Illinois Boat Course Information
This article provides course information for Illinois boaters, including who needs to take the course, course cost, registration requirements, expiration, and what happens after completion.
Who needs to take this course?
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1998, who will be operating a motorized vessel over 10 horsepower on Illinois waters needs boater education.
Available courses
Illinois courses are available through the following options:
Boaterexam
Boat-Ed
Ilearntoboat
Boat-Ed+
There is no BoatSmart! course for Illinois.
Course information
| Course Information | Boaterexam | Boat-Ed | Ilearntoboat | Boat-Ed+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $49.95 | $54.95 | $74.95 | $79.95 |
| Language(s) | EN | EN; ES | EN | EN; ES |
| Chapters/Units | 9 Chapters | 6 Units + Practice Exam | Interactive | 4 Cruises / 24 Lessons |
| Format/Time | Online & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Online & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Interactive | Interactive, 3-hour minimum |
| Expiration | 90 days | 90 days | 90 days | 90 days |
| Auto Renew | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Extension(s) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Quizzes/Final Exam | Quizzes: 10 questions, 70% to pass, unlimited attempts. Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Quizzes: 10 questions, 70% to pass or redo unit. Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. |
| Age Restrictions | 11 | 11 | No | 10 |
| Residency Requirement | No | No | No | No |
| Registration Requirement(s) | Eye color and hair color | Gender | Gender | N/A |
| Post Course | Print temporary certificate immediately. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. |
| Replacement Card | ilostmycard.com | ilostmycard.com | ilostmycard.com | ilostmycard.com |
Registration requirements
Students taking the Illinois course may be required to provide additional information during registration. This may include:
Eye color
Hair color
Gender
Registration requirements may vary by course option.
Course expiration and extensions
Illinois courses expire after 90 days.
Extensions are available for the following course options:
Boaterexam
Boat-Ed
Ilearntoboat
Boat-Ed+
Quizzes and final exam
Exam requirements may vary by course option.
Boaterexam: Quizzes include 10 questions. Students must score 70% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts. 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 70% or higher to pass or they must redo the unit. 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, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
Boat-Ed+: The final exam includes 60 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
After completing the course
After completing an Illinois course, students can immediately print their temporary certificate.
The physical card typically arrives in 3-5 weeks.
Age and operator requirements
Persons age 10-11 may operate a vessel powered by a motor of more than 10 horsepower only if they are under the direct onboard supervision of a person over 18 who has a Boating Safety Certificate.
Persons age 12-17 may operate a vessel powered by a motor of more than 10 horsepower only if they have a Boating Safety Certificate or are under the direct onboard supervision of a person over 18 who has a Boating Safety Certificate.
Supervising persons born on or after January 1, 1998, must have a valid Boating Safety Certificate.
Replacement cards
Replacement cards are handled through ilostmycard.com.
Students who need a replacement card should visit: