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Official Washington Hunter Safety Course Online

Take your official Washington hunter safety course with Hunter-Ed, approved by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the only safety course provider that develops print materials for government agencies responsible for hunting laws and regulations. Study online at your own pace, complete your state’s requirements, and earn a Hunter Education Certificate that’s valid for life.

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Do I Need Hunter Education in Washington?

Requirements
Born after January 1, 1972
No minimum age requirement
Online students must complete an in-person Field Skills Evaluation

In Washington, hunters born after January 1, 1972, must complete hunter education before purchasing their first hunting license or qualify for the state’s one-year Hunter Education Deferral. There is no minimum age to enroll. Students using the online certification path must also complete the required Field Skills Evaluation.

4 Easy Steps

How to Get Your Washington Hunter Education Certificate in 4 Easy Steps

01

Sign Up

Create your Hunter-Ed account, pay the course fee, and get started with your official hunter safety course.

02

Complete the Course

Take the course on desktop, tablet, or mobile. Your progress saves automatically so you can study at your own pace.

03

Complete State Requirements

After passing the online course, register for and complete the required in-person Field Skills Evaluation, including a course review, quiz, and hands-on training and evaluation.

04

Go Hunting!

Once certified, purchase your Washington hunting license and any required tags, permits, or stamps before hitting the field. Your Hunter Education Certificate does not replace your hunting license.

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Hunter Education Built for the Field

Clear instruction and state-specific content make firearm safety, hunting ethics, laws, and conservation easier to understand and remember, with most students finishing in 3–4 hours.

Learn the fundamentals of safe firearm handling and use, along with the core safety practices every responsible hunter should know. 

Understand the responsibilities that come with hunting, including ethical practices, safe decision-making, and respect for landowners. 

Learn the laws, rules, and regulations Washington hunters are responsible for understanding and following in the field.

Understand wildlife conservation and management, including the important role hunters play in supporting healthy wildlife populations. 

4.8 245k Reviews

Real Hunters. Real Feedback.

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“Easy to study and follow on your own time”

Gina F.
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“Super convenient and easy course to follow! So glad I was able to take this course at my own pace!”

Jamie L.
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“The course was helpful and engaging, and use multiple learning tools”

Jose C.
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“Quick and simple process”

Eric H.
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Official & Approved

Trusted by over 2 Million Hunters since 2002

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Washington Hunting Regulations

For more than 20 years, Hunter-Ed has delivered official hunter education. We also work with government agencies to support the education materials hunters rely on. In Wisconsin, our course is approved by WDNR and built to meet the state’s hunter education requirements.

Popular Questions

How do I get a Washington Hunter Education Certificate?

Complete the Washington Hunter-Ed online course, print your Exam Certificate, and attend the required Field Skills Evaluation. After successfully completing all requirements, WDFW will issue your permanent Hunter Education Certificate.

Who needs hunter education in Washington?

Hunters born after January 1, 1972, must show proof of hunter education before purchasing their first Washington hunting license. A one-year, once-in-a-lifetime Hunter Education Deferral is available to qualifying hunters.

How much does the Washington Hunter-Ed course cost?

The Washington Hunter-Ed online course costs $29.95.

What is the minimum age for Washington hunter education?

There is no minimum age requirement to enroll in hunter education. WDFW recommends the traditional instructor-led course for students under age 12.

Is my Hunter Education Certificate the same as a Washington hunting license?

No. Your Hunter Education Certificate proves that you completed the required safety education, but it is not a hunting license. You must still purchase the appropriate Washington hunting license and any required tags, permits, or stamps before hunting.

How long does the Washington Hunter-Ed course take?

Most students complete the online course in about 3–4 hours. Your progress is saved automatically, so you can complete it in one sitting or come back when it works for you. You must also complete the required in-person Field Skills Evaluation.

Do I have to live in Washington to take this course?

No. You do not have to be a Washington resident to take the Washington Hunter-Ed course.

Is Hunter-Ed approved by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife?

Yes. Hunter-Ed is an approved online hunter education provider for WDFW.

What happens if I fail a quiz or an exam?

You can retake the unit quizzes until you pass. You must score at least 80% on the unit quizzes and at least 80% on the online Certification Exam. You have unlimited attempts to pass the Certification Exam.

What do I receive after completing the online course?

After passing and paying for the online course, you can immediately print your Exam Certificate or have a PDF emailed to you. This proves you completed the online portion and expires 180 days after course completion.

When will I receive my permanent Washington Hunter Education Certificate?

After you successfully complete the required Field Skills Evaluation, WDFW will issue your permanent Hunter Education Certificate.

Does my Washington Hunter Education Certificate expire?

No. Your permanent Washington Hunter Education Certificate is valid for life. Your online Exam Certificate expires 180 days after course completion, so complete the Field Skills Evaluation before it expires.

Will my Washington Hunter Education Certificate be accepted in other states?

Yes. Washington hunter education certification is accepted in all 50 states. Washington also accepts valid hunter education certificates issued by other states.

How do I replace my Washington Hunter Education Certificate?

To replace a lost, destroyed, or damaged Certification Card, go to https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/requirements/education/duplicate-card.

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Hunt with an Edge

Stop scouting blind. HuntWise PRO combines maps, weather, land insights, and hunt forecasts so you can scout from anywhere, lock in your plan, and head into the field with an edge. Hunter-Ed graduates get 50% off after certification.

Your Course Is Just the Beginning

Hunter Perks gives you ongoing access to tools, education, regulations, discounts, contests, and partner resources through your Student Dashboard. It's included with your Hunter-Ed course at no additional cost, and your access never expires.

Take the Trail with More Protection

Progressive ATV insurance is built for off-property riding, with coverage for the places a homeowners policy may not reach. That means added protection for the machine that gets you into the field.

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Get Certified for the Hunt Ahead 

Complete your Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife-approved hunter safety course and take the next step toward hunting in Washington.

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