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Boater Exam Online

Who needs an Illinois Boating Education Certificate?

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1998 who operates a powered watercraft of 10hp or more needs a Boater Safety Certificate. BOATERexam.com® is a delegated provider for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

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Illinois Boating Education Certificate
Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Approved by the

Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Boating Education Certificate is good for life

Good for life!

Get your official
Illinois Boating License

Get your Illinois Boater Card in
3 Easy Steps

Take your Boater Exam and be certified for life!

Step 1: Study the Course

Study the Course

Watch, listen and learn

Step 2: Pass the Exam

Pass the Exam

Retries are always free

Step 3: Print your card

Print your card

Go boating right away!

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Illinois Boating Education Certificate

Who needs the Illinois Boater Card?

No person born on or after January 1, 1998, unless exempted by subsection, shall operate a motorboat with over 10 HP unless that person has a valid Boating Safety Certificate issued by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

You must be at least 11 years of age to complete this Illinois online boating safety course.

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Mobile Optimized

Boating safety course on an iPad and iPhone

Study on Any Device

From laptop to mobile phone to tablet, choose when and where to take your boating course and get your Illinois Boating Card.

Visual Exam Questions

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Visual Exam Questions Help You Learn

We found out a long time ago that people learn best when they can see what they're learning. Shouldn't you be tested the same way? Every one of our exam questions is illustrated to help you get your boating licence.

Engaging Videos

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Hundreds of Engaging Videos

Our Illinois boating license course features hundreds of rich engaging boating videos and animations. That means you aren't just reading: You're watching, listening and learning.

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Illinois Approved, Trusted Nationwide

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BOATERexam.com® is trusted by agencies across the United States to deliver the best of quality in boating safety education. Our courses consistently receive the highest level of approval from agencies and from boaters.

This official Illinois boating safety course is approved by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

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Illinois Department of Natural Resources
One Natural Resources Way
Springfield, IL 62702-1271
http://www.dnr.illinois.gov

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Illinois Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions about safe boating rules & regulations.

Q.

How much does the boat safety course cost?

A.

There is a one-time fee of $34.95 paid to BOATERexam.com®. It includes unlimited attempts at the final exam.

Q.

What payment methods are accepted?

A.

We accept payments by VISA, Mastercard, AMEX, PayPal, and Prepaid vouchers.

Q.

What is the "Certificate of Completion"?

A.

The Certificate of Completion is a temporary proof of competency and proves that you took a boater education course and passed.

Q.

What is the Illinois Boating Education Certificate?

A.

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

Q.

I do not have a driver's license. Can I still get the Illinois boater license?

A.

Yes. You are not required to have a state driver's license in order to obtain a Boating Education Certificate.

Q.

How can I get my Illinois boating license?

A.

You can obtain your Illinois Boating Education Certificate in 3 easy steps:

  1. Pay the one-time fee of $34.95 – free unlimited retries of the final exam
  2. Study the Illinois Boating Safety Course, and pass the final exam
  3. Print your Certificate of Completion, and receive your permanent Illinois Boating Education Certificate in the mail within 8-10 business days

Q.

How long is the boat safety course and boater license good for?

A.

The boater license is good for life.

Q.

Is anyone exempt from obtaining the Illinois boating license?

A.

Check out the Illinois Boating Laws page to see if there are any exemptions from the boat safety education requirement.

Q.

Is there a time limit to complete the online course?

A.

You can take the online course at any time, day or night. However, courses must be completed within 90 days of payment at which time your access to the course will expire.

Q.

How many questions are on the exam?

A.

The exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions.

Q.

What is the passing grade?

A.

The passing grade is 80%, or 48 correct answers out of 60 questions.

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