Official California Hunter Education Course

About the Course and Hunting License Requirements

Welcome to the official online hunting course of California Department of Fish and Game. The State of California requires all new hunters, regardless of age, to successfully complete a hunter education course before they can purchase a hunting license.

Students have two study options. The normal classroom course consumes 10 to 15 hours, and depending upon where it is taught, the class might extend over several days. This has proved to be inconvenient for many would-be hunters who, because of their busy schedules, cannot attend a class.

In response to this need, the California Department of Fish and Game offers a two-part home study option.

• Study at home—on your own schedule and at your own pace—then take an online Pre-Certification Exam.
• Upon passing the online Pre-Certification Exam, you can sign up for a four-hour class during which you will review significant course material, take a written examination, and upon passing the examination, receive a voucher of completing a hunter education course. Visit the California Department of Fish and Game website to find a certified home study instructor in your area.

Begin the online California hunter safety course.	Or, first test your hunting safety knowledge.

Online Hunter Education Home Study Steps

1. Study the California hunter education course material.
2. Take one or more Practice Tests—free of charge—to ensure you've mastered the course material.
3. Take the Pre-Certification Exam for $15, collected online. A score of 80% is required for passing the exam.
4. Upon passing the Pre-Certification Exam, you can print out your official California Pre-Certification Exam Voucher, which is accepted by the state as proof of home study.
5. Then, sign up for a four-hour class during which you will review significant course material, take a written examination, and upon passing the examination, receive proof of completing a hunter education course. Visit the California Department of Fish and Game website to find a certified home study instructor in your area.

Go to the next page to begin the independent study course!