Kansas Boat Course Information
This article provides course information for Kansas boaters, including who needs to take the course, course cost, registration requirements, expiration, and what happens after completion.
Who needs to take this course?
You need boater education in Kansas if you are 12 to 20 years old, are unaccompanied, and will be operating a motorized vessel, personal watercraft, or sailboat.
Available courses
Kansas courses are available through the following options:
- Boaterexam
- Boat-Ed
- Ilearntoboat
- BoatSmart!
Course information
| Course Information | Boaterexam | Boat-Ed | Ilearntoboat | BoatSmart! |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $49.95 | $54.95 | $74.95 | $49.95 |
| Language(s) | English | English | English | English |
| Chapters/Units | 9 Chapters | 6 Units + Practice Exam | Interactive | 6 Modules |
| Format/Time | Online Only & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Online Only & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Interactive | Online & Timed |
| Expiration | 90 days | 90 days | 90 days | No expiration |
| Auto Renew | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Extension(s) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| 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. | Final exam: 60 questions, 84% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Quizzes: 10 questions, 24 minutes, 70% to pass. Retake module if failed. Final exam: 50 questions, 75 minutes, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. |
| Age Restrictions | No | No | No | 12 years old |
| Residency Requirement | No | No | No | No |
| Registration Requirement(s) | Eye color and hair color | Gender and ethnicity | Gender and ethnicity | Gender |
| 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
Registration requirements may vary by course option.
Students taking the Kansas course may be required to provide:
- Eye color
- Hair color
- Gender
- Ethnicity
Course expiration and extensions
Boaterexam, Boat-Ed, and Ilearntoboat expire after 90 days.
BoatSmart! does not expire.
Extensions are available for the following course options:
- Boaterexam
- Boat-Ed
- Ilearntoboat
BoatSmart! does not offer extensions.
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: The final exam includes 60 questions, and students must score 84% 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. The final exam includes 50 questions and has a 75-minute time limit. Students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
After completing the course
After completing a Kansas course, students can immediately print their temporary certificate.
The physical card typically arrives in 3-5 weeks.
Age and operator requirements
Anyone under the age of 21 who wants to operate a motorboat, personal watercraft, sailboat, or sailboard without direct and audible supervision must complete an approved boater education course.
Direct and audible supervision means a person is on board the same vessel and close enough to the operator’s station to quickly and safely take control if needed.
The supervising adult must be at least 18 years old and must either:
- Have completed a boater education course
- Be exempt because they are over the age of 21
No one under the age of 12 may operate a motorized vessel without direct and audible supervision, even if they have completed an approved boater education course.
There is no minimum age to operate a sailboat if the operator has successfully completed an approved boating education course.
Motorboat and personal watercraft requirements
Anyone 12 to 20 years old must complete an approved boater education course to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft without direct and audible supervision.
This includes any vessel powered by a motor, including a trolling motor.
Sailboat requirements
Anyone 20 years old or younger must complete an approved boater education course to operate a sailboat without direct and audible supervision.
Paddlesports
A formal boating education course is not required to operate a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard in Kansas.
Replacement cards
Replacement cards are handled through ilostmycard.com for students who completed the course with us.
Students who completed the course in person should contact the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism at 620-672-5911.
Replacement card website: