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Q. What is the Virginia Boating Safety Education Certificate?
A. The Virginia Boating Safety Certificate (also known as the Virginia Boating License or boaters
license) is proof that you have met the mandatory boat safety education requirements
for the State of Virginia. The Virginia Boating Safety Certificate
is good for life and does not need to be renewed.
Q. Boating License or Boating Safety Education Certificate... is there a difference?
A.The boating safety education certificate is proof that you have
successfully completed a boating safety course. The safety certificate does not
expire and does not need to be renewed. Therefore it is NOT a
Virginia 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 Virginia Boating Safety
Certificate?
A. Yes. You are not required to have a state driver's license in
order to obtain a boating safety education certificate.
Q. How can I get my Virginia Boating Safety Education Certificate?
A. You can obtain your Virginia Boating Certificate in 3 easy steps:
- Study the Virginia Boating Safety Course and pass the end of
chapter tests
- Make payment for the certificate after you've passed the course
- Print a temporary card and receive your permanent card in the mail within 3-5 weeks
Q. Who needs a Virginia boater license?
A. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries is gradually
phasing-in the mandatory boater education requirement that has been law since 2007.
In 2012 all personal watercraft (PWC) operators must meet the
requirement. A new block of boaters will be added each year until July 1, 2016 when
all boaters who are not exempt shall meet the requirement.
For more information please consult the Virginia boating
laws and regulations.
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. Payment
is collected once the online boating safety course has
been completed.
BoaterExam also offers some tips and tricks on passing
the boating license test for those who wish to further prepare for their course.
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 end of chapter tests.
Q.What do I need to pass the online boating safety course
A. You need a grade of 90% or higher on each of the end of chapter
boating license tests to pass the course. That means 9 correct answers out of 10 on
each of the tests.
Q. Can I review my Boater Exam answers?
A. Yes, once you have completed an end of chapter boat 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. At the end of each chapter of the boat safety course, you will
have the option of taking a practice test before you attempt the actual end of chapter
test. These are short boater exam practice tests that cover the same topics that
are present in the boating license tests.
Q. Is anyone exempt from obtaining the Virginia Boater License?
A. Yes, there are certain exemptions from the boat safety education
requirement. For more information, check out the Virginia
Boating Laws page.
Q. What are the technical requirements for the online boating safety course and
boating license test?
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Minimum
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Recommended
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Browser
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Internet Explorer 5.5+ or
Mozilla Firefox 1.0+
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Internet Explorer 7 or
Mozilla Firefox 2.0
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Operating System
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Windows 98 or
Mac OS 9
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Windows XP or
Mac OS X
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Screen Resolution
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800x600
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1024x768
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Internet Connection
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dial-up
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high-speed
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