2026 Instructional Rating Manual
The Instructional Ratings Manual (IRM) provides essential standards, recommendations, and best practices for instructional rating holders as they work with students and exercise the privileges of their ratings, and for those who are pursuing instructional ratings.
Looking for the Skydiver's Information Manual instead?
The IRM provides standards for skydiving instruction and guidance on how to teach based on proven strategies and up-to-date techniques. Other content includes:
- Teaching guide to the USPA Integrated Student Program
- Mechanics of skydiving supplemental
- General and method-specific procedures for instruction and supervision
- Skydiving culture
- Ratings structure and privileges
- Earning and renewing instructional ratings
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IRM Translations
By downloading or using the IRM, you agree to this disclaimer:
Translations of the Skydiver’s Information Manual (SIM) and Instructional Rating Manual (IRM) are prepared by third-party translators in an effort to make United States Parachute Association (USPA) documents accessible to those who may not read English. The official and binding documents which govern USPA are the English versions. While good faith efforts are made to provide accurate translations, portions may be incorrect and may conceivably communicate incorrect safety standards. In addition, some terminology when translated may not be completely accurate due to language differences and limitations. If you would like to report a translation error or inaccuracy, we encourage you to contact us.
Please note the revision of any copy and verify that it is no earlier than the current revision. Any edits made to the original English revision after the translated revision would not be reflected in the translation. Readers may only use outdated revisions if they understand all changes made in more recent revisions. Rating holders are responsible for using and teaching the most current revision.
Any person or entity who relies on translated or outdated revisions does so at their own risk. USPA shall not be responsible or liable for any errors, omissions or ambiguities in the translated versions of documents or for any consequences of any such errors, omissions or ambiguities, including personal injury or death. USPA shall not be responsible or liable for any losses, damages or harm, including personal injury or death, caused by the reliance on the accuracy or reliability of translated documents, translated information, outdated documents, or outdated information.
Older IRM Translations
Spanish IRM (2023-2024)
Russian IRM (2023-2024)
Available Change Documents