Colorado Hunter Education Practice Test 2026
Practice for Colorado hunter education. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1949, must complete an approved course before applying for or buying a hunting license. Practice test 1 covers Colorado rules such as the course options, the apprentice certificate and youth hunting, and the other sets cover the safety, ethics, wildlife and survival topics taught across the US.
Quick answer
Pass mark: Test-out exam (hunters 50+ and qualifying military): 90% or better. It is run by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). Minimum age: 12 to hunt big game; 10 for an apprentice certificate. Practise here for free with 144 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 17, 2026.
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Question 1 of 24
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Answer: C. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1949
Colorado requires hunter education for anyone born on or after January 1, 1949, before they apply for or buy a hunting license.
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Question 2 of 24
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Answer: A. At least 10 hours, which may be split over two or more days
The classroom course takes at least 10 hours and may be spread over two or more days.
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Question 3 of 24
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Answer: D. A live-fire exercise
All classroom students must pass both a written test and a live-fire exercise.
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Question 4 of 24
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Answer: B. Colorado Parks and Wildlife
CPW supplies the rifles and ammunition, and students may not use their own firearms for the live fire.
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Question 5 of 24
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Answer: C. Attend an in-person conclusion class after finishing the online part
The online route has two parts: the self-paced online course and an in-person conclusion class, which you attend after finishing the online part.
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Question 6 of 24
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Answer: C. Before you finish the online course
CPW says students must register for the conclusion class before completing the online course.
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Question 7 of 24
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Answer: D. Hunters 50 and older and qualifying U.S. military personnel
The test-out is offered to hunters 50 and older and to qualifying military personnel, both residents and nonresidents.
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Question 8 of 24
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Answer: C. 90 percent or better
The test-out must be passed with a score of 90 percent or better.
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Question 9 of 24
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Answer: D. Once
The test-out may be taken only once. It is online only and must be finished in one 30-minute session.
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Question 10 of 24
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Answer: B. Take a hunter education class or use the Apprentice Hunter Certificate
Hunters who fail the test-out must take a hunter education class or use the Apprentice Hunter Certificate.
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Question 11 of 24
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Answer: A. A free, one-year waiver of the hunter education requirement
The Apprentice Hunter Certificate is a free, one-year waiver that lets a person buy hunting licenses before taking hunter education.
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Question 12 of 24
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Answer: C. Up to two times
CPW says hunters can get the certificate up to two times only.
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Question 13 of 24
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Answer: B. 10, small game only until age 12
Apprentices must be at least 10. Those aged 10 and 11 may hunt small game; those 12 and older may hunt big and small game.
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Question 14 of 24
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Answer: D. An adult 18 or older who is hunter education certified or was born before January 1, 1949
The mentor must be at least 18 and must be hunter education certified or born before January 1, 1949. The mentor must carry proof of age and certification.
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Question 15 of 24
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Answer: B. Two
A mentor may accompany up to two apprentices.
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Question 16 of 24
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Answer: C. Yes, every hunter using the certificate needs a mentor, whatever their age or experience
A mentor is required for anyone using the certificate, regardless of experience or age. The apprentice must be able to see and hear the mentor at all times.
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Question 17 of 24
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Answer: A. No, the Colorado waiver is valid only in Colorado
Only Colorado apprentice certificates are valid in Colorado, and the Colorado waiver is not valid in other states.
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Question 18 of 24
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Answer: C. No, hunter education cards do not expire
Hunter education cards do not expire. Temporary cards, from Colorado or any other state, expire on December 31 of the year they were issued.
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Question 19 of 24
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Answer: D. Before you apply for draws or buy a license, and you must carry proof in the field
You need your certification and card number before applying for draws or buying a license, and proof must be carried in the field.
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Question 20 of 24
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Answer: C. 12 to 17
Youth must be 12 to 17 to hunt big game. An 11-year-old may buy or apply if they turn 12 before the season ends, but cannot hunt until they are 12.
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Question 21 of 24
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Answer: D. There is no minimum age, as long as the requirements are met
There is no minimum age for turkey if the requirements are met. Youth under 16 must hunt with a mentor who is 18 or older and meets hunter education requirements.
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Question 22 of 24
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Answer: B. Close enough to see and hear each other without binoculars, radios or other aids
Youth and mentors must be able to see and hear each other without binoculars, radios or other aids. The mentor must be 18 or older and meet hunter education requirements.
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Question 23 of 24
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Answer: B. No, mentors cannot hunt during youth waterfowl seasons
Youth 17 and younger need a mentor during youth waterfowl seasons, and mentors cannot hunt during those seasons.
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Question 24 of 24
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Answer: C. Yes, valid hunter education certificates from other state agencies are recognized
CPW notes that all U.S. states recognize valid hunter education certificates issued by other state wildlife agencies.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
The real test: Test-out exam (hunters 50+ and qualifying military): 90% or better
What to know before the test
- Anyone born on or after January 1, 1949, must complete an approved hunter education course before applying for or buying a Colorado hunting license.
- The classroom course takes at least 10 hours and ends with a written test and a live-fire exercise that all students must pass.
- The online course must be followed by an in-person conclusion class. Register for that class before you finish the online part.
- Hunters 50 and older and qualifying military can take a one-time online test-out. It must be passed with 90% or better in one 30-minute session.
- The Apprentice Hunter Certificate is a free one-year waiver, available up to two times, from age 10. A mentor 18 or older must always be within sight and hearing.
- Youth must be 12 to 17 to hunt big game as youth. There is no minimum age to hunt turkey if the requirements are met.
- Hunter education cards do not expire. Temporary cards expire on December 31 of the year they were issued.
Frequently asked questions
Who needs hunter education in Colorado?
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1949, must complete an approved course before applying for or buying a hunting license, unless they use an Apprentice Hunter Certificate.
Can I take Colorado hunter education online?
Yes, but the online course must be followed by an in-person conclusion class. Only hunters 50 and older and qualifying military can test out online without a class.
What score do I need on the Colorado test-out?
You need 90% or better, in one 30-minute online session, and you may try it only once.
Can I hunt in Colorado before taking the course?
Yes, with a free Apprentice Hunter Certificate, available up to two times from age 10. A mentor who is 18 or older and hunter education certified must stay within sight and hearing.
How old do you have to be to hunt big game in Colorado?
At least 12. An 11-year-old may buy or apply for a license if they turn 12 before the season ends, but may not hunt until their birthday.