WHO NEEDS A TEXAS BOATING EDUCATION CARD
Boat operators who were born after September 1st 1993 (who are at least 13 years of age) are required to obtain a Texas Boater Education Card to legally operate a motorized boat of 15 hp or more, a wind-powered sailboat greater than 14 feet in length, or a Personal Watercraft (PWC).
OTHER PROVIDER 1
$34.95
90 Day Course Access
- State Approved
- Get Licensed In 3 Hours (Average)
- Phone Support
- Unlimited Test Retries
$49.95
Lifetime Course Access
- State Approved
- Get Licensed In 3 Hours (Average)
- Live In-Course Chat Support
- Phone Support
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
- Animated, Narrated & Perfect For All Ages
- Unlimited Test Retries
OTHER PROVIDER 2
$29.95
90 Day Course Access
- State Approved
- Get Licensed In 3 Hours (Average)
- Phone Support
- Unlimited Test Retries
OTHER PROVIDER 3
$29.95
90 Day Course Access
- State Approved
- Limited Phone Support
- Limited Satisfaction Guarantee
Excellent!
BOATsmart! has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 8180 ratings and reviews.
Nothing over complicated. Basic Knowlege.
Bruce P
Posted
2 months ago
Content was all incompasing for all types of water crafts and indepth on boater safety and what to do in emergency events. Special highlights for all Texas water ways.
Fred H
Posted
2 months ago
Very informative
David D
Posted
3 months ago
Your login and password situation was confusing. I ended up contacting your support team, where the issue was resolved. As there was a test at the end of each module it would have been more beneficial if the correct answers were provided on missed questions. Materials were presented well. Thank you
Stephen B
Posted
5 months ago
The course was very informative and helpful to know laws and regulations
Beau B
Posted
6 months ago
Easy to use program. My only issue was the font was to light to read. it could be a little darker.
Jimmy E
Posted
1 week ago
Amazing course content — clear, easy to follow, and very helpful for understanding boating safety and responsible operation.
Timothy Z
Posted
1 week ago
it was very good I really liked the visual questions on the practice test thanks !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ouia
Posted
1 week ago
Worked great and all, but it takes an incredible amount of time to get finished. Took me about 6 hours, and I only restarted a module twice. It was very informative, and ill remember all of this when boating. One major issue that made it take extra long was how you had to wait for the audio to finish, and the timer in the corner. By the time I finished reading, I had to wait a whole minute or two. All in all, good purchase, once you push through the agony of waiting. Hope you have a comfortable chair!
Liam P
Posted
2 weeks ago
The test was good just took a long time and a lot of stuff in the book wasn't on the test but don't make the test longer whatever you do thank you
Gary G
Posted
1 month ago
Nothing over complicated. Basic Knowlege.
Bruce P
Posted
2 months ago
Content was all incompasing for all types of water crafts and indepth on boater safety and what to do in emergency events. Special highlights for all Texas water ways.
Fred H
Posted
2 months ago
Very informative
David D
Posted
3 months ago
Your login and password situation was confusing. I ended up contacting your support team, where the issue was resolved. As there was a test at the end of each module it would have been more beneficial if the correct answers were provided on missed questions. Materials were presented well. Thank you
Stephen B
Posted
5 months ago
The course was very informative and helpful to know laws and regulations
Beau B
Posted
6 months ago
Easy to use program. My only issue was the font was to light to read. it could be a little darker.
Jimmy E
Posted
1 week ago
Amazing course content — clear, easy to follow, and very helpful for understanding boating safety and responsible operation.
Timothy Z
Posted
1 week ago
it was very good I really liked the visual questions on the practice test thanks !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ouia
Posted
1 week ago
Worked great and all, but it takes an incredible amount of time to get finished. Took me about 6 hours, and I only restarted a module twice. It was very informative, and ill remember all of this when boating. One major issue that made it take extra long was how you had to wait for the audio to finish, and the timer in the corner. By the time I finished reading, I had to wait a whole minute or two. All in all, good purchase, once you push through the agony of waiting. Hope you have a comfortable chair!
Liam P
Posted
2 weeks ago
The test was good just took a long time and a lot of stuff in the book wasn't on the test but don't make the test longer whatever you do thank you
Gary G
Posted
1 month ago
Buy More, Save More
Purchase more than one boating course, test and card and save up to 35%. Perfect for family, friends and workmates, we include everything your crew needs to get their Official Texas Boating Education Card.
1 BOATER
“There’s nothing better than leaving the work week in our wake.”
– Jesse L, Dallas, TX
Watch, Listen & Learn
From anywhere, on any device at any time.
Our animated and narrated Boating Safety Course is perfect for all ages. Study from your Smartphone, Tablet or Desktop and switch between devices at any time. BOATsmart! automatically tracks your progress so you can study at your own pace.
Pass the official test
Take the Texas Boater Education Card Test online
Take the official Texas Boating Safety test online. Consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions, the final test is open book. BOATsmart! includes free unlimited retries so you’re guaranteed to pass.
Get Your Official Boater Education Card
Print your Temporary Card immediately
Print your Temporary Card immediately after passing the final test. Your permanent card will be available for download from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department within 2 weeks of completing your course.
Boating In Texas
YOU’RE IN THE
CAPTAIN’S SEAT
FREE BOATING LICENSE PRACTICE TEST
Not sure what to expect? Try the Boating License Practice Test for free and test your knowledge.
Try the Texas boating safety practice test now.
TEXAS BOATER EDUCATION CARD FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a Texas Boater Education Card?
The Texas Boater Education Card is proof that a boater has successfully passed the Texas Boating Safety Test. All boat operators who were born after September 1st, 1993, who are at least 13 years of age, are required to obtain the card to legally operate certain types of vessels.
Who needs a Texas Boater Education Card?
All boaters born after September 1, 1993 are required to obtain a Texas Boater Education Card in order to legally operate any of the following:
- A motorized boat of 15 hp or more
- A wind-powered sailboat greater than 14 feet in length
- A Personal Watercraft (PWC)
What is the fine for not having the Card?
Boaters who are caught operating without a Texas Boater Education Card may be fined up to $500.
How do I prepare for the Texas Boating Safety Test?
Boaters can prepare for the official Texas Boating Safety Test with the BOATsmart! Course which includes animated, narrated and illustrated lessons designed for all ages. The 3-hour Texas Boating Safety Course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), and Texas Parks and Wildlife. The BOATsmart! Texas Boating Safety Course includes all the knowledge you need in order to obtain your Texas Boater Education Card.
How do I replace my Texas Boater Card?
Texas Boater Education Card are issued by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Visit https://tpwd.elementlms.com and click on “Am I Certified” to replace your Texas Boater Education Card.
Do I need a Texas Boater Education Card for all types of boats?
Operators who required certification in Texas must obtain a Boater Education Card to legally operate the following:
- A motorized boat of 15 hp or more
- A wind-powered sailboat greater than 14 feet in length
- A Personal Watercraft (PWC)
How long does the Texas Boater Course take?
The state of Texas requires that you spend a minimum of 3 hours studying the online course. The purchase of your BOATsmart! Texas Boating Safety Course includes unlimited lifetime access.
Who is BOATsmart!?
BOATsmart!® is North America’s Boating Educator, approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the US Coast Guard. We’ve been delivering award-winning online boating courses since 2003 and have certified more than 650,000 boaters. BOATsmart! is accredited and approved by Texas Parks and Wildlife, to deliver the official Texas Boater Education Course and Boating Safety Test.
Is the Texas Boater Education Card the same as a Boating License?
The Texas Boater Education Card is commonly referred to as a “Boating License” however, unlike a license, your Boater Education Card is good for life, and doesn’t require renewal. The Texas Boater Education Card provides proof that you have successfully completed a Texas Boater Education course.
Who is exempt from having to obtain a Texas Boater Education Card?
- Persons born prior to September 1, 1993
- Persons born on or after September 1, 1993 who are directly accompanied by an adult on board who is at least 18 years of age
- Operators from out of state who have passed an approved course from another state
How do I get a Texas Boater Education Card?
You can obtain your official Texas Boater Education Card from BOATsmart! in three steps:
- Take the BOATsmart! Texas Boating Safety Course online.
- Pass the Texas Boating Safety Test online.
- Print a Temporary Certificate immediately.
Will my Texas Boater Education Card ever expire?
No. Your Texas Boater Education Card does not expire. However, keep in mind that you can always access your BOATsmart! Course to access free refresher lessons, and brush-up on state regulations and boating safety content.
Do I need a Driver’s License to operate a boat in Texas?
No. The state of Texas does not require boaters to have a driver’s license in order to operate a boat. However, all boat operators born after September 1, 1993 are required to obtain a Boater Education Card to legally operate:
- A motorized boat of 15 hp or more
- A wind-powered sailboat greater than 14 feet in length
- A Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Is my Texas Boater Card valid in other states?
Yes. The Texas Boater Education Card is accepted in 40 states, which extend reciprocity. This means the BOATsmart! Course meets the National Standards established by NASBLA. This law applies to operators of motorized boats, but not in all states to operators of personal watercraft (PWCs). Always check the boating laws in the state you plan to visit prior to operating a boat or PWC there.
Texas Parks and Wildlife
4200 Smith School Road
Austin, TX, 78744
https://tpwd.texas.gov/
Trusted from coast-to-coast, Texas approved
The official BOATsmart! Texas Boating Safety Course is approved by the Texas Parks and Wildlife, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the US Coast Guard.
BOATsmart! has provided online boating safety education across North America since 2013. Our courses are designed and developed by real boaters, subject matter experts and instructional design educators. We’ve certified more than 650,000 boaters online and are proud to be the choice of boaters from coast-to-coast.
