Boating Course & Fees in Tennessee
Tennessee requires boaters born on or after January 1, 1989, to obtain a TWRA Boating Safety Certificate by passing the Boating Safety Exam, which is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). The exam permit carries a fee of $10.00. Completion of a boating safety course is not mandatory in all cases, though education is recommended and may satisfy certain requirements.
Several vendors offer boating safety courses in Tennessee, with pricing set by individual providers and varying accordingly. Some organizations, including the BoatUS Foundation in certain states, provide free course options. Prospective boaters should confirm current course costs and availability directly with course providers and verify all requirements through the official Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency before enrolling or taking the exam.
| Detail | As the state publishes it |
|---|---|
| Accepted credential / course | TWRA Boating Safety Certificate via the Boating Safety Exam; NASBLA-approved certificate accepted |
| Fees | $10.00 boating-safety exam permit |
| Card required? | Required for some operators |
Course costs vs. card fees
Two different prices are at play: the boater-safety course (often free or low-cost, set by the approved vendor) and any state card or processing fee. Several states offer a free NASBLA-approved course — for example through the BoatUS Foundation — so the card can cost little beyond a small state fee. Vendor prices change, so confirm the current course list and fees on the official state agency page.
Step-by-step: how to get licensed → · Do you need a licence? →
Compiled from the official state source, cross-referenced against NASBLA, and verified June 2026. Always confirm the current rule on the official Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) page before you rely on it — boating law changes and some states are mid-rollout. How we compile this. Informational only, not legal advice.