General information
Is the boating licence exam mandatory?
Yes, if you were born on or after 1 January 1980 and will operate a boat longer than 8 metres or with an engine of more than 25 hp. When you pass the exam, you get your boating licence.
Where can I take the boating licence exam?
You can take the exam at one of our test centres around the country.
I don't have a Norwegian national identity number. How can I register?
Without a Norwegian national identity number (fødselsnummer), you register for the exam through one of our test centres. Contact the test centre directly.
How big a boat can I operate with the boating licence?
You can operate recreational craft, including personal watercraft (jet skis), up to 15 metres long and up to 50 knots.
How old do I have to be to take the boating licence exam?
You must be at least 14 to take the exam. The licence is issued when you turn 16.
What are the rules for operating a recreational craft?
You must be at least 16 to operate a recreational craft longer than 8 metres or with an engine of more than 10 hp.
If you were born on or after 1 January 1980, you need a boating licence for boats longer than 8 metres or with more than 25 hp.
For boats longer than 15 metres you need at least a recreational skipper certificate (fritidsskippersertifikat). If the boat can do 50 knots or more, you also need a high-speed certificate (høyhastighetsbevis).
About the exam
What is the curriculum?
The curriculum describes what you need to know for the exam, and the requirements for boating licence courses.
Can I take the boating licence exam in English?
Yes. The exam is available in both Norwegian and English, and you choose the language when you start the exam at the test centre.
The curriculum is also available in English, and some course providers teach in English.
Can I take it as an external candidate?
Yes. Contact an approved test centre to book a time.
How can I prepare for the exam?
You can take a classroom or online course, practise with apps or read books. We have put together an overview of what is available, including courses in English.
How much does the boating licence exam cost?
The exam costs NOK 940,-. If you don't pass, each new attempt costs NOK 495,-.
What do I learn by taking the boating licence exam?
You learn navigation and how to use navigation instruments, navigation lights, distress signals and the rules of the road at sea.
You also learn seamanship, safe boat handling and what to do in an emergency.
Where can I find the legislation on the boating licence exam and recreational craft?
The rules are set out in the regulations on minimum age and boating licence for masters of recreational craft.
What do I need to pass the boating licence exam?
You need at least 80% overall, and at least 80% in topic 4, “Particularly important topics” (Særskilt viktige emner).
How many attempts do I get to pass the exam?
You can take the exam as many times as you like, but you have to wait 14 days between attempts. Each new attempt (resit) costs NOK 495,-.
About the boating licence
When will I receive my boating licence?
Your licence comes in the mail, normally within 2–3 weeks of passing, and your photo must be approved first. We therefore recommend taking the exam well before you need the licence.
Can the licence be sent to a temporary address?
Yes, we can send the licence to a c/o address. Send us an email with the address you want the licence sent to, and the name of the person who lives there.
The person receiving the mail for you must have their name clearly shown on the mailbox.
I need English text on my boating licence. What do I do?
You don't need to do anything. The back of the boating licence confirms your knowledge in both Norwegian and English.
Can I operate a boat abroad with the boating licence?
The boating licence entitles you to operate a boat in Norway. It may not be recognised in other countries, so we recommend that you check the rules where you are going.
Many countries require an International Certificate of Competence (ICC), an international standard for recreational boating certificates.
Can I use my foreign boating licence in Norway?
Yes, Norway accepts foreign boating licences, provided that:
- you carry the original licence with you
- the licence includes a description of it in English
- you have an English translation of the syllabus your licence covers
- that syllabus covers the curriculum for the Norwegian boating licence
If you are unsure about your licence, contact us or the Norwegian Maritime Authority.
I have lost my boating licence. What do I do?
You can apply for a new licence (a duplicate licence).
Can I get a boating licence on the basis of higher maritime education or certificates?
Yes, if you have one of the following:
- Recreational skipper certificate or recreational boat skipper certificate (D5L/D5LA)
- Deck officer certificate
- Military maritime certificates of an equivalent level
- A recognised foreign boating licence or certificate of competence with the same or higher operating rights than the Norwegian boating licence. Attach documentation showing that the licence is nationally recognised.
If you have other theoretical qualifications, you must send us sufficient documentation yourself. It must show that the education covers the main elements of the boating licence exam curriculum. For example, it is not enough to refer to a diploma listing “Prosjekt til fordypning” (in-depth project) or “Tverrfaglig eksamen” (interdisciplinary exam). Also attach the course plan or learning outcomes that describe the content of the subject.
You do this by applying for a duplicate licence.