In this quick guide, we will show you how to complete your Hunter Education Course for Colorado online.
First, Who Needs Hunter Education?
Colorado law is clear: due to state regulations, anyone born on or after January 1, 1949 must complete a hunter education course.
Summary of Guide
Complete the online-only, IHEA-approved and CO-accepted hunter safety education course (Adults 17 and older only). No in-person field day required for adults.
Print or save your temporary certificate for immediate use. Your state-issued hunter education certificate will be emailed to you within 7-10 business days and is valid for life and for use in Colorado, as well as all other 49 US States, Mexico, and Canada.
That's it! You can now go buy your hunting license(s) and hunt legally for life.
We break down the guide into more detail below, including the final conclusion class, but if you're short on time and ready to get started, head over to our online Hunter Education Course and complete it today!
An Overview of the Hunter Education Course for CO Hunters
Our hunter safety course is:
- Our online-only course also includes a conclusion class, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience without any in-person requirements.
- All video-based, so there's no requirement to read anything. It includes closed captions, and you can search the video by keyword.
- Self-paced, meaning you can come and go as needed. Your progress is automatically saved.
- 3 hours long, covering essential hunter safety education topics, including archery, making it one of the fastest ways to complete your requirements.
- You can do it from your phone, computer, or tablet, or switch between them if you like.
- Unlimited exam attempts.
- Valid in all 50 US States as well as Mexico and Canada.
- We offer a 100% money-back guarantee.
What to expect in the Colorado Hunter Ed Course
Skip having to attend an in-person field-day course with our interactive course. We provide all the resources to get you fully certified online, and your hunter education certificate is accepted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) for use in Colorado for CO residents and non-residents alike.
Signing up for your Colorado Hunter Education Course
Sign up for the course, pay, & provide your information for your hunter education certificate. Make sure it matches your driver's license or state ID, if you have one.
Taking the Hunter Education Course online
This is an overview of our course landing page, showing the 5 units you must complete to take the final exam, leading to your conclusion class:
Here is an example of a unit section. You have the choice to watch the video or read the material for each section:
Here is an example of the video content found throughout our course for each section found within the 5 units:
The Hunter Safety Final Exam
The final exam is 60 multiple-choice questions, and your scores are provided immediately.
To pass, you need a score of 80% or higher. If you’re nervous about the exam, remember:
Every answer is covered during the course, which aligns with NRA guidelines on gun safety and education.
Our course allows unlimited retake attempts if you fail the first time.
Here are a few example questions you might encounter:
- What is the safest direction to point a firearm?
- Which of the following is an ethical hunting or trapping practice?
- What should you do first if you become lost in the woods?
Review the provided study materials and quiz yourself at home to prepare for the conclusion class. Repetition and real-world application (even dry-firing a toy gun or role-playing scenarios) help solidify learning.
Getting your Hunter Education Certification
After completing the course and passing the final exam, you’ll receive your Hunter Education Certificate. This is your ticket to purchasing your first Colorado hunting license!
Once you have completed the course, you can see your exam pass rate and temporary certificate here:
You can click the certificate page to see, save & print your temporary certificate:
You will receive a final certificate of completion upon completing our course and passing the final exam. We encourage users to print this certificate as it will act as your temporary Hunter Education Certificate until your permanent certificate is ready for download from the State, approximately 7-10 business days following the completion of your course.
Receiving your state-issued hunter education card
Once you complete the certification, we submit your course results to the state. The state will issue and email you your permanent Hunter Education Certificate (card). This is valid for use in all 50 USA States (including Colorado), Mexico, Canada, and any other country or US Territory that has reciprocity with IHEA-USA & State Issued Hunter Education Certificates.
You will receive this email from "Element LMS" when your permanent certificate is ready for download in approximately 7-10 business days.
Treat your card like a driver’s license, and be sure to understand the wildlife laws associated with its use. You can either print it and store it in your wallet or keep a digital copy on your phone. Keep it safe, as you’ll need to show proof of certification when applying for a new hunting license or if requested by a game warden in the field.
Where to buy your Colorado Hunting License
As soon as you receive your temporary Hunter Education Certificate from completing our course, you are eligible to go and buy your hunting license in whichever states you plan on legally hunting in, and the NRA provides additional resources on responsible hunting practices.
To hunt in Colorado, you can purchase your license either online through the official licensing platform Colorado Parks and Wildlife Online Licensing or in person at an authorized licensing agent. A comprehensive list of in-person agents is available here: CPW Issuer Locations.
Below are some suggested authorized in-person hunting license agents in the state of Colorado:
- Bass Pro Shops – Denver, CO Address: 7970 Northfield Blvd, Denver, CO 80238 Phone: (720) 385-3600
- Cabela's – Thornton, CO Address: 14050 Lincoln St, Thornton, CO 80023 Phone: (303) 625-9920
- Walmart Supercenter – Colorado Springs, CO Address: 707 S 8th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80905 Phone: (719) 633-0738
- JAX Outdoor Gear – Fort Collins, CO Address: 1200 N College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524 Phone: (970) 221-0544
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife Office – Grand Junction, CO Address: 711 Independent Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81505 Phone: (970) 255-6100
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Contact Information: Phone: (303) 297-1192 Email: [email protected] Website: cpw.state.co.us
Level Up: Next Steps for Confident Hunters
Having a Hunter Education Certificate opens many doors outside of simply purchasing a hunting license, including opportunities with the NRA, firearm hunting, wildlife conservation, and attending a conclusion class.
All states accept our online-only Hunter Education Course if you're an adult and 17 or older.
Some insurance companies, including those offering ATV insurance, provide discounts for hunter safety education graduates.
Additional courses—like advanced archery, bowhunting, basic hunter-trapper education, or advanced hunter-trapper education—are available if you are interested in expanding your skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I lose my Hunter Education Certificate?
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) allows you to reprint your certificate from their online portal anytime for free. It’s smart to make a backup digital copy.
How early should I sign up for the course before the hunting season?
Ideally, take your course by summer so you don’t miss out during the license purchase rush in late summer and fall.
How much does it cost to get your Hunter Education Certificate?
$29. We accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, all major credit cards, and signature debit cards. We also offer a 100% money-back guarantee.