Take your CALIFORNIA Boater Exam® Online
Who needs to take the California boaters safety course?
If you operate a motorized vessel on California waterways you will be required to have a California Boater Card. The law will be phased-in for all boaters over the next 8 years. BOATERexam.com® is a delegated provider for the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways.
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California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways
Good for life!
Get your official
California Boating Card
Complete the California Boaters Safety Course in
4 Easy Steps
Take your BOATERexam® course and be certified for life!
Step 1
Sign Up
Sign up for a Boaterexam® account, pay for the official course, and get started. It only takes a few minutes.
Step 2
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
Complete Additional State Requirements
As a final step, a state-required in-person component is needed to obtain certification.
Step 4
Go Boating!
Hit the water! You're all set to legally operate a boat.
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Who needs the California Boater Card?
California's boating education law went into effect January 1, 2018 for all persons 20 years of age and younger. The law will be phased-in for all boaters over the next 8 years. If you operate a motorized vessel on California waterways you will be required to have a California Boater Card. The California Boater Card is good for life.
| 2018 | 20 years of age or younger |
| 2019 | 25 years of age or younger |
| 2020 | 35 years of age or younger |
| 2021 | 40 years of age or younger |
| 2022 | 45 years of age or younger |
| 2023 | 50 years of age or younger |
| 2024 | 60 years of age or younger |
| 2025 | All persons regardless of age |
Does California Require a California Boating Education Card?
Yes. By 2025 all California boaters will be required to have a California boater card. Boat operators cited without a boater card may receive a fine of up to $100 for the first conviction, $250 for the second and $500 for the third.
Is a California Boater Card the same as a Boating License?
The California Boater Card is proof that you have successfully completed an approved boating safety course and allows you to go boating on state waterways. It is often mistakenly called the California boating license, however, because a California Boater Card does not expire and does not need to be renewed, it is not a license.
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From laptop to mobile phone to tablet, choose when and where to take your boating course and get your California Boating Card.
Visual Exam Questions
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.
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Hundreds of Engaging Videos
Our California boating course features hundreds of rich engaging boating videos and animations. That means you aren't just reading: You're watching, listening and learning.
$39.95
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California Approved Boating & 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 California boating safety course is approved by the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways.
California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways
1 Capitol Mall, Suite 500
Sacramento, CA 95814
http://www.dbw.ca.gov/
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California Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some common questions about safe boating rules & regulations.
Q.
How much does the boat safety course cost?
A.
Q.
What payment methods are accepted?
A.
Q.
What is the "Certificate of Completion"?
A.
Q.
What is the California Boater Card?
A.
The Boater Education Certificate is proof that you have successfully completed all the education requirements. The Boater Education Certificate will arrive within 1-2 weeks after you complete all certification requirements.
Q.
I do not have a driver's license. Can I still get the California boater license?
A.
Q.
How can I get my California boating license?
A.
The steps required to get your California Boater Card are as follows:
- Pay the one-time fee of $39.95 – free unlimited retries of the final exam
- Study the California Boaters Safety Course and pass the final exam
- Download your Certificate of Completion
- Upload your Certificate of Completion on the state website to obtain your California Boater Card
NOTE: For a complete overview of the California online boating exam process, please visit the California Boater Card website.
This official California boaters safety course is approved by the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways.
Q.
How long is the boat safety course and boater license good for?
A.
Q.
Is anyone exempt from obtaining the California boating license?
A.
Q.
Is there a time limit to complete the online course?
A.
Q.
How many questions are on the exam?
A.
Q.
What is the passing grade?
A.
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