Education and Outreach
Hunter Education
A Successful Hunt Starts With the Right Information
Colorado law requires that anyone born on or after January 1, 1949, complete an approved hunter education course before applying for or buying a Colorado hunting license. Colorado Parks and Wildlife Hunter Education Courses, led by certified volunteer hunter education instructors and/or Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff, are offered throughout the state year-round.
Already taken hunter education? Learn more about how to provide proof of completion.
Hunter Education
- About the Class
- Class Options
- Class Accommodations
- Military and Hunters 50 Years or Older
- Hunter Education Card
- Request Replacement Hunter Education Card
- Become an Instructor
Colorado Test-Out Option
Military and Hunters 50 Years of Age and Older
Resident and nonresident hunters 50 years of age and older can test out of the hunter education requirement. U.S. military personnel who do not have a hunter education card from Colorado or another state can also test out. “U.S. military personnel” is defined as active duty, reserve duty, veterans, and National Guard.
Taking the Test
The test allows you to test out of a hunter education course. It may be taken only once and must be passed with a score of 90% or better. Those who fail the test must attend a hunter education class or use the Apprentice Hunter Certificate.
Test takers must have or create a customer identification number (CID) to take the test. Starting January 1st, 2025, the cost of the test is $34.95. The test is given online only and must be completed in one session within 30 minutes. Once you log in, the 30 minutes begins, so we advise that you do not register on the test site and expect to go back and complete the course at a later date.
Passing the Test
Once you pass the test, your hunter education number will be permanent and will not expire. Hunters must wait up to 24 hours to allow for their test information to be updated from the vendor to the CPW CID system before purchasing a license.
Hunters 50 and Older
Senior test-out records are verified to each hunter’s unique customer identification number or CID and will print directly onto any purchased license; no physical Hunter Education card is issued. However, if an individual would like a physical card, one can be obtained for a $5 fee in person at any sales agent, online, through the mail, or by phone at 1-800-244-5613.
U.S. Military Personnel
U.S. military personnel must email a certificate of completion, proof of military service and official photo ID to dnr_wildlife.huntered@state.co.us. Once all documents have been received, hunter education will be verified and customers can purchase licenses or enter the draw.
The following forms of U.S. military personnel identification are accepted:
- DD214
- DD Form 2
- DD Form 2765
- Active, retired and veteran military identification card with the word "veteran" printed on it as specified in 42-2-303(5)(a) C.R.S.
- V.A. medical card
Test-Out Records
Military and senior test-out records are verified for each hunter’s unique customer identification number (CID) and will print directly onto any purchased license; no physical Hunter Education card is issued. However, if an individual would like a physical card, one can be obtained for a $5 fee in person at any CPW sales agent, online at ilostmycard.com, through the mail, or by phone at 1-800-244-5613.
Enroll in a Class
There are more ways than ever to get licensed, grow your skills and learn something new.
New to Hunting in Colorado?
New hunters can find many different learning resources through the Hunter Outreach Program.
Apprentice Hunter Certificate
For new hunters, the Apprentice Hunter Certificate is a free, one-year waiver of the hunter education requirement. To use the certificate, hunters must have a mentor with them in the field, no matter their experience or age.
Find out moreGrow Your Skills with Clinics and Seminars
Throughout the year, clinics are offered to give hunters opportunities to improve their hunting skills, practices and techniques.Clinics are typically more hands-on and often take place in the field or at the range. They are usually geared toward shooting, archery, hunting or basic outdoor skills.
Find a Clinic or SeminarMore Education Opportunities
Take a Bowhunter Education Class
Bowhunter Education is an optional course offered to hunters. It covers archery equipment, proper use of tree stands and hunting techniques. There are two options for the course: an in-person classroom experience or an online course with an in-person concluding class.
Mountain Lion Exam
Hunters are required to complete the exam to purchase a mountain lion hunting license and hunt mountain lions in Colorado.