Iowa Boat Course Information
This article provides course information for Iowa boaters, including who needs to take the course, course cost, registration requirements, expiration, and what happens after completion.
Who needs to take this course?
Boater education is mandatory for anyone 12 to 17 years old who will operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower or a personal watercraft.
Available courses
Iowa courses are available through the following options:
- Boaterexam
- Boat-Ed
- Ilearntoboat
Course information
| Course Information | Boaterexam | Boat-Ed | Ilearntoboat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $49.95 + $5.00 state fee | $54.95 + $5.00 state fee | $74.95 + $4.50 state fee |
| Language(s) | English | English; Spanish | English |
| Chapters/Units | 9 Chapters | 6 Units + Practice Exam | Interactive |
| Format/Time | Online & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Online & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Interactive |
| Expiration | 90 days | 90 days | 90 days |
| Auto Renew | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Extension(s) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Quizzes/Final Exam | Quizzes: 10 questions, 80% to pass or redo chapter. Final exam: 75 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Quizzes: 10 questions, 80% to pass or redo unit. Final exam: 75 questions, 80% to pass. Students have 2 attempts or must repeat the course. | Final exam: 75 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. |
| Age Restrictions | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Residency Requirement | No | No | No |
| Registration Requirement(s) | Eye color, hair color, ethnicity, and IA Customer ID | Eye color, hair color, ethnicity, and IA Customer ID | Eye color, hair color, ethnicity, and IA Customer ID |
| Post Course | Print temporary certificate immediately. Card arrives in 3-5 weeks. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Card arrives in 3-5 weeks. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Card arrives in 3-5 weeks. |
| Replacement Card | ilostmycard.com | ilostmycard.com | ilostmycard.com |
Registration requirements
Students taking the Iowa course may be required to provide:
- Eye color
- Hair color
- Ethnicity
- IA Customer ID
If students do not have an IA Customer ID, they can create one through Go Outdoors Iowa:
https://license.gooutdoorsiowa.com/Licensing/CustomerLookup.aspx
Course expiration and extensions
Iowa courses expire after 90 days.
Extensions are available for the following course options:
- Boaterexam
- Boat-Ed
- Ilearntoboat
Quizzes and final exam
Exam requirements may vary by course option.
Boaterexam: Quizzes include 10 questions. Students must score 80% or higher to pass or they must redo the chapter. The final exam includes 75 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 higher to pass or they must redo the unit. The final exam includes 75 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have 2 attempts or must repeat the course.
Ilearntoboat: The final exam includes 75 questions. Students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
After completing the course
After completing an Iowa course, students can immediately print their temporary certificate.
The physical card typically arrives in 3-5 weeks.
Replacement cards
Replacement cards are handled through ilostmycard.com.
Students who need a replacement card should visit: