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Safety Education

There are four Mandatory Safety Education Programs:

The four Mandatory Safety Education Programs are FREE! Each program is led by Volunteer Safety Instructors and the Programs are always looking for new volunteers. The programs are offered throughout the year and available to students in all 102 counties of Illinois. The programs are designed to train students between the ages of 12 and 18. The educational material is based on a sixth grade reading level. 

Each Mandatory Safety Education Program has a required hour of instruction. The primary objectives of the Mandatory Safety Education Programs are to teach the user to be ethical, responsible, and safe when they participate in the activity.  

Who Teaches Safety Education Courses?

Illinois certified Volunteer Safety Instructors teach boating, hunting, trapping and snowmobiling Safety Education. The Volunteer Safety Instructors donate their personal time to offer the Mandatory Safety Education Programs in their local communities and throughout Illinois. These dedicated individuals form the backbone the Safety Education Programs.

What To Bring To A Safety Education Course?

Unless specifically directed by the instructor or announced publicly, the only items you will need to bring are a pencil and a note pad. Manuals and handouts are provided free by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

General Information

  • Safety Education Programs are open to the public.  Federal law prohibits discrimination based on gender, race, color, national origin, or handicap.
  • It is the policy of IDNR that youth under the age of ten (10) must be accompanied to and during their safety education course by an adult or guardian at least the age of sixteen (16).

Mere attendance at a Safety Education Program and taking a written test will not guarantee the passing of the course. Criteria such as, but not limited to, mental and physical acuity, the ability to demonstrate and recognize safe procedures, attitude and the maturity level of each individual student will be a factor assessed by the instructors in the final certification process.

Students are required to complete a final written exam on their own abilities, without assistance from parents or guardians, unless other arrangements have been discussed and agreed upon with the class instructors.

If you have questions about classes in your area or you are interested in becoming a volunteer instructor, please contact the Regional Volunteer Services Coordinator (VSC).

Lost Your Safety Card? click here​ and search using your personal information. If your safety card is not found, fill out a request form and IDNR will be notified to search for your lost card. IDNR will notify you upon finding your lost card. If IDNR is unable to find your record, you will be notified and will need to attend a class.