Can I Take the Captain’s Test Online?

Mariners Learning System offers a USCG Approved Online Proctored Exam(s) to obtain your Captain’s License. MLS was the 1st in the industry to receive approval to administer online courses AND NOW online proctored exams! Our courses and exams have had the Coast Guard’s seal of approval since 2005. 

There are many benefits to online testing, here are some just to name a few: 

• Eliminating the need to take time off from work

• Save time not having to travel to any testing locations
• Eliminates travel expenses I.e., fuel, airfare, hotel etc.  
• Convenience of taking the exam at any time.   
• Access to 24/7 Live Technical Support
• More time allotted per section compared to an in-person exam

• Does not require any additional testing or attending any physical locations for testing

Once successfully completing our Captain’s License course online, the ability to begin the online exam is unlocked and you will be required to: 

• Have a basic understanding of the course material
• Have a clear and quiet area to take the exam

• Access to a laptop or desktop computer with a camera and microphone
• Be able to download our software browser to your computer
• Have a working webcam, microphone and a good internet connection! 

To prepare you for the final exam you will be guided through a series of steps outlining the policies and procedures for online testing. These are listed below: 

• Policy and Prep Lesson
  • Outlines policies and procedures for what to expect with online testing

• Exam Sample Test
  • A simulation exam that allows the student to make sure their equipment (camera, microphone, computer & internet connection) is fully functioning in preparation for the day of the final exam
  • The Exam Sample Test consists of “common sense” multiple choice questions that are used to formulate an agreement between MLS and the student
  • Example: When taking the online exam, what type of environment is acceptable? 

1. 1. Well-lit room
   2. Dark and poorly lit room
   3. Loud and busy room
   4. All the above 

*Answer: A. Well-lit room (Selecting the most obvious choice!) 

• The exam is not an open booked or open notes exam 

There are many stigmas out there about how online testing may be more complicated or more difficult than an in-person exam. However, here are reasons that may change your perspective: 

You will have 12 months to successfully complete the course and pass the final exam. At MLS we understand life happens and you may not be able to complete the course/exam in 12 months. For this reason, we have a course extension in play as a failsafe. 

You will be permitted 3 attempts per exam module. If you fail 3 attempts, your course will be reset, you can take the exam again in 45 days. This will give you adequate time to re-prepare for your next attempt. No exam fees! Put your mind at ease knowing that if you need to re-take the exam, there is no extra money out of your pocket.

The day of testing should come with ease and steady nerves. Our students rarely feel overwhelmed or stressed out because we are always there to assist! With our live customer service chat or 24/7 live technical support, this gives the students the peace of mind they deserve. Once you’re ready to take the exam, simply hit the go button. It doesn’t matter if it's 2am or 2pm, whatever works best for you. But don’t take my word for it, check out what our students have to say, with over 100,000 graduates, you may want to look!  

See you soon Captain!