The Boating Exam in Poland: What to Expect on the Day

The boating exam in Poland is a 75-question theory test you have 90 minutes to complete, with a pass mark of 65 out of 75 correct answers and a minimum age of 14. This same format applies whether you are sitting the exam for the żeglarz jachtowy sailing patent through the Polish Yachting Association (PZŻ) or the sternik motorowodny motorboat patent through the Polish Motorboat and Water Skiing Association (PZMWiNW).

If you know what to expect, exam day is far less intimidating. This guide walks you through the format, the topics, the pass threshold, and how to prepare so you can walk in calm and walk out qualified.

The exam format at a glance

The national theory exam is standardised under the Regulation of 9 April 2013 (Dz.U. 2013 poz. 460):

• 75 questions — multiple choice
• 90 minutes — plenty of time if you have prepared
• Pass mark: 65 out of 75 — roughly 87% correct
• Minimum age: 14 to sit the exam

With 90 minutes for 75 questions, you have a little over a minute per question. That is comfortable, so avoid rushing. Read each question carefully, and use any remaining time to review answers you were unsure about.

What the questions cover

The exam draws on the core knowledge every competent boater needs. Expect questions across these areas:

• Navigation — reading charts, buoyage, plotting a course
• Right-of-way and collision-avoidance rules — who gives way and when
• Safety — life-saving equipment, emergency procedures, man-overboard
• Meteorology basics — reading weather, wind, and conditions
• Boat handling — manoeuvring, and for sailors, sail trim and knots
• Regulations — the rules governing recreational boating in Poland

Sailing candidates should note that the żeglarz jachtowy patent also includes a practical, on-the-water assessment in addition to the theory exam. The practical checks that you can actually handle a yacht, not just answer questions about it.

Important: we will not reproduce any actual exam questions here. Reputable preparation is about mastering the underlying knowledge, not memorising a leaked question bank. Our boatingexamine platform teaches the concepts through realistic practice questions we have written ourselves, so you understand the material rather than just recognising answers.

Understanding the pass mark

A pass mark of 65 out of 75 means you can afford to miss only 10 questions. That is a high bar — around 87% — and it is the single biggest reason people underestimate the exam. It is not designed to catch you out, but it does reward genuine understanding over guesswork.

The practical takeaway: do not rely on last-minute cramming. Consistent practice across all topic areas, especially the ones you find hardest, is what gets you reliably above 65.

How to prepare effectively

The most effective preparation combines three things:

1. Learn the theory — work through structured lessons covering every exam topic.
2. Practise with realistic questions — get used to the multiple-choice format and time pressure.
3. Target your weak spots — track which topics trip you up and drill them.

This is exactly how the boatingexamine platform is structured: lessons paired with realistic practice questions and progress tracking, so you know when you are genuinely ready. To be clear, we are an independent study resource. We prepare you for the exam; the patents themselves are issued only by PZŻ and PZMWiNW.

Costs and next steps

Once you are ready to book, the statutory fees are:

• Exam fee: 250 PLN (125 PLN for students under 26)
• Patent issuance: 50 PLN (25 PLN for students under 26)

After passing, you apply to the relevant governing body for your patent to be issued. If you plan to boat abroad, you might also consider the International Certificate of Competence (ICC), a separate international certificate under UNECE Resolution 40 with a minimum age of 16.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions do I need to get right to pass? You need 65 out of 75 correct — about 87%. You can miss at most 10 questions.

Is there a practical exam too? For the żeglarz jachtowy sailing patent, yes — there is an on-the-water practical assessment alongside the theory exam.

Where can I find the real exam questions? We do not publish or copy any official question bank. The best preparation is learning the underlying knowledge through legitimate practice materials, like those on boatingexamine.