01
Step 1
Create your account
Use the name on your photo ID.
Not open yet · awaiting TPWD approval
Texas Boater Education Course Online
The course Texas requires before younger operators take out a motorboat, a jet ski or a larger sailboat.
At a glance
- Required if born on or after Sept. 1, 1993
- Motorboats over 15 horsepower
- Personal watercraft
- Sailboats over 14 feet
Regulated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Is this the right course?
You were born on or after Sept. 1, 1993
And you plan to operate one of the vessels listed above on Texas public water.
You are renting
Rental companies ask for the certificate too.
You carry photo ID
Texas asks for the certificate and a photo ID when you operate.
How it works
Boater Education in 3 simple steps
02
Step 2
Study the chapters
Illustrated, with a quiz after each one.
03
Step 3
Get your certificate
Retake it if you need to. A temporary one right away. The permanent one comes from TPWD.
$35
Planned launch price
Planned price. Any fee TPWD charges for the card is separate.
What is included and what is not
Included
- The boater education course on the five subjects Texas requires
- Unit questions and a final exam
- Your completion record for the boater education certificate
Not included
- Any fee the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department charges for the card
- Boat registration and titling
Price
$35 planned
Planned price. Any fee TPWD charges for the card is separate.
Optional extras are listed below. None is pre-selected.
Optional extras (never pre-selected)
The course is complete without any of these. Each one is optional and nothing is pre-selected. You will see every price before you pay.
Printed study guide
The course handbook mailed to you to keep on the boat.
Family pack
A lower price when several people in one household enroll.
Printed temporary certificate
A mailed copy to carry while you wait for the state card.
What it covers
- Required safety equipment
- Navigation rules
- Operating your boat
- Texas boating laws
- What to do in an emergency
Outline shown for planning. The final content is the version the TPWD approves.
Questions about this course
I was born before September 1, 1993. Do I need it?
Texas does not require it for you, though it is recommended for everyone.
Who issues the certificate?
Texas Parks and Wildlife issues the permanent certificate.
Does it expire?
Check the certificate TPWD sends you for its terms.
Other Texas courses
Driving Safety
For an eligible traffic ticket, or a possible insurance discount.
Not open yetTDLR · Details →
Responsible Pet Owner
Court-ordered course after an animal-related offense.
Not open yetTDLR · Details →
Food Handler
For people who prepare or serve food in Texas.
Not open yetDSHS · Details →
Electrician CE
Master, journeyman, residential wireman, maintenance and apprentice electricians.
Not open yetTDLR · Details →
Not open yet. We will open this course only after the TPWD approves it.
Call (866) 282-8838