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.

Notice: Testing at libraries is temporarily suspended until
Monday, September 13 due to upgrades.

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.

Notice: Testing at libraries is temporarily suspended until Monday, September 13 due to upgrades.

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

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

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

Notice: Testing at libraries is temporarily suspended until Monday, September 13 due to upgrades.

Region 2

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
Testing on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays
Must make an appointment at least one day in advance
By appointment only (615) 862-5854

Dickson County

Test Only
By appointment only
Call David Nickens – 615-504-6998

Boating Safety Class

October 1 – 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. class begins at 4 p.m. sharp
Dickson YMCA
Snacks welcomed
Please bring your Type 600 permit
Please bring your own pen/pencil
To register use passcode YMCA

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

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

Notice: Testing at libraries is temporarily suspended until Monday, September 13 due to upgrades.

Region 3

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
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

Jackson County

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

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

Notice: Testing at libraries is temporarily suspended until Monday, September 13 due to upgrades.

Region 4

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

Blount County

Blount County Public Library in Maryville
Call for an appointment (865) 982-0981
Bring type 600 exam permit

Campbell County

LaFollette Public Library
By appointment only - (423) 562-5154

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

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

Hamblen County

Morristown Library
Call (423) 586-6410 for an appointment.
Must have or obtain a Hamblen County library card
to take the exam at this location.

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

Johnson County

Mountain City Library
By appointment only - (423) 727-6544

Knox County

Loudon County

The Public Library at Tellico Village
By appointment only: (865) 458-5199
$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, 12 – 5 p.m.
Friday, 12 - 4 p.m.
Sunday, 2 - 5 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