California Boat Course Information
This article provides course information for California boaters, including who needs to take the course, course cost, registration requirements, expiration, and what happens after completion.
Important: California no longer offers reciprocity between states. If a student wants to obtain a California Boater Card, they must complete a California-approved boater safety course.
Note: We no longer issue temporary cards for California courses. Students receive a Certificate of Completion. To obtain a temporary card and have their California Boater Card mailed to them, students must apply through the California Boater Card website:
Apply for a California Boater Card:
http://californiaboatercard.com/applynow/
Important: Do not download a student’s certificate from their account and send it to them.
Who needs to take this course?
As of January 1, 2022, California law requires all boaters 45 years of age or younger to carry the California Boater Card. Beginning January 1, 2023, all boaters 50 years of age or younger are required to carry the Boater Card. All boaters, regardless of age, are required to obtain the card by 2025.
California does not accept reciprocity from other states.
Course information
| Course Information | Boaterexam | Boat-Ed | Ilearntoboat | BoatSmart! | Boat-Ed+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $49.95 | $54.95 | $74.95 | 1 Course - $49.95 | $79.95 |
| Language(s) | EN | EN; ES | EN | EN | EN |
| Chapters/Units | 9 Chapters | 6 Units | Interactive | 6 Modules | 4 Cruises / 24 Lessons |
| Format/Time | Online Only & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Online Only & Timed, 3-hour minimum | App/Online, 3 hours | Online & Timed | App/Online, 3 hours |
| Expiration | 90 days | 90 days | 90 days | No expiration | 90 days |
| Extension(s) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Renew | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Quizzes/Final Exam | Quizzes: 10 questions, 70% or redo chapter. Exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Quizzes: 10 questions, 80% or redo chapter. Exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Quizzes: 10 questions, 24 minutes, 70% to pass. Retake module if failed. | Exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. |
| Age Restrictions | No | No | No | No | No |
| Residency Requirement | No | No | No | No | No |
| Registration Requirement(s) | Eye color, hair color, and CA Application ID | CA Application ID | CA Application ID | CA Application ID | CA Application ID |
| Post Course | Print Certificate of Completion. State sends card after student applies. | Print Certificate of Completion. State sends card after student applies. | Print Certificate of Completion. State sends card after student applies. | Print Certificate of Completion. State sends card after student applies. | Print Certificate of Completion. State sends card after student applies. |
| Replacement Card | Handled by the state | Handled by the state | Handled by the state | Handled by the state | Handled by the state |
Registration requirements
Students taking the California course are required to provide a California Application ID during registration. This number is verified at registration.
Boaterexam students may also be required to provide eye color and hair color.
Students can apply for their California Application ID through the California Boater Card website:
http://californiaboatercard.com/applynow/
Course expiration and extensions
Most California courses expire after 90 days.
Extensions are available for the following course options:
Boaterexam
Boat-Ed
Ilearntoboat
BoatSmart!
Boat-Ed+
BoatSmart! does not expire.
Quizzes and final exam
Exam requirements may vary by course option.
Boaterexam: Quizzes include 10 questions. Students must score 70% or redo the chapter. The final exam includes 60 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
Boat-Ed: Quizzes include 10 questions. Students must score 80% or redo the chapter. The final exam includes 60 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
Ilearntoboat: The final exam includes 60 questions. Students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
BoatSmart!: Quizzes include 10 questions and have a 24-minute time limit. Students must score 70% or higher to pass. If a quiz is failed, the student must retake the module.
Boat-Ed+: The final exam includes 60 questions. Students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
After completing the course
After completing a California course, students can immediately print their Certificate of Completion.
We no longer issue temporary cards for California. To obtain a temporary card and have the official California Boater Card mailed, students must apply through the California Boater Card website:
http://californiaboatercard.com/applynow/
Replacement cards
Replacement cards are handled by the state of California. Students who need a replacement card should follow California’s state replacement card process.