Required Under The Water Safety Act & Approved by TPWD
State & Federal Approved
The American Boating Foundation offers individuals the opportunity to earn their Texas Parks & Wildlife boating license by learning the skills & techniques necessary to safely operate a boat. The course is designed for everyone who plans to operate a motorboat, sailboat, paddle craft or personal watercraft.
After successfully completing the online course & exam, you will receive your official TPWD License with a searchable QR code linking your unique operator ID to the global database.
Pick your Texas course and check out in minutes. Create an account or sign in if you've taken a course with us before.
Study the material at your own pace on any device, then take the final exam as many times as you need to pass.
Get your official TPWD boater education card with a searchable QR code linking your unique operator ID.
Our curriculum is reviewed against the standards of every agency that governs boating safety on Texas waters.
A genuine preview of the TPWD Boater Education Certificate you'll receive. Same layout, same seal, same NASBLA standard. Accepted by every Texas marine patrol officer.
Drag or hover the card to inspect
“A person born on or after September 1, 1993 may not operate on the public waters of this state a vessel powered by a motor of more than 15 horsepower… unless the person has passed a boater education course approved by the department.”
Tex. Parks & Wild. Code § 31.1081
If you were born on or after September 1, 1993, you need this certificate to legally drive most powered boats and personal watercraft in Texas.
Sources
I initially signed up for another course, but it was so boring I couldn't handle it. I switched to this one and it was a night and day difference. Great high quality videos and learned a ton! Will definitely recommend to all my friends.
Took the course on a Saturday before heading out on Lake Travis the next morning. The videos kept my attention and the practice tests had me ready for the real exam on the first try.
We took it as a family before our trip to Port Aransas. My teenager finished it just as fast as I did. TPWD-approved, no surprises, and the temporary card came through right away.
I needed certification fast for a fishing trip on Sam Rayburn. The material was thorough without being padded — I genuinely felt ready before I left the dock.
Been on Texas lakes for years and still picked up new things — especially the weather and right-of-way sections. The interactive videos make all the difference compared to a PDF.
Browse the most common questions about getting certified — or chat with Sal, our virtual assistant, for an instant answer any time.
All boaters born after September 1, 1993 must have a Texas Boater Education Certificate to operate motorized water-crafts over 15 horse power or wind-blown vessels that are over 14 ft.
No. Your progress is saved automatically — you can start on your desktop and finish on your phone, on your own schedule.
NASBLA (the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) reviews and approves boating safety courses to ensure they meet nationally recognized standards. Texas Parks & Wildlife accepts our NASBLA-approved course for state certification.
Boaters under 13 may only operate a motorized vessel over 15 hp if accompanied by a person 18 or older who can take immediate control. Anyone born on or after September 1, 1993 must be certified to operate alone.
Yes. Texas law requires you to carry your Boater Education Certificate, along with a photo ID, any time you're operating a vessel that requires certification.
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