Iowa Frequently Asked Questions
Need help? Here are the answers to the questions Iowa Bowhunter students most frequently ask.
pay only when you pass, unlimited exam attempts
FAQ Topics
Price and Payment
How much does the Iowa Bowhunter Ed Course cost?
The Iowa Bowhunter Ed Course fee is $30.00.
Is it safe to enter my credit card information online?
You can enter your credit card information online with confidence on our secure server. This charge will appear on your credit card statement as “Safety Courses 18008302268.”
Taking the Course
Do you need Iowa Bowhunter education?
Iowa does not require education. You can take this course if you plan on bowhunting in states that require certification.
How long will it take to complete the course?
Typically it takes about 3 hours to go through the online course, excluding any quizzes and/or exams and restudying that you may choose to do.
Do I have to complete the course all at once?
You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or completed a little at a time over several days.
What is the minimum age to take this online course?
You must be at least 11 years old to take the online course. Students who are 11 may complete this course, but the permanent Online Bowhunter Education Certificate will not be valid until their 12th birthday.
Do I have to be a resident to take the Iowa Bowhunter Ed Course?
You do not have to be a resident of Iowa to take this online course.
Course Approval and Acceptance
Is the Iowa Bowhunter Ed Course approved by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources?
The Iowa Bowhunter Ed Course is approved and accepted by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Is my Online Bowhunter Education Certificate accepted elsewhere?
All U.S. states, provinces, and countries that have mandatory bowhunter education requirements will accept the Iowa Online Bowhunter Education Certificate. Likewise, Iowa will accept Bowhunter Education certifications that are issued by other jurisdictions that meet official IHEA-USA requirements. (This is known as “reciprocity.”)
Quizzes and/or Exams
I failed a unit quiz. Have I failed the course?
If you fail a unit quiz, you can take it again until you pass. You must score at least 70% on the unit quizzes to pass.
Do I have to take an online exam?
The Online Bowhunter Certification Exam is the exam you take at the end of the online course. You must score at least 80% on the exam to pass. You have unlimited attempts to pass the exam. If you don’t complete the exam in one session, don’t worry. When you log in later, you will be taken to the first unanswered question of the exam.
Getting Certified
How do I get my Iowa Online Bowhunter Education Certificate?
1. Study and pass the online course.
Study and pass the $30.00 course. Throughout the Iowa Bowhunter Ed Course, you’ll be tested on what you’ve learned.
2. Print your Online Bowhunter Education Certificate.
After successfully completing the online course, you’ll be able to immediately print out your Online Bowhunter Education Certificate.
3. Get ready to go bowhunting!
The Online Bowhunter Education Certificate you printed in step 2 serves as your permanent certificate and allows you to legally purchase a bowhunting license or permit where required.
Is there anything else I must do to be certified?
Once you have completed all 3 steps for certification, you’re ready to legally purchase a bowhunting license or permit where required.
About Your Certification
What is the permanent Online Bowhunter Education Certificate?
The Online Bowhunter Education Certificate is proof that you have successfully completed all the education requirements. This certificate is your permanent certificate and allows you to legally purchase a bowhunting license or permit where required.
Replacement of Lost or Damaged Documents
How do I replace my Online Bowhunter Education Certificate if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?
To replace a lost, destroyed, or damaged Online Bowhunter Education Certificate, go to https://ilostmycard.com.
System Requirements
What are the minimum system requirements to access this course?
- A computer or mobile device with Internet access
- Cookies and JavaScript enabled in browser
- A soundcard and speakers or headphones
- A printer to print your course completion document
Can I access the course on my mobile device?
This course is designed to work on any mobile device, such as iPhones, iPads, and Android phones and tablets, as well as your computer.
Username and Password
Where do I change my user information?
If you need to update your profile information or change your password, click on your username in the navigation bar at the top of the web page in the course. Re-submit your revised information using the form provided.
How do I reset my password?
If you forget your password, you can reset it from the Forgot Your Password page. You will need to enter your username and the email from your profile, and an email containing the link to reset your password will be sent. There is also a link to the Forgot Your Password? page on the Log In page for your convenience.
Logging In/Out
Will I lose everything if I log out?
When you log out, your progress is recorded so that when you log in again, you can pick up where you left off. When logging back in, you will be taken to the Course Contents page where you can see the progress you have made. You can click on a link for the last page viewed to go back to that part of the course.
How many times may I log in and out?
You may log in and out as many times as you wish. Your progress is monitored and saved.
Video
What’s required to play the videos in the course?
Our course videos should play in all browsers. If you are having trouble playing a video, you might be able to find help at Vimeo’s FAQs. (Vimeo is the video player used in the course.)
Troubleshooting
What does the message “Your session has expired due to inactivity” mean?
If you have not been active within the course for more than 15 minutes, you will automatically be logged out of your session. A notice stating, “Your session has expired due to inactivity” will appear at the top of the course. Log back in, and you can continue interacting with the course. Your progress will have been recorded, and you should be able to continue where you left off in the course.
What happens if I get disconnected from the Internet?
If you are disconnected from the Internet, simply log back in and pick up where you left off. Your progress will be saved.
How can I contact customer support, if I have a question that isn’t covered here?
You may call us at 1-800-830-2268 to speak with a customer service representative, 9:00 a.m. to midnight EST, seven days a week.



Iowa Department of Natural Resources
502 E. 9th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0034
515-281-5918