Boating Education In Tennessee
Tennessee State Residents
Any Tennessee resident born after January 1, 1989, must show the TWRA-issued wallet Boating Safety Education Certificate as proof of successful completion of the TWRA Boating Safety exam.
No other certificate will be accepted as meeting the requirements of the law. The Tennessee mandatory boating education law is similar to the driver’s license law. You acquire the study materials, study, and then take an approved boating safety exam administered by an approved representative of the TWRA
The certification is not required if there is an adult (18 years old or older) on board to take immediate control of the vessel. However, this adult, if born after January 1, 1989, must have the boating education certification.
Out of State Boaters
If you were born after January 1, 1989, TWRA will accept any NASBLA approved boating safety certificate.
TWRA Boating Safety Course Information and Locations.
Locations are listed below by geographic regions. Because of COVID 19 and variants, some locations may have restrictions. Be sure to check the location’s website or social media to find out what, if any restrictions exist.
1. Who needs a Tennessee boating education certification?
If you are a Tennessee resident born after January 1, 1989, and operating a boat with more than 8.5 horsepower, then you need the certification.
If you are a non-Tennessee resident born after January 1, 1989, and visiting Tennessee and operating a boat with more than 8.5 horsepower, you will need a boating education certification approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).
Even if you do not need the certification, by getting one, you may save on your boat insurance.
2. How do I replace my lost or stolen boating safety card?
If your boating safety card is lost or stolen, you need to log on to www.gooutdoorstennessee.com. In the licensing section, update with current personal information.
Once all is updated you need to purchase a Type 605 Boat Certification Card (located in the Specialty section) and a new card will be mailed to you. You can also purchase the Type 605 from anyplace that sells hunting/fishing licenses.
3. How do I study?
There are many avenues to study:
Study online at https://www.boat-ed.com/tennessee/studyGuide/10104402/
Or request home study materials by emailing Alex.K.Batta@tn.gov or by calling 615-781-6566 and leaving your name and address.
4. How do I take the exam?
First, you must be at least 12 years old to take the exam. After studying the boating safety material, you must first purchase, for $10.00, a Type 600 boating safety exam permit from any business (license agent) that sells hunting and fishing licenses (WalMart sporting goods, bait stores, marinas, etc.). You will need your social security number and driver's license if applicable.
Take this permit to the class/exam as it will be validated when you pass the exam and serve as your temporary certification until the card is mailed to you.
If you do not pass the exam, this permit can continue to be used to take the exam as many times as it takes to pass. Try not to lose it!
5. Where do I find locations of classes and exams?
Choose the region where you live from the tabs. Locations will be posted by the county.
6. How long does it take to complete the exam?
Allow approximately one hour to take the exam.
7. How long will it take to receive my wallet card?
When you pass the exam, you will receive your wallet card in the mail within a few weeks.
Region 1
*Unless otherwise noted, these are locations to take the exam only. Bring Social Security Number, black pen, and type 600 Boating Safety Exam Permit to testing locations. Students can go to any county to take the class or exam.
Benton County
Benton County Library, Camden
Anytime during hours of operation
Carroll County
Carroll County Library/Huntingdon
By appointment only 731-986-1919
Chester County
Chester County Library in Henderson
By appointment only - (731) 989-4673
Crockett County
Crockett Memorial Library in Alamo
By appointment only - (731) 696-4220
Decatur County
Perryville Marina by appointment only
Contact Becky at (731) 847-2444
Decaturville Library
By appointment only - (731) 852-3325
Parsons Public Library
By appointment only - (731) 847-6988
Decatur and Perry County
Mousetail Landing State Park will give the test by appointment only.
Call Mousetail Landing State Park at (731) 847-0841.
Study manuals may be picked up there,
Perryville Marina and the Decatur County Court Clerks' office.
Dyer County
Newbern City Library
By appointment only - (731) 627-3153
McIver's Grant Library, Dyersburg
By appointment only - (731) 285-5032
Fayette County
Somerville/Fayette Co. Library
By appointment only - (901) 465-5248
Gibson County
Humboldt Public Library
By appointment only - (731) 784-2383
Gibson County Library in Trenton
By appointment only - (731) 855-1991
Mildred G. Fields Library/Milan
By appointment only - (731) 686-8268
Hardeman County
Bolivar Hardeman County Library
By appointment only - (731) 658-3436
Hardin County
Hardin County Library in Savannah
By appointment only - (731) 925-4314
Haywood County
Elma Ross Public Library
By appointment only - (731) 772-9534
Henderson County
Everett Horn Library/Lexington
By appointment only, call (731) 968-3239
Henry County
W. G. Rhea Public Library in Paris
By appointment only - (731) 642-1702
Houston County
Houston County Public Library in Erin
By appointment only - (931) 289-3858
Humphreys County
Humphreys County Public Library
By appointment only - (931) 296-2143
Lake County
Tiptonville Public Library
By appointment only - (731) 253-7391
June 23 – 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Lake County High School, 300 Cochran St, Tiptonville
Please bring your Type 600 permit
Register with passcode LCHS
Lauderdale County
Lauderdale County Library/Ripley
by appointment only - 731-635-1872
Madison County
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Office in Jackson
Monday -Thursday from 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
By appointment only: 731-423-5725
Please bring your Type 600 permit with you
Boating Safety Class
June 28 – 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
South Side High School Library, 84 Hearts Bridge Rd
Please bring your Type 600 permit
McNairy County
Jack McConnico Memorial Public Library
Selmer, TN
By appointment only - (731) 645-5571
Irving Meer Jr. Public Library
Adamsville, TN
By appointment only - (731) 632-3572
Obion County
Union City Library
By appointment only - (731) 885-7000
Perry County
Shelby County
Exams will be administered at the Bartlett Hunter Education Range Facility (3200 Brother Blvd.) during regular business hours.
Hours: Sunday (1:00 PM - 6:00 PM), Tuesday (12:00 PM - 9:00 PM), Thursday (11:00 AM - 9:00 PM), and Saturday (9:00 AM - 4:30 PM).
Closed on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Bring Social Security Number.
The Boating Safety Exam Permit (Type 600) is sold at the facility for $10. Cash Only. (901) 213-3124.
Stewart County
Stewart County Public Library in Dover
By appointment only - (931) 232-3127
Tipton County
Tipton County Library in Covington
By appointment only - (901) 476-8289
Munford-Tipton County Memorial Library
By appointment only, call (901) 837-2665
Weakley County
Ned R. McWherter Library in Dresden
By appointment only - (731) 364-2678
Sharon Public Library
Call for an appointment-731-456-2707
Dr. Nathan Porter Memorial Library, Greenfield
Call for an appointment - (731) 235-9932
Region 2
*Unless otherwise noted, these are locations to take the exam only. Bring Social Security Number, black pen, and type 600 Boating Safety Exam Permit to testing locations. Students can go to any county to take the class or exam.
Bedford County
Argie Cooper Public Library in Shelbyville
By appointment only - (931) 684-7323
Cannon County
Dr. and Mrs. J. F. Adams Memorial Library
212 College Street/Woodbury
By appointment only - (615) 563-5861
Cheatham County
South Cheatham Public Library
358 N. Main, Kingston Springs
Call for an appointment (615) 952-4752
Coffee County
Manchester Public Library
By appointment only (931) 723-5143
Davidson County
Hermitage Branch Library
By appointment only (615) 880-3951
Bellevue Branch Library
By appointment only (615) 862-5854
Dickson County
Test Only
By appointment only
Call David Nickens – 615-504-6998
Franklin County
Franklin County Library in Winchester
By appointment only - (931) 967-3706
Giles County
Giles County Library
By appointment only (931) 363-2720
Ardmore Public Library
By appointment only (931) 427-4883
Hickman County
By Appointment Only
Dave Anderson 931-212-7109
Lawrence County
Test only
Call Mr. Waldrop at (931) 629-3753 to make an appointment
Lewis County
By appointment only
Contact Clint Newton – (615) 856-9741
Lincoln County
Fayetteville/Lincoln Co. Public Library 306 Elk Ave. N
By appointment only - (931) 433-3286
Marshall County
Marshall Co. Library/Lewisburg
Call for an appointment - (931) 359-3335
Macon
Maury County
Spring Hill Public Library
Internet Testing
By appointment only - (931) 486-2932
Maury Co. Library
8th St.-Columbia
By appointment only – 931-375-6508
Montgomery County
Clarksville Montgomery County Public Library (350 Pageant Lane)
Exams are given anytime during library business hours.
Moore County
Moore County Library in Lynchburg
By appointment only (931) 759-7285
Robertson County
Stokes Brown Public Library, Springfield
Anytime Monday, Wednesday, Friday - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday - 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Subject to computer availability
White House Library
105B College St.
By appointment – (615) 672-0239
Rutherford County
Technology Engagement Center
By appointment only - (615) 225-8312
Smyrna Public Library
400 Enon Springs Rd. W
By appointment only - (615) 459-4884
Linebaugh Public Library in Murfreesboro
By appointment only - (615) 893-4131 ext. 117
Smith County
Gordonsville Branch Library
By appointment only - (615) 683-8063
Smith County Public Library
By appointment only - (615) 735-1326
Sumner County
White House Library
105B College St.
By appointment – (615) 672-0239
Gallatin Public Library
By appointment only – (615) 452-1722
Hendersonville Public Library
By appointment only – (615)-824-0656
Boating Safety Class
June 18 – 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Sumner County YMCA
Please bring your Type 600 permit
Register using passcode Y18 here
Boating Safety Class
July 16 – 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Sumner County YMCA
Please bring your Type 600 permit
Register using passcode Y16 here
Trousdale County
Fred A. Vaught Public Library in Hartsville
By appointment only - (615) 374-3677
Williamson County
Bethesda Public Library
By appointment only - (615) 790-1887
Brentwood Public Library
By appointment only - (615) 371-0090
Fairview Public Library
By appointment only - (615) 224-6087
Library in Franklin, TN
By appointment only - (615) 595-1243
Study books available at the library
Leipers Fork Public Library
By appointment only (615) 794-7019
Nolensville Public Library
By appointment only - (615) 776-5490
College Grove Community Library
By appointment only - (615) 368-3222
Wilson County
Mt. Juliet Public Library
By appointment only - (615) 758-7051
Boating Safety Class
June 11 and June 18 – one class in two days – 9 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Aqua Sport Marine,
6016 Leeville Pk,
Lebanon TN
Please bring your Type 600 permit
Fee for class: $85
Region 3
*Unless otherwise noted, these are locations to take the exam only. Bring Social Security Number, black pen, and type 600 Boating Safety Exam Permit to testing locations. Students can go to any county to take the class or exam.
Bledsoe County
Bledsoe County Public Library/Pikeville
Call for an appointment - (423) 447-2817
Bradley County
Cleveland Public Library
Call for an appointment - (423) 472-2163
Clay County
Dale Hollow Outdoors
Call for an appointment - Tuesday-Saturday - (931) 243-6918
Celina Public Library
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday 3:00 - 6:30 p.m. Saturday 9:00 - 11:30 AM
Cumberland County
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Office in Crossville
By appointment only - (931) 484-9571
Art Circle Public Library
Crossville --Call for an appointment – 931-484-6790
Dekalb County
Justin Potter Library - Smithville
By appointment only - (615) 597-4359
Fentress County
Fentress County Public Library in Jamestown
By appointment only - (931) 879-7512
Grundy County
May Justus Library in Monteagle
By appointment only - (931) 924-2638
Hamilton County
Test Only
By appointment only
Call David Maul - 423-779-1767
By appointment only
Call Robert Wagner 423-886-2420
UT-Chattanooga
By appointment – utctestingcenter@utc.edu or 423-425-5305
Facility fee $25
Bring $10 Type 600 Boating Safety Exam Permit to test
Chattanooga State Community College
By appointment leanders.burns@chattanoogastate.edu or cheryl.byrd@chattanoogastate.edu
Facility fee $25
Bring $10 Type 600 Boating Safety Exam Permit to test
Boating Safety Class
June 18 – 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
U.S. Coast Guard Station, 238 Hillsboro Rd., Rossville, GA
Please bring your Type 600 Permit to class
Fee for class: $30
Pre-registration required: adahibear@comcast.net
Boating Education Review and Exam
June 27 – 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Stuart Heights Baptist Church, 1505 Cloverdale St, Hixson
Please bring your Type 600 permit
Fee for review: $10
Boating Safety Class
July 16 – 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Christ United Methodist Church, 8645 E. Brainerd Rd.
Please bring your Type 600 permit
Contact: Teresa Smith adahibear@comcast.net
Fee for class $30
Jackson County
Charles Ralph Holland Memorial Library
By appointment only - (931) 268-9190
Marion County
Jasper Public Library
By appointment only
(423) 942-3369
Orena Humphreys Public Library
Whitwell
Call for an appointment – (423) 658-6134
Beene Pearson Public Library
South Pittsburg
Call for an appointment – (423) 837-6513
McMinn County
Etowah Carnegie Library
By appointment only (423) 263-9475
E. G. Fisher Public Library in Athens
By appointment only - (423) 745-7782
Meigs County
Meigs County Library in Decatur
By appointment only - (423) 334-3332
Boating Safety Class
June 18 – 9 a.m.
Meigs County High School Library
Please bring your Type 600 Permit to class
For any questions, email: tad.roberts@tn.gov
Monroe County
Madisonville Public Library
call for an appointment (423) 442-4085
Morgan County
Sunbright Public Library
By appointment only (423) 628-0353
Please bring your Type 600 permit
Wartburg Public Library
By appointment only (423) 346-2479
Please bring your Type 600 permit
Overton County
Millard Oakley Library/Livingston
By appointment only - (931) 403-1888
Pickett County
Pickett County Library in Byrdstown
By appointment only - (931) 864-6281
Polk County
Copper Basin High School
Call for an appointment – (423) 496-3291, ask for library
Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park
By appointment only - call Travis England (423) 263-0050
Putnam County
Putnam County Library
By appointment only (931) 526-2416
Monterey Branch Library
By appointment only (931) 839-2103
Rhea County
Clyde W. Roddy Library in Dayton
By appointment only - (423) 775-8406
Audrey Pack Library in Spring City
By appointment only - (423) 365-9757
Roane County
Kingston Public Library
By appointment only - (865) 376-9905
Van Buren County
Call Clint for dates, locations, times - (931) 946-3335
Warren County
Magness Memorial Library in McMinnville
By appointment only – (931) 473-2428
White County
White County Public Library/Sparta
Call for appointment - (931) 836-3613
Region 4
*Unless otherwise noted, these are locations to take the exam only. Bring Social Security Number, black pen, and type 600 Boating Safety Exam Permit to testing locations. Students can go to any county to take the class or exam.
Anderson County
Clinton Public Library
To make an appointment, click on this link:
TWRA Boater Safety Exam Proctor service | Clinton Public Library
Rocky Top Public Library
By appointment only - (865) 426-6762
Norris Community Library
By appointment only - (865) 494-6800
Oak Ridge Public Library
During hours of operation
Blount County
Campbell County
LaFollette Public Library
By appointment only - (423) 562-5154
Caryville Public Library
By appointment only - (423) 562-1108
Boating Safety Class
May 28 – 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Roane State Community College
201 Independence Ln, Lafollette
Please bring your Type 600 permit with you
Fee for class: $30
Must register by May 13: call 423-566-8684
Boating Safety Class
July 2 – 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Roane State Community College
201 Independence Ln, Lafollette
Please bring your Type 600 permit with you
Fee for class: $30
Must register by June 17: call 423-566-8684
Boating Safety Class
July 16 – 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Roane State Community College
201 Independence Ln, Lafollette
Please bring your Type 600 permit with you
Fee for class: $30
Must register by July 1: call 423-566-8684
Boating Safety Class
July 30 – 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Mountain Lake Marina/Campground
135 Campground Rd, Rocky Top
Please bring your Type 600 permit with you
Fee for class: $30
Must register by July 15: call 423-566-8684
Carter County
Elizabethton Carter County Public Library
Call for an appointment (423) 547-6360
Claiborne County
Claiborne County Library in Tazewell
Call for an appointment (423) 626-5414
Boating Safety Class
June 18 – 9:00 a.m.
Flat Hollow Marina
Please bring your Type 600 Permit to class
Cocke County
Stokely Memorial Library - Newport
By appointment only - (423) 623-3832
Test Only By appointment only
Call Jennifer Noe - 423-943-9238
Greene County
Mosheim Public Library
By appointment only (423) 422-7937
Grainger County
Testing by appointment
Call 865-300-1755
Hancock County
Boating Safety Class
June 11 – 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Treadway Volunteer Fire Department – HWY 131, Treadway
Please bring your Type 600 Permit to class
to register using passcode TFD
Hamblen County
Call (423) 586-6410 for an appointment.
Must have or obtain a Hamblen County library card
to take the exam at this location.
Boating Safety Class
June 18 – 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
TWRA Region 4 Office
3030 Wildlife Way, Morristown
Please bring your Type 600 permit
Bring a snack or sack lunch if needed
Register using Passcode TWR6
Boating Safety Class
July 16 – 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
TWRA Region 4 Office
3030 Wildlife Way, Morristown
Please bring your Type 600 permit
Bring a snack or snack lunch if needed
Register using Passcode TWR7
Hawkins County
Mt. Carmel Public Library
By appointment only (423) 357-4011
Church Hill Library
By appointment only - (423) 357-4591
H. B. Stamps Memorial Library in Rogersville
By appointment only - (423) 272-8710
Jefferson County
Jefferson City Public Library
By appointment only - (865) 475-9094
White Pine Public Library
By appointment only - (865) 674-6313
Dandridge Memorial Library - 1235 Circle Drive
By appointment only - (865) 397-9758
Parrott-Wood Memorial Library
By appointment only - (865) 933-1311
Boating Safety Class
One class over two nights:
June 21, 22 – 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Jefferson County Rescue Squad
Please bring your Type 600 permit
Register with passcode JRS6
Boating Safety Class
One class over two nights:
July 13, 14 – 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Jefferson County Rescue Squad
Please bring your Type 600 permit
Register with passcode JRS7
Boating Safety Class
One class over two nights:
August 16, 17 – 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Jefferson County Rescue Squad
Please bring your Type 600 permit
Register with passcode JRS8
Johnson County
Mountain City Library
By appointment only - (423) 727-6544
Knox County
Boating Safety Class
June 18 – 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Farragut Community Center
Please bring a pen or pencil
Please bring your Type 600 permit
To register use passcode F618
Boating Safety Class
June 25 – 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Farragut Community Center
Please bring a pen or pencil
Please bring your Type 600 permit
To register use passcode F625
Boating Safety Class
July 23 – 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Farragut Community Center
Please bring a pen or pencil
Please bring your Type 600 permit
To register use passcode FCC7
Loudon County
The Public Library at Tellico Village
By appointment only: (865) 458-5199
Mondays and Wednesdays - 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Saturdays – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
$10 Facility Fee
Scott County
Oneida Public Library
By appointment only (423) 569-8634
Sevier County
Anna Porter Public Library in Gatlinburg
Please call for an appointment – (865) 436-5588
Pigeon Forge Public Library
By appointment only (865) 429-7490
Sullivan County
Sullivan County Library in Blountville
Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(423) 279-2714
Thomas Memorial Library in Bluff City
Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Bloomingdale Library in Kingsport
Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Bristol Public Library
Monday – Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday – 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sullivan Gardens Library in Kingsport
Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Colonial Heights Library in Kingsport
Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Kingsport Public Library
Please call for an appointment - 423-224-2539
Unicoi County
Unicoi County Public Library in Erwin
Call for an appointment - (423) 743-6533
Union County
Union County High School
Testing is offered only during the regular school year
By appointment only, Contact John Fugate at (865) 992-0180.
Maynardville Public Library
By appointment only - (865) 992-7106
Washington County
Johnson City Public Library
Monday - Thursday, 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday & Saturday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Closed Sunday
(423) 434-4454
Jonesborough Library
By appointment only - (423) 753-1800
Gray Library
By appointment only - (423) 477-1550