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Q. What is the Iowa Watercraft Safety Certificate?
A. The Iowa Watercraft Safety Certificate (also known as the Iowa boating license or boaters license) is proof that you have taken and passed a boating safety course approved by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. All boaters in Iowa between the ages of 12 and 18 are required to carry a valid watercraft safety certificate when operating on state waters. The Iowa Watercraft Safety Certificate is good for life and does not need to be renewed.
Q. Boating License or Watercraft Safety Certificate...is there a difference?
A.The watercraft safety certificate is proof that you have successfully completed a boating safety course. The certificate does not expire and does not need to be renewed. Therefore, it is NOT an Iowa Boating License although that's what most people call it since they are used to the term.
Q. I do not have a driver's license. Can I still get the Iowa Watercraft Safety Certificate?
A. Yes. You are not required to have a state driver's license in order to obtain a boater education card.
Q. How can I get my Iowa Watercraft Safety Certificate?
A. You can obtain your Iowa boating license in 4 easy steps:
- Study the Iowa Boating Safety Course
- Make payment for the exam after you've passed the course
- Pass the Iowa Boating License
- Print a temporary card and receive your permanent card in the mail within 4-6 weeks
Q. Who needs an Iowa boater license?
A. A watercraft safety certificate is required for all operators between 12 and 18 years of age who wish to operate a powered vessel on Iowa's waters. For more information please consult the Iowa boating laws and regulations page.
Q. How long is the boat safety course and boater license good for?
A. The boater license is good for life.
Q. How much does the boat safety course cost?
A.There is a one-time fee of $29.95 paid to BoaterExam and an additional state fee of $5.00 collected on behalf of the state for the boating safety certificate. Payment is collected once the online boating safety course has been completed, but before you can attempt the boating safety exam.
BoaterExam also offers some tips and tricks on passing the boating license test for those who wish to further prepare for their exam.
Q. Is there a time limit for the boat safety course or boating license test?
A. You can take the boat safety course at any time, day or night. There is no time limit to take the course or to pass the test.
Q.What do I need to pass the boating license test?
A. You need a grade of 80% or higher on the boating license test to pass. That means 60 correct answers out of 75.
Q. Can I review my Boater Exam answers?
A. Yes, once you have completed the boating license test and submitted all your answers they are graded immediately. You have the opportunity to review all your Boater Exam answers, whether you have passed or failed the Boater Exam.
Q. Are there Boater Exam practice tests or sample boater exam questions available?
A. Throughout the boat safety course, you can take end-of-chapter-quizzes that prepare you for the final exam. These chapter quizzes are short boater exam practice tests that cover the same topics that are present in the boating license test.
Q. What are the technical requirements for the online boating safety course and boating license test?
| |
Minimum |
Recommended |
| Browser |
Internet Explorer 5.5+ or
Mozilla Firefox 1.0+ |
Internet Explorer 7 or
Mozilla Firefox 2.0 |
| Operating System |
Windows 98 or
Mac OS 9 |
Windows XP or
Mac OS X |
| Screen Resolution |
800x600 |
1024x768 |
| Internet Connection |
dial-up |
high-speed |