Pennsylvania Boat Course Information
This article provides course information for Pennsylvania boaters, including who needs to take the course, course cost, registration requirements, expiration, and what happens after completion.
Who needs to take this course?
All boaters born on or after January 1, 1982, need boater education to operate a motorboat greater than 25 horsepower.
Anyone who operates a personal watercraft, regardless of age, must have a Pennsylvania Boating Safety Certificate.
Available courses
Pennsylvania courses are available through the following options:
Boaterexam
Boat-Ed
Ilearntoboat
Boat-Ed+
There is no BoatSmart! course for Pennsylvania.
Course information
| Course Information | Boaterexam | Boat-Ed | Ilearntoboat | Boat-Ed+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $34.95 + $10.00 card fee + $5.00 PFBC admin fee | $39.95 + $10.00 card fee + $5.00 PFBC admin fee | $54.95 + $10.00 card fee + $5.00 PFBC admin fee | $79.95 |
| Language(s) | EN | EN | EN | EN |
| Chapters/Units | 9 Chapters | 6 Units | 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 |
| Extension(s) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Renew | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Quizzes/Final Exam | Quizzes: 10 questions, 70% to pass or redo chapter. Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Quizzes: 10 questions, 70% to pass, unlimited attempts. Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | No quizzes. Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | No quizzes. Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. |
| Age Restrictions | No | No | No | No |
| Residency Requirement | No | No | No | No |
| Registration Requirement(s) | Eye color and hair color | Eye color and hair color | Eye color and hair color | N/A |
| Post Course | Print temporary certificate immediately. Permanent card is sent by the state in 4-6 weeks. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Permanent card is sent by the state in 4-6 weeks. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Permanent card is sent by the state in 4-6 weeks. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Permanent card is sent by the state in 4-6 weeks. |
| Replacement Card | Handled by the state | Handled by the state | Handled by the state | Handled by the state |
Registration requirements
Students taking the Pennsylvania course may be required to provide additional information during registration. This may include:
Eye color
Hair color
Registration requirements may vary by course option.
Course expiration and extensions
Pennsylvania 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 or they must 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 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.
Ilearntoboat: There are no quizzes. The final exam includes 60 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
Boat-Ed+: There are no quizzes. 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 a Pennsylvania course, students can immediately print their temporary certificate.
Processing and delivery of the permanent Boating Safety Education Certificate may take 30 to 40 days.
If the permanent card is not received within that timeframe, students should contact the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission for assistance.
Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission phone number:
888-723-4741
Name or date of birth changes
If a student needs to update their name or date of birth after completing the course, they may need to contact the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission for assistance.
Replacement cards
Replacement cards are handled by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission.
Students can apply for a replacement certificate by completing the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission replacement certificate form.
Replacement certificate form:
https://www.fishandboat.com/Forms-Permits/Documents/dupboatcert.pdf