I took mine 26 years ago in Vermont. I checked the Vermont fish and game website. Online had no record. I called and they had a copy and emailed it to me. So if you took it in any state check with that state.
I believe everybody getting on the water should take a road test and launching a boat. A 90 year (old example) can pass test go buy a 45 footer and launch it and go. You ever watch people launch a boat. Friends and I would go to the state boat launch and watch. If you want comic relief go watch on the weekend. I worked a patrol boat for a sheriff’s Dept and saw crazies operating boats. Example I broke my leg catching the dock when my husband told to, it was a 28 footer. Hardly anyone knows how to stop their boat coming into the dock. Brakes(reverse). Hopefully with more guidance everyone will get better operating.