Pennsylvania · Hunter safety · 2026 Edition
Pennsylvania Hunter Safety Course 2026: Cost & Online Options
Every first-time hunter and trapper must complete Basic Hunter-Trapper Education before buying a Pennsylvania hunting or trapping license. Pennsylvania sets no birth-year cutoff — it applies to first-time buyers at any age. 11 and older can certify entirely online, free of charge.
Pennsylvania is one of the few states where the requirement has no birth-year cutoff at all: it applies to every first-time licence buyer whatever their age. Two of the four routes cost nothing — the in-person class and the NRA online course — so paying $34.95 or $49.95 buys convenience rather than access. Trappers additionally take Successful Furtaking ($15) or Cable Restraint ($15 in person, $34.50 online).
01 — Who needs it
Every first-time hunter and trapper must complete Basic Hunter-Trapper Education before buying a Pennsylvania hunting or trapping license. Pennsylvania sets no birth-year cutoff — it applies to first-time buyers at any age.
02 — Course options
| Course | Format | Who | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Hunter-Trapper Education, in person | In person | 11 and older | Free | The free route, and the only one open to under-16s who want a no-cost option. |
| Basic Hunter-Trapper Education, interactive online | Online | 11 and older | $49.95 | Listed for Pennsylvania residents. |
| Basic Hunter-Trapper Education, standard online | Online | 16 and older | $34.95 | |
| NRA online course | Online | 11 and older | Free | A free online option alongside the paid ones. |
04 — Your certificate, and other states
Students must pass the exam with 80% or better to be certified.
The PGC course page does not state how certificates from other states are handled — check with the agency before travelling to hunt.
05 — Where to register
Courses are booked through Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Find and register for a Pennsylvania course →
Got your certificate? Next step: Pennsylvania hunting license costs and permits →
Everything else we track for the state: Pennsylvania hunting seasons →
Looking for somewhere to hunt? Pennsylvania public hunting land — WMAs by county & access rules →
FAQ
Can I take the Pennsylvania hunter safety course online?
Yes. 11 and older can certify entirely online free of charge. Every first-time hunter and trapper must complete Basic Hunter-Trapper Education before buying a Pennsylvania hunting or trapping license. Pennsylvania sets no birth-year cutoff — it applies to first-time buyers at any age.
Verified · Pennsylvania Game Commission · Last verified 2026-08-06
Publisher's note. Requirements and course fees read from PGC, retrieved 2026-08-06. Review due 2027-08-01. Course providers set their own prices and change them without notice — confirm before you pay.