Tennessee Boat Course Information
This article provides course information for Tennessee 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 if you were born after January 1, 1989, and will be operating a motorized vessel over 8.5 horsepower in Tennessee.
Available courses
Tennessee courses are available through the following options:
- Boaterexam
- Boat-Ed
Course information
| Course Information | Boaterexam | Boat-Ed |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $49.95 | $54.95 |
| Language(s) | English | English |
| Chapters/Units | 9 Chapters | 6 Units |
| Format/Time | Online & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Online & Timed, 3-hour minimum |
| Expiration | 90 days | 90 days |
| Extension(s) | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Renew | 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 or redo unit. Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. |
| Age Restrictions | No | No |
| Residency Requirement | No | No |
| Registration Requirement(s) | TWRA acknowledgment, gender, eye color, and hair color | TWRA acknowledgment, gender, ethnicity, eye color, and hair color |
| Post Course | 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 |
Registration requirements
Registration requirements may vary by course option.
Students taking the Tennessee course may be required to provide:
- TWRA acknowledgment
- Gender
- Ethnicity
- Eye color
- Hair color
Course expiration and extensions
Tennessee courses expire after 90 days.
Extensions are available for the following course options:
- Boaterexam
- 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 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.
After completing the course
After completing a Tennessee course, students can immediately print their temporary certificate.
The physical card typically arrives in 3-5 weeks.
Age and operator requirements
To operate a motorized vessel of more than 8.5 horsepower:
- Operators under 12 years old must have a supervisor on board who is at least 18 years old and able to take immediate control of the vessel.
- If the supervisor was born after January 1, 1989, they must also have a Boater Education Certificate issued by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
- Operators 12 years old or older who operate alone must have a Boater Education Certificate issued by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
- Operators under 16 years old may not rent a personal watercraft.
Replacement cards
Replacement cards are handled through ilostmycard.com for students who completed the course with us.
Students who need a replacement card should visit:
Students who took a proctored exam, an in-person course, or a course with a different provider may need to contact the state for replacement certificate options.