Wisconsin Boat Course Information
This article provides course information for Wisconsin 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 on or after January 1, 1989, are at least 12 years old, and will be operating a motorized vessel on Wisconsin waters.
Available courses
Wisconsin courses are available through the following options:
- Boaterexam
- Boat-Ed
- Ilearntoboat
Course information
| Course Information | Boaterexam | Boat-Ed | Ilearntoboat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $49.95 | $54.95 + $1.00 state fee | $74.95 + $1.00 state fee |
| Language(s) | English | English | English |
| Chapters/Units | 9 Chapters | 6 Chapters + Practice Exam | Interactive |
| Format/Time | Online & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Online & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Interactive |
| Expiration | 90 days | 90 days | 90 days |
| Extension(s) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Renew | 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, unlimited attempts. Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. |
| Age Restrictions | No | No | No |
| Residency Requirement | No | No | No |
| Registration Requirement(s) | Gender, eye color, hair color, and WI DNR number | Gender, ethnicity, and WI DNR number | Gender, ethnicity, and WI DNR number |
| Post Course | Print temporary certificate immediately. Permanent certificate is available on the Wisconsin Go Wild account after the first day of the next month. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Permanent certificate is available on the Wisconsin Go Wild account after the first day of the next month. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Permanent certificate is available on the Wisconsin Go Wild account after the first day of the next month. |
| Replacement Card | Handled by the state | Handled by the state | Handled by the state |
Registration requirements
Registration requirements may vary by course option.
Students taking the Wisconsin course may be required to provide:
- Gender
- Ethnicity
- Eye color
- Hair color
- WI DNR number
Course expiration and extensions
Wisconsin 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 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. 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. Students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
After completing the course
After completing a Wisconsin course, students can immediately print their temporary certificate.
The permanent certificate is available on the student’s Wisconsin Go Wild account after the first day of the next month.
Age and operator requirements
No one under the age of 10 may operate a motorboat.
A person 10 or 11 years old may operate a motorboat only if accompanied by a parent, guardian, or a person at least 18 years old who has been designated by the parent or guardian.
A person born on or after January 1, 1989, and at least 16 years old may operate a motorboat or personal watercraft only if they have completed a boating safety course accepted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
A person at least 12 years old but less than 16 years old may operate a motorboat only if they:
- Are accompanied by a parent, guardian, or a person at least 18 years old designated by the parent or guardian
- Have completed a boating safety course accepted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
A person at least 12 years old but less than 16 years old may operate a personal watercraft only if they have completed a boating safety course accepted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Replacement cards
Replacement cards are handled by the state of Wisconsin.
Students can replace a lost, destroyed, or damaged Wisconsin Boating Safety Education Certificate through Wisconsin Go Wild: