Although not required for me, I took the course in order to get a discounted insurance rate for my boat. The course is user friendly and gives a quiz at the end of each module so you can track your readiness for the final test. Some of the material you need to go through slowly and carefully because it can be confusing if you read through it hurriedly. If you prefer it also has audio which reads verbatim what the printed material says. It was also the least expensive certified course I found. I definitely recommend the course, especially if you are required to take it to legally operate a boat.