Get your NORTH CAROLINA Boating License Online with Boater Exam^®

Who needs to take the North Carolina boaters safety course?

All boaters born on or after January 1, 1988 must have a North Carolina Boater Education Card to operate a motorized watercraft of 10 HP or more. BOATERexam.com^® is a delegated provider for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

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Approved by the

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

Good for life!

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North Carolina Boating License

Complete the North Carolina Boaters Safety Course in
4 Easy Steps

Take your BOATERexam^® course and be certified for life!

Step 1

est. 2–3 mins

Sign Up

Step 2

est. 3–4 hrs

Study & Pass the Online Course

Take the course on desktop, tablet or mobile. We automatically save your progress so you can learn at your own pace.

Step 3

est. 1–5 mins

Print Your Temp Card Immediately

Pass the online exam and print your temporary boating license immediately.

Step 4

est. 0 mins

Go Boating!

Hit the water! You're all set to legally operate a boat.

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North Carolina Boater Safety Course

Any person born on or after January 1, 1988, must successfully complete a NASBLA-approved boating education course before operating any vessel propelled by a motor of 10 hp or greater.

Personal Watercraft (PWC) Age Requirements

There is a minimum age requirement of 14 years old, for those who wish to operate a PWC
All boaters who are at least 14 years old but less than 16, may operate a PWC only if they are under the direct supervision of a person who is either 18 years of age or older; or if they have successfully completed an approved boating safety education course

No one under the age of 16 may rent a PWC unless they have successfully completed an approved boating safety education course and are at least 14 years of age
Proof of age and safety course certificate must be with the youth during the operation of the PWC

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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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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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$34.95

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North Carolina Approved Boating License & Safety Course

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

This official North Carolina boating safety course is approved by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
1751 Varsity Drive
Raleigh, NC 27606
http://www.ncwildlife.org

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FAQs about getting a North Carolina Boating License

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

How much does the boat safety course cost?

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

What payment methods are accepted?

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

What is the "Certificate of Completion"?

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

What is the North Carolina Boater Education Card?

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

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

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

How can I get my North Carolina boating license?

You can obtain your North Carolina Boater Education Card in 3 easy steps:

Pay the one-time fee of $34.95 – free unlimited retries of the final exam
Study the North Carolina Boaters Safety Course, and pass the final exam
Print your Certificate of Completion, and receive your permanent North Carolina Boater Education Card in the mail within 8–10 business days

This official North Carolina boaters safety course is approved by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

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

The boater license is good for life.

Is anyone exempt from obtaining the North Carolina boating license?

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

Is there a time limit to complete the online course?

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.

How many questions are on the exam?

The exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions.

What is the passing grade?

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

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Get your NORTH CAROLINA Boating License Online with Boater Exam®