its mandatory here and in most states...here they seem to be pretty much common sense..i took it when i was 11 so i could get my liscense when i was 12 and i passed only missing one..it was pretty easy...im sure from the sounds of it it would confuse the heck out of someone that doesnt know the material well...if he fails dont worry take him somewhere else...they do have some worth though..exspecially to young hunters it helps them learn why things are done they way they are and things like that...good luck