Hunter Safety Certification
Pennsylvania Hunter
Education 2026
Hunter education certification requirements, online course options, field day rules, apprentice license info, and bowhunter education for Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania requires hunter education for all first-time hunters age 12 and older. The course is taught by volunteer instructors and is free in-person. Online study + field day is also available.
Online Course Available
Field Day Required
Accepts Reciprocity
2026 Hunter Education Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Required?
Yes
Min. age 12
Online Course
Available
$19.95 via Hunter-Ed.com
Field Day
Required
$0.00 fee
Course Hours
10
hours minimum
Course Requirements
Pennsylvania Hunter Education Course Details
Enrollment options, fees, and what to expect from the Pennsylvania hunter education certification process.
Issuing Agency
Pennsylvania Game Commission
- Official Site
Required
Required - for all first-time hunters (minimum age: 12)
Online Course
Available
$19.95 via Hunter-Ed.com
Field Day / Skills
Required
Fee: $0.00 - hands-on firearm safety demonstration required with certified instructor
In-Person Fee
Free (volunteer instructors)
Minimum Hours
10 hours (completion time varies based on pace and method)
Reciprocity
Does Pennsylvania Accept Out-of-State Certifications?
Reciprocity Accepted
Pennsylvania accepts valid hunter education certifications issued by any other US state, territory, or Canadian province. You do not need to retake the course when purchasing a Pennsylvania hunting license.
Pennsylvania accepts valid hunter education certifications issued by any other US state, territory, or Canadian province. You do not need to retake the course when purchasing a Pennsylvania hunting license.
Bowhunter Education
Pennsylvania Bowhunter Education
Pennsylvania offers a separate bowhunter education course covering archery safety, equipment selection, shot placement, and ethical bowhunting.
Take the Bowhunter Education course →
Take the Bowhunter Education course →
Course Curriculum
What Topics Are Covered?
The Pennsylvania hunter education course covers the following subjects:
Firearm safety
Wildlife ID
Pennsylvania regulations
Ethics
Conservation
First aid
Tree stand safety
Important Notes
Pennsylvania-Specific Requirements
Pennsylvania does not have an apprentice or mentored hunting license program. All first-time hunters age 12+ must complete hunter education before purchasing a hunting license. Volunteer instructors teach in-person courses at no charge throughout the state.
Source: Pennsylvania Game Commission (www.pgc.pa.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current course fees and enrollment options directly with the agency before registering.