I'm sure this has been asked but I don't remember the answer.

How old does a child need to be before he or she can take the course and be certified?

As long as he/she passes the test I believe.

yes as long as the child can take the test, the reading is on a fourth grade level

When we teach hunter ed. we usually even have a group that needs the test read to them. We have kids pass the test that can not read yet. There is no age requirement. I think 7 is about as young as I have seen take and pass, maybe 6.
HB

And in the ones we give, they get a COA, Certificate of Attendance.

Thanks for the replies. My son is only 6 but reads small childrens books fairly well.

I don't remember reading at his age. I think I just stared at pictures and was amused by crushing rocks and walnuts with hammers!

I might just hold off a year and try to put him in it then.

I was just thinking about the same question thanks for the info

We usually cut the age off at no younger than 8. This has worked out pretty good over the years as most of the kids this age and older have no problem passing the test.

My daughter is 8 and can read. But she still had the test read to her which is a great idea and helped her tremendously. She did very well. My 10 yr old took it by herself and got a 94%