Frequently Asked Questions
Common answers to common questions
Everything boaters ask us most — the course, the exam, your certificate, and what happens if you don't pass. If your question isn't here, we're one email away.
Getting started
What is Take My Boat Test?
Take My Boat Test is an online boater education provider accredited by NASBLA — the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. We build state-approved boating safety courses you can take from a phone, tablet or laptop, and we're based in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
Is the course legitimate and state-approved?
Yes. Our course materials and exams are NASBLA-accredited, and our courses are approved by the state agencies that issue the credential — the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in Florida, and the Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) in California. We report your completion to the state directly.
How long does the course take?
Most boaters finish in a single sitting. You are not on a clock: you get 90 days of access from the day you register, your progress saves automatically, and you can stop and pick up exactly where you left off as many times as you like.
Can I complete the course in more than one session?
Yes. Progress is saved per topic, so you can do a few chapters on your lunch break and finish later on a different device. Sign in and the course resumes at the topic you last had open.
Do I need anything special to take the course?
Just an internet connection and a device with a browser. There is nothing to install, and no in-person or on-water component — the whole course and exam are online.
Courses, pricing and which one you need
Which course should I take?
In Florida you have two options. The Florida Temporary Boaters Certificate ($13.97) is the fast route — it gets you a certificate valid for 90 days, which is ideal if you are renting a boat this weekend. The Florida Lifetime Boaters Certificate ($39.97) is the full NASBLA course that earns you the permanent FWC Boating Safety Education ID Card. In California, the California Boater Card course is $39.97.
Already took the temporary course — can I upgrade?
Yes, and you get credit for what you already paid. Buy the lifetime course and we credit the $13.97 you spent on the temporary one, so you pay the difference rather than starting over. Look for the emailed upgrade link, or contact us and we'll sort it out.
What does the course cover?
Safe boat operation and passenger safety, boat terminology and anatomy, required safety equipment, navigation rules, markers and lights, emergency and distress procedures, weather and water conditions, alcohol and boating law, and the regulations specific to your state.
Do you offer courses in other states?
Today we serve Florida and California. Additional states are in development — if you need a course for another state, email us and we'll tell you where it stands.
The exam
What score do I need to pass?
80% on the final exam, which is the standard the states require.
How many questions is the exam?
The Florida Temporary exam is 25 questions with no time limit. The Florida Lifetime exam is 76 questions and the California Boater Card exam is 61 questions; both allow up to three hours, which is far more time than most people use.
Is there a limit on how many times I can take the exam?
No, and retaking it does not cost anything extra. You can retake the exam as many times as you need within your 90-day access window at no additional charge. We would rather you passed than paid twice.
What happens if I don't pass?
Every course comes with our pass-or-refund guarantee. If you can't pass within your 90-day access window, ask us for a refund and you'll get one. Once you've passed and we've issued your certificate the course is complete, so refunds no longer apply at that point.
Certificates and cards
What do I get when I pass?
Your certificate is issued immediately — you can view, print and download it the moment you pass, and we email you a copy. We also report your completion to the state agency, which is what triggers your permanent card.
How do I get my permanent card?
In Florida, the FWC issues your permanent Boating Safety Education ID Card after we report your lifetime course completion. In California, the DBW issues the California Boater Card. Those cards come from the state, not from us, and typically arrive by mail within a few weeks. Your printed certificate is valid proof in the meantime.
How long is the Florida temporary certificate valid?
90 days from the date it is issued. It is proof of completion for that period and does not replace the permanent Boating Safety Education ID Card — if you want the permanent credential, take the lifetime course.
Do I have to carry my certificate while boating?
Yes. Carry your certificate or card whenever you are operating a vessel, along with photo identification. Being certified but unable to produce proof on the water can still get you cited.
I lost my certificate — can I get it again?
Yes. Sign in and download it again from your account at any time; a lifetime certificate never expires. Anyone can also verify a certificate — including a law enforcement officer or a rental operator — using the certificate ID printed on it.
Do I need a certificate for a kayak, canoe or paddleboard?
No. Proof of boater education applies to motorised vessels. Non-powered watercraft such as kayaks, canoes and paddleboards do not require it.
Billing and support
How do I get a refund?
If you haven't passed yet and you're inside your 90-day window, email us and we'll refund you. Our full refund policy explains the details.
Can I get a receipt or an invoice?
Yes — your receipt is emailed at purchase, and every order is listed in your account when you sign in. Email us if you need a copy re-sent.
I still have a question. How do I reach a person?
Email support@takemyboattest.com or call 866-943-1611 and a real person will get back to you. Include the email address you used at checkout — it lets us find your order straight away.
Still stuck?
We answer every email.
Reach a real person at support@takemyboattest.com or 866-943-1611.
Go to the contact page →100% Pass Guarantee
Get on the water this weekend.
Pick your state, take the course, pass the official exam. The NASBLA curriculum runs 3–4 hours — do it in one sitting or spread it out, your progress saves. Worst case — if you don't pass within 90 days, we refund every penny.
