Our Coast Guard-Approved Exam Process

Streamlined Assessment Process with Mariners Learning System

Can I take the Mariners Learning System (MLS) final proctored exam online?  

Yes! We were the first company in the U.S. to receive Coast Guard approval to offer online proctored exams upon completion of an online course. 

What are the benefits of taking our testing online?  

Online testing through MLS provides several significant advantages:

• Flexibility: You can choose your testing time, eliminating the need to plan ahead
• Convenience: No need to take time off work or arrange travel
• Stress-free: Say goodbye to traffic or getting caught in delays - test from anywhere with an internet connection

Is online testing legitimate?  

Our online testing is legitimate! We have developed a Coast Guard-approved online proctored testing process that is both secure and reliable. Over the years, we have successfully administered thousands of online exams, ensuring that our testing method consistently produces fair, accurate results. 

Do I need to take the Coast Guard's exam if I am enrolled with you?

We have gone through the painstaking vetting process of the United States Coast Guard and have received their coveted approval to offer captain's licensing courses. 

Once you pass our ONLINE proctored exam, you will receive a Mariners Learning System certificate recognized by the United States Coast Guard.  

Submit, within one year, the original certificate along with your application package and applicable fees to the USCG National Maritime Center. They will send you your original license upon their approval of your package. 

Does Mariners Learning System write their exams?  

We designed and wrote our exams in-house based on the course material you've studied. This ensures that the final exam aligns with the knowledge you've obtained, making it easier for you to succeed if you’ve completed the course. Our approach is all about preparing you thoroughly for the exam with practical, focused learning. 

How hard is the final proctored exam?

Passing the test requires study, but you can do it. Taking an approved course will help you be prepared to pass the test (for example, more than 200,000 students have taken one of our online courses since 2002, with a 98.7% success rate). 

📖 Read our blog: How Difficult Is the Test to Get Your Captain’s License 

When do I need to test for my captain’s license final exam?  

You MUST complete our online course and pass our final proctored exam by the date of your expiration. If you do not do both by then, you can order a course extension. 

Is there a separate fee for captain's license testing?  

Unlike other schools that charge extra fees for testing, we do not charge any additional fees for our final exam. The cost of the exam is included in your course purchase, so there are no hidden fees or surprises. 

Are the Mariners Learning System exams open book? 

No, our final exams are closed book. However, our online courses are designed to thoroughly prepare you for success, ensuring you have the knowledge and confidence needed to pass. 

How many times can I take the final exam?  

You have up to three attempts to pass the final proctored exam. You will only need to retest the module(s) that you did not pass.  

We believe that if you have gone through the course and did everything you were supposed to, you should have little trouble with our exam! 

I failed my third attempt, now what?  

If you do not pass an exam module after three attempts, you must retake the entire online course. You will need to wait 45 days before taking your original attempt at all modules. You must complete the online course and pass our final proctored exam before your expiration date.