United States Parachute Association > Experienced Skydivers > SIM > Section 3-2

3-2 License Exam and Application Procedures

A. License exam instructions copy link

  1. A license:
    1. The examining USPA Instructor conducts a 40-question written USPA A-license exam and an oral quiz of at least 20 questions taken from the USPA Integrated Student Program syllabus, with emphasis on the following:
      1. cloud clearance and visibility requirements
      2. equipment operation and maintenance
        1. wing loading and its effects
        2. closing loop
        3. velcro and tuck flaps
        4. packing and authorization to pack
      3. canopy flight
        1. traffic patterns and collision avoidance
        2. braked turns and obstacle avoidance
        3. low turn avoidance and recovery
        4. downwind landing procedures
        5. obstacle landing emergency and recovery procedures
      4. aircraft procedures
        1. during jump run and exit to observe balance limits
        2. distance between groups to maintain separation
        3. aircraft emergency procedures
      5. group breakoff recommendations
      6. parachute emergency procedures
        1. deployment malfunctions
        2. cutaway decide-and-act altitude
        3. two-canopies-deployed scenarios
      7. accountability for FAR compliance
    2. The examining USPA Instructor conducts or arranges the review training required for the student to answer all questions correctly.
    3. The examining USPA Instructor conducts a skydive with the applicant to verify practical knowledge in the following areas:copy link
      1. choosing the spot and selecting and guiding the pilot to the correct exit and opening point in routine conditions
      2. pre-jump equipment checks for self and others
      3. planning an effective group break-off
      4. right 360, left 360, and a backloop (backloop to be completed within 60 degrees of the original heading)
      5. docking from 20 feet (evaluator flies into position)
      6. breakoff altitude recognition and tracking for a minimum of 100 feet
      7. signal before deployment and overall awareness during and after deployment
      8. planning and flying a logical landing pattern that promotes a smooth traffic flow and avoids other jumpers
      9. packing and preparing equipment for the next jump
      10. Review SIM Sections 2, 5, 6, 9, and Governance Manual section 1-6
    4. Once the student has successfully completed the A-license check dive and answered all questions correctly on the oral exam and passed the written exam with a score of at least 75%, the certifying USPA Instructor may sign the student's A License Proficiency Card or the USPA A License Progression Card and apply the official USPA A-license stamp as proof of license qualification.
    5. The card is then considered a valid USPA A license for a 60-day time period.
    6. The completed card must be submitted to USPA Headquarters for processing to be considered a valid license beyond the 60-day time period.
  2. For B, C, and D licenses, the examining USPA official:
    1. gives the applicant an answer sheet and the questions to the exam
      1. No ref­erences or other assistance are permitted during the exam.
      2. After the test, the examining official collects the materials and grades the exam.
      3. A score of 75% is required to pass.
    2. The score is recorded on the license application and in the applicant's logbook.
      1. The applicant not passing will be eligible to retake this exam after seven days.
      2. Applicants who have not passed the USPA online license testing program may retest using the same method immediately for a total of three attempts per day.
      3. To qualify for a higher license, the applicant must possess a USPA license, meet all qualifications for lower licenses, and have passed all lower-class license exams.

B. Presenting a completed license application

  1. A license
    1. The completed A license Proficiency Card or USPA A-License Progression Card signed by the certifying USPA Instructor and bearing the official A-license stamp, is proof of a USPA A license for a 60-day period from the completion date.
    2. To receive an A license, the holder must submit a completed A-License card to USPA with the appropriate license registration fee:
      1. Fax both sides of the completed license application to USPA with a credit card authorization.
      2. Photocopy both sides of the completed license application and mail it with payment.
      3. Scan and email a copy of the card to membership@uspa.org
      4. A completed and signed A-License application need not be stamped to be registered with USPA (USPA keeps a copy of all USPA Instructor signatures on file); however, an A License Proficiency Card is not considered official until the card is submitted to USPA for verification and a license number is issued.
  2. B, C, and D license applicants may email, mail or fax their completed application with the appropriate fee to USPA Headquarters.
  3. Once any new license has been registered with USPA, the applicant will receive a new membership card with the license number, which is also published in Parachutist Magazine.

C. License application checklist

  1. The verifying official signing the license application should check that each of these items has been completed:
    1. applicant's personal information
    2. experience verification
      1. number of jumps
      2. freefall time, if applicable
    3. skill verification
  2. The official verifies (by initialing) either that:
    1. The jump number, date, or score for each requirement is correct and can be found in the applicant's logbook.
    2. If applicable, the applicant's appropriate license number is included with the application.
  3. Official verifying B, C, and D licenses should check that the written exam answer sheet is complete with a passing score.
  4. For the B License, include a copy of the completed Canopy Piloting Proficiency Card with the license application.
  5. Sign and print name, title, and date in the space provided on the application.