How Long Is the Arkansas Hunter Safety Course?
The Arkansas hunter safety course through ilearntohunt typically takes about 3 hours to complete online. The course is self-paced and approved by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC), so you can spread it across multiple sessions instead of finishing it all at once.
Unlike some states, Arkansas doesn't require an in-person field day after the online course. Once you pass, you can print your certificate and go hunting.
Today, we cover how long the Arkansas hunter safety course takes and how to get certified before hunting season begins.
Who Needs to Take the Arkansas Hunter Safety Course?
Arkansas requires hunter education for anyone born on or after January 1, 1969, before they can buy a hunting license.
You must be at least 10 years old to take the online course, and you must be an Arkansas resident to take it through ilearntohunt. If you plan to hunt in Arkansas but live elsewhere, complete hunter education through your own state's approved course instead.
Arkansas also accepts out-of-state certifications that meet IHEA-USA standards.
If you'd rather skip the online course, Arkansas also offers a free, in-person classroom course. This option runs 10 hours, typically over several evenings or a single Saturday, and requires no online component.
Once your Hunter Education Certificate is on file with the AGFC, you won't need to complete the course again. It doesn't expire.
What's Included in the Arkansas Hunter Safety Course?
The ilearntohunt online course covers the knowledge every new hunter needs to hunt safely and legally in Arkansas. Topics include:
- Firearm and bow safety and handling
- Tree stand safety
- Hunter ethics and responsibility
- Wildlife identification and conservation
- Game care and first aid
- Arkansas-specific hunting laws
The course is broken into short, game-style modules, each followed by a quiz. Once you complete every module, you take a final exam and need to score at least 80% to pass.
For the full list of state requirements, visit the AGFC Hunter Education page.
How Long Does Each Course Format Take?
The time it takes to get certified in Arkansas depends on which format you choose.
Arkansas Hunter Safety Course: Timeframe by Format | ||
Format | Time | Notes |
Online course | About 3 hours | Self-paced. Complete it in one session or spread your time across multiple sessions. (No field day required) |
Classroom course | 10 hours | Free. Taught by certified volunteer instructors, usually over several evenings or a single Saturday. |
The online course is the faster path in Arkansas, since there's no separate in-person step to schedule. The classroom course costs nothing but follows the instructor's set schedule.
To learn more about both types of hunter education classes, see how the online and in-person courses compare.
How to Get Hunter Safety Certified in Arkansas
Getting certified in Arkansas is a single online path, with no in-person step to schedule afterward.
- Complete the online course. Head to the ilearntohunt Arkansas course to get started. Most students finish the self-paced, game-style modules in about 3 hours, then pass the final exam with a score of 80% or higher.
- Print your Hunter Education Certificate. As soon as you pass, you can print your certificate directly from your student dashboard.
- Get your permanent certificate by mail. The AGFC mails your permanent Hunter Education Certificate within 3 to 5 weeks of completion.
Once you have your temporary certificate in hand, you're cleared to buy your hunting license right away, well before the mailed copy arrives.
When Do I Need to Get Certified?
Arkansas hunting licenses run on a fixed annual cycle rather than a rolling 12-month window. Licenses expire June 30 each year, regardless of when you purchased yours.
Since your Hunter Education Certificate doesn't expire, there's no downside to getting certified as soon as possible. Complete it well before your target season opens so you're not scrambling to buy your license once the season is close.
Check the AGFC hunting regulations page for season dates and regulations once you're certified.
Start Your Arkansas Hunter Safety Course Today
Getting certified in Arkansas takes about 3 hours online, with no field day to schedule afterward. Start early so your certificate is ready well before hunting season opens.
Take the Arkansas hunter safety course with ilearntohunt to get one step closer to your hunting license and opening day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does the Arkansas hunter safety course take online?
A: The online Arkansas hunter safety course typically takes about 3 hours to complete. The course is self-paced, so you can spread it across multiple sessions instead of finishing it all at once.
Q: Is there an in-person field day required for the Arkansas hunter safety course?
A: No. Arkansas is one of the few states that doesn't require a field day after the online hunter education course. Once you pass the final exam, you can print your certificate and go hunting.
Q: Is there a minimum age to take the Arkansas hunter safety course online?
A: Yes. You must be at least 10 years old to take the online hunter safety course in Arkansas. There is no upper age limit.
Q: Do I need to be an Arkansas resident to take the online hunter safety course?
A: Yes, for ilearntohunt's Arkansas course specifically, you must be an Arkansas resident. However, if you live outside Arkansas but plan to hunt there, complete hunter education through your own state's approved course. Arkansas accepts certifications from other states and jurisdictions that meet IHEA-USA standards.
Q: What score do I need to pass the Arkansas hunter safety course final exam?
A: You need to score at least 80% on the final exam to pass the Arkansas hunter safety course final exam. However, if you fail the exam you can retake it as many times as you need.
Q: Can I take a traditional in-person classroom course instead of the online course in Arkansas?
A: Yes. Arkansas offers a free hunter safety classroom course as an alternative to the online path. It runs 10 hours, typically over several evenings or a single Saturday, and includes hands-on demonstrations.
