Interactive Texas Boating Certificate Course
Go at your own pace — no timers! ilearntoboat.com is a delegated boating safety provider for the Texas Parks and Wildlife.
You need boating education in Texas if you are at least 13 years of age and were born on or after Sept. 1, 1993, and will be operating a boat powered by a motor of over 15 hp, a PWC, or a windblown vessel over 14 feet long on Texas waters.
This course is approved by the state of Texas and, once successfully completed, will result in your Texas Boating Certificate.
How to Get your Boating Certificate in 4 Easy Steps
Step 1
est. 2–3 mins
Sign Up
Sign up for your ilearntoboat® student account, pay for the course, and get started right away.
Step 2
Study & Pass the Online Course
Learn at your own pace on any device. We automatically save your progress, whether you take the course on desktop, tablet or mobile.
Step 3
est. 1–5 mins
Print Your Temporary Certificate Immediately
You're able to print your temporary boating certificate as soon as you've passed the online exam.
Step 4
est. 0 mins
Go Boating!
Time to make waves! You can now legally and confidently operate a boat.
Get Started
Start your interactive Boater Safety Course now and go at your own pace - no timers!
Why Take This Course?
| Feature |
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Other Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Texas-Approved boater education | ||
| No minimum time requirements | ||
| Complete the course in under 3 hours | ||
| Real-life situations | ||
| Role-playing simulations | ||
| Final exam |
The Boater Education Certificate
The Boater Education Certificate (often referred to as "Texas boating certification" or "Texas Boater Education Card") is proof that you have successfully completed all state-mandated boater education requirements.
Vessel operators who are required to have a Boater Education Certificate must carry their card on board the vessel and have it available for inspection by enforcement officers.
The Only Approved Interactive Boater Safety Course in Texas
This interactive course was developed in accordance with the standards set forth by NASBLA as well as meets the requirements of the Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Official course provider approved by:
Texas Parks and Wildlife
4200 Smith School Road
Austin, TX 78744
Get Started
Start your interactive Boater Safety Course now and go at your own pace - no timers!
The Only Gamified Interactive Course
Texas-Approved Boater Safety Education
Our interactive boater safety course satisfies all boater education requirements established by NASBLA and the Texas Parks and Wildlife.
No Minimum Time Requirements
Students complete our interactive courses at their own pace. Why? There are no timers—ever!
Complete the Course at your own pace
Instruction that engages the brain using both words and images has been shown to significantly increase student retention and comprehension. When you combine interactive learning with no minimum time requirement, it’s easy to understand why many of our students complete their boater education.
Real-Life Situations
Make choices for your character that will earn you awards and allow you to move through levels by applying what you’ve learned about boater safety throughout the challenges.
Role-Playing Simulations
We made sure to include plenty of mini-games and realistic simulations to keep you engaged along the way. Earn achievement badges as you master trip planning, emergency preparation, and safety operations. Crack all of the levels, and you will be awarded your boating education certificate.
Texas Boating Laws and Regulations
Texas law requires boater education for all boaters born on or after Sept. 1, 1993, and will be operating a motorized boat powered by a motor of more than 15 horsepower, a PWC, or a windblown vessel over 14 feet long in Texas.
Texas Age and Operator Restrictions
A person under the age of 13 years may operate a vessel only if he or she is supervised by a person who:
- Is at least 18 years of age or older and…
- Can lawfully operate the watercraft and…
- Is on board when the vessel is underway.
Texas Boater Education Requirement Enforcements
Texas law enforcement officers patrol the waterways to make your boating experience safe and pleasant. Cooperate with them by following the laws and guidelines.
Not carrying your Boater Education Card when one is required can result in a fine.
Get Started
Start your interactive Boater Safety Course now and go at your own pace - no timers!
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Using a personal watercraft is a great way to enjoy Texas waterways! However, safety is key. Boater education is required in Texas for anyone born on or after September 1, 1993, who wishes to operate a personal watercraft.
Here are some steps to follow when using a personal watercraft in Texas:
- If you were born on or after September 1, 1993, and plan to operate a personal watercraft in Texas, you must complete a state approved boater safety course and obtain a boater education certificate (sometimes referred to as a boating certificate).
- In Texas, it is illegal for anyone under the age 13 to operate a personal watercraft.
- Texas law requires that every person on board a personal watercraft wear a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD).
- Personal watercraft must not exceed 5 mph while within 50 feet of another vessel, person in the water, fixed object, or the shoreline.
- In Texas, personal watercraft must respect no-wake zones, these areas require all vessels to go slow enough that they do not create wakes.
- Avoid high-traffic zones, especially around docks, marinas, and other crowded areas.
- Be cautious of the wildlife, remember you are in their habitat, try to be respectful.
Failure to comply with Texas boating laws and regulations can result in fines or even criminal charges, so it is important to follow the rules and exercise caution at all times.
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Boating Safety Resources
For additional information and resources related to best boating safety practices, read through our latest blog posts.
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Texas Boating Certificate FAQs
Price and Payment
- How much does the Texas ilearntoboat Course cost?
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The Texas ilearntoboat Course fee is $59.95. You will also pay a $10.00 Texas Parks and Wildlife fee.
Taking the Course
- Do you need Texas Boating education?
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You need boater education in Texas if you were born on or after September 1, 1993, to operate a vessel powered by a motor with a manufacturer’s rating of more than 15 horsepower or a windblown vessel over 14 feet in length in Texas.
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Are there any age or operator restrictions for boating in Texas?
- What is the minimum age to take this online course?
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You must be at least 13 years old to take this online course.
- Do I have to be a resident to take the Texas ilearntoboat Course?
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You do not have to be a resident of Texas to take this online course.
Course Approval and Acceptance
- Is the Texas ilearntoboat Course approved by the Texas Parks and Wildlife?
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The Texas ilearntoboat Course is approved and accepted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).
- Is my Texas Boater Education Certificate accepted elsewhere?
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For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada's requirements.
Quizzes and/or Exams
- Do I have to take an online exam?
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The Certification Exam is the exam you take at the end of the online course. You must score at least 80% on the exam to pass. You have unlimited attempts to pass the exam. If you don’t complete the exam in one session, don’t worry. When you log in later, you will be taken to the first unanswered question of the exam.
About Your Certification
- What is the proof of online Texas ilearntoboat Course completion?
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Once you pass and pay for the online course, you will be able to immediately print out the Temporary Boater Education Certificate. This is your proof of online course completion. You can print the Temporary Boater Education Certificate right then, and/or request that a PDF be emailed to you. This certificate EXPIRES 60 days after course completion.
- What is the permanent Texas Boater Education Certificate?
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You'll be emailed a link to get your Boater Education Certificate by the Texas Parks and Wildlife 60 days after you complete all certification requirements.
Replacement of Lost or Damaged Documents
- How do I replace my Boater Education Certificate if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?
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To replace a lost, destroyed, or damaged Boater Education Certificate, go to https://tpwd.elementlms.com/am-i-certified/.
Customer Service
Your ilearntoboat course comes with a dedicated customer service team made up of real people, not robots. We’re here to provide assistance to you through all channels—phone, email, and chat.
We’re available to help you:
Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. CST, and
Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST
1-800-830-2268 (toll free)
