Washington State 
Board of Pilotage Commissioners
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  • About
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    • Forms/Directories
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    • Next Exam
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    • 2026 Exam Resources
  • Safety
    • Boater Safety
    • Pilot Transfer Safety
  • DEI
  • Rules & Regulations
    • Rulemaking
    • Tug Escort Rulemaking
    • Number of Pilots
    • RCW 88.16.180
  • Pilotage Exemptions
  • Meetings
  • Communications
  • More
    • Home
    • About
      • About Us
      • Contact
      • Forms/Directories
    • Become a pilot!
      • Next Exam
      • Requirements
      • Process Overview
      • Piloting in WA State
      • Events & Resources
      • 2026 Exam Resources
    • Safety
      • Boater Safety
      • Pilot Transfer Safety
    • DEI
    • Rules & Regulations
      • Rulemaking
      • Tug Escort Rulemaking
      • Number of Pilots
      • RCW 88.16.180
    • Pilotage Exemptions
    • Meetings
    • Communications
Washington State 
Board of Pilotage Commissioners
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Contact
    • Forms/Directories
  • Become a pilot!
    • Next Exam
    • Requirements
    • Process Overview
    • Piloting in WA State
    • Events & Resources
    • 2026 Exam Resources
  • Safety
    • Boater Safety
    • Pilot Transfer Safety
  • DEI
  • Rules & Regulations
    • Rulemaking
    • Tug Escort Rulemaking
    • Number of Pilots
    • RCW 88.16.180
  • Pilotage Exemptions
  • Meetings
  • Communications

Upcoming Events & Resources

Upcoming Events

Exam Applications Open

Exam applications will open November 13, 2025. 

Applicant Q&A Drop-in Sessions

BPC will be hosting Q&A drop-in sessions for applicants approved to take the exam in the coming months. Dates will be announced soon.

Exam Applications Close

Exam applications will close March 13, 2026.

Knowledge-Based Test (KBT/Written) Administration

The KBT will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026 via live remote proctoring. 

Cut Score for KBT

The BPC will set the cut score for the Knowledge-Based Test at the April 16, 2026 Regular Public Meeting. Those who pass will be invited to the Simulation-Based Exam. 

Simulation-Based Exam (SBE/Simulator) Administration

For those who were successful in the KBT portion of the exam, SBEs will begin on Monday, April 27.

Cut Score for SBE and Preliminary Ranked List

The BPC will set the cut score for the Simulation-based Exam and present the Preliminary Ranked List at the May 21, 2026 Regular Public Meeting.

Federal Pilotage Requirements

NOT REQUIRED FOR EXAM QUALIFICATION

FCP Packet (rev 2024) - Puget Sound (pdf)Download
FCP Packet (rev 2015) - Grays Harbor (pdf)Download

Previous Exam Resources

2024 Written Exam Bibliography (pdf)Download
2024 Written Exam Blueprint (pdf)Download
2024 Marine Pilot Exam Aspirant Handbook (pdf)Download
2024 Marine Pilot Exam Job Task Analysis (pdf)Download
2024 FAQ Volume 1 (pdf)Download
2024 FAQ Volume 2 (pdf)Download
2024 FAQ Regarding Puget Sound Pilots (pdf)Download
2024 Exam Final Ranked List with District (pdf)Download

Copyright © 2025 Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners - All Rights Reserved.

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