Frequently Asked Questions

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Q. What is the Wisconsin Boating Safety Certificate?

A. The Wisconsin Boating Safety Certificate (also known as the Wisconsin boating license or boaters license) is proof that you have met the mandatory boat safety education requirements for the State of Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Boating Safety Certificate is good for life and does not need to be renewed.

Q. Boating License or Boater Safety Certificate... is there a difference?

A.The boater education card is proof that you have successfully completed a boating safety course. The boater education card does not expire and does not need to be renewed. Therefore, it is NOT a Wisconsin Boating License!

Q. I do not have a driver's license. Can I still get the Wisconsin Boating 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 Wisconsin Boating License?

A. You can obtain your Wisconsin Boating Safety Certificate in 4 easy steps:

  1. Study the Wisconsin Boating Safety Course
  2. Make payment for the course after you pass the first chapter
  3. Pass the Wisconsin Boating License Test
  4. Print a temp card and receive your permanent card within 3-5 weeks

Q. Who needs a Wisconsin boater license?

A. Any operator of a motorboat or personal watercraft (PWC) who was born on or after January 1, 1989 must have a valid Wisconsin Boating Safety Certificate (boating license). For more information please consult the Wisconsin 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. What is a Wisconsin DNR number and how do I get one?

A. The Wisconsin DNR number is a lifetime customer number that is issued when you purchase a license or certificate from the DNR. This 9-digit number is located on all DNR licenses, certificates, and permits, including hunting & fishing licenses, as well as snowmobile or ATV registrations.

Before you can purchase your boating license, you must provide us with your DNR number. The DNR will NOT send you a boating safety certificate if you do not have a DNR number. If you do not currently have a DNR number or do not know your DNR number, you can contact the Wisconsin DNR customer service department at 1-888-936-7463.

More information on obtaining a Wisconsin DNR Customer Number »

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 you have passed the first chapter of the online course and is backed by BOATERexam.com's Risk-Free Policy.

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. You are required to spend a minimum of three hours in this timed online course and pass all chapter quizzes before you can take the final exam and obtain your Wisconsin boating license.

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 48 correct answers out of 60.

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. Is anyone exempt from obtaining the Wisconsin Boater License?

A. Yes, there are certain exemptions from the boat safety education requirement. For more information, check out the Wisconsin Boating Laws page.

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
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1. You will pass the course

Over 98% of our students pass the final exam on the first try! If, however, you don't pass the final exam, just give us a call and we'll issue a full refund.

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