacement card should visit: