How Long Does the Arkansas Boater Safety Course Take?
The Arkansas boater safety course takes a minimum of three hours to complete online. That minimum is set by NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) and enforced by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC).
Those three hours cover the required instructional content. Your total time depends on your reading pace, how long you spend reviewing each unit, and how quickly you work through the final exam. Most students complete the full online course, including the exam, in three to four hours.
Instructor-led classroom courses are also available through the AGFC. Keep reading to learn what the course covers, what makes Arkansas's requirements unique, and how to get your boating license in Arkansas.
What's Included in the Arkansas Boater Safety Course?
The Arkansas AGFC-approved course covers the knowledge every boater needs to operate safely and legally on Arkansas waterways.
Topics include:
- Right-of-way
- Navigation rules
- Required safety equipment
- Arkansas-specific boating laws
- Emergency procedures
- And more
The course is structured in units, each ending with a quiz. You must score at least 70% on unit quizzes and at least 80% on the final exam. Both allow unlimited retakes, so you can review any unit and try again as many times as needed.
For a full overview of what the course covers and what the law requires, visit our Arkansas boating laws and regulations resource.
How Long Does Each Course Format Take?
First, check the AGFC boater education requirements to confirm whether the course applies to you. Then, choose a format that fits your schedule.
Arkansas Boater Safety Course Formats: | ||
| Format | Minimum Time | Notes |
| Online | 3–4 hours | Self-paced (save your progress and return when you have time) |
| Instructor-led classroom | Varies (typically 10 hours) | Available through AGFC (check for scheduled courses near you) |
An online course is the most flexible option, available on any device across as many sessions as you need.
How to Get Your Arkansas Boating Safety Education Certificate
After you determine that you need an Arkansas boating license, follow these steps to complete the course and receive your license.
Step 1: Get your AGFC customer number.
Before creating your Boat-Ed account, you'll need your Arkansas Game and Fish Commission customer number. Create or log in to your AGFC Licensing account to locate it.
Step 2: Enroll in an AGFC-approved boating safety course.
Create your Boat-Ed account, pay the course fee, and access your student dashboard right away. The Arkansas boating safety course from Boat-Ed is fully online, self-paced, and can be completed in as little as three hours on any device.
Step 3: Pass the final exam.
After completing all course units, take the final exam. You need a score of at least 80% to pass, with unlimited attempts available.
Step 4: Print your temporary certificate.
After passing, print your temporary Arkansas Boating Safety Education Certificate immediately, or request a PDF by email. The temporary certificate is valid for 365 days while your permanent card is processed.
Step 5: Receive your permanent card.
Your permanent Arkansas Boating Safety Education Certificate will arrive by mail within three to five weeks. The card is valid for life and must be carried on board whenever you operate a qualifying vessel.
How Much Does the Arkansas Boater Safety Course Cost?
The Boat-Ed course fee covers everything you need to take the course, pass the final exam, and get your certificate. Arkansas does not charge a separate state fee for the Boating Safety Education Certificate.
Arkansas Boater Safety Course Costs | |
| Course | Cost |
| Boat-Ed online course | $34.95 |
| Other approved providers | $30–$80 |
| SCDNR classroom course | Free |
Your permanent certificate is issued by the AGFC at no additional cost after completing any approved course.
Can You Split the Course Into Multiple Sessions?
Yes. The online course saves your progress automatically after each lesson. You can log out and return at any time. Once you enroll, you have 90 days to complete the course.
Arkansas requires a Boating Safety Education Certificate for anyone born on or after January 1, 1986, who is of legal age to operate a motorboat, PWC, or sailboat. Note that Arkansas is one of the few states in this series where the requirement extends to sailboats, not just motorized vessels.
Operators must be at least 12 years old to operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower. Anyone under 12 must meet the education requirement and be under the direct, visible, and audible supervision of a parent, guardian, or person over 17.
Start Your Arkansas Boater Safety Course Today
From the Buffalo National River to Lake Ouachita, Arkansas's lakes and waterways draw boaters year-round. The online course takes as little as three hours to complete, and your certificate is valid for life.
Take the Arkansas boating safety course on Boat-Ed and get on the water ready and legal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does the Arkansas boater safety course take?
A: The Arkansas boater safety course takes a minimum of three hours to complete online, as required by NASBLA and enforced by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Most students finish the full course and exam in three to four hours, depending on their pace.
Q: Do I need anything before I start the Arkansas boater safety course?
A: Yes. You'll need your AGFC customer number before creating your Boat-Ed account. Create or log in to your AGFC Licensing account to find it before enrolling.
Q: Can I take the Arkansas boater safety course in multiple sittings?
A: Yes. The online course saves your progress automatically after each lesson. You can log out and return at any time. You have 90 days from enrollment to complete the course.
Q: What score do I need to pass the Arkansas boater safety exam?
A: You must score at least 80% on the final exam. Unit quizzes throughout the course require a minimum of 70%. Both allow unlimited retakes.
Q: How much does the Arkansas boater safety course cost?
A: The Boat-Ed online course is $34.95. Other approved providers typically range from $30 to $80. Arkansas does not charge a separate state fee for the Boating Safety Education Certificate.
Q: How long does it take to receive my Arkansas Boating Safety Education Certificate?
A: You can print a temporary certificate immediately after passing the exam, and it remains valid for 365 days. Your permanent card will arrive by mail within three to five weeks.
Q: Does the Arkansas Boating Safety Education Certificate expire?
A: No. The certificate is valid for life and does not require renewal.
Q: Who is required to have an Arkansas Boating Safety Education Certificate?
A: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1986, who is of legal age to operate a motorboat, personal watercraft, or sailboat in Arkansas must hold a certificate. Operators must be at least 12 years old to operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower. Anyone under 12 must meet the education requirement and be directly supervised by a parent, guardian, or person over 17.
