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USPA Licenses—Frequently Asked Questions

See also:

• A-License Requirements and Forms
• B-, C- and D-License Requirements and Forms
• Jump Log FAQ (How to Log Jumps)

What are USPA Licenses?

USPA licenses are documents of proficiency that indicate a skydiver’s experience and skill level, progressing from A through D. USPA’s licensing system is designed to encourage skydivers to build knowledge and skills as they gain experience.

How do I earn USPA Licenses?

Each USPA License has specific requirements, including demonstrating skills and reaching a minimum number of jumps.

Students typically train through a structured program such as Accelerated Freefall (AFF), Instructor-Assisted Deployment (IAD), or Static-Line. Some may begin with a tandem skydive, which can be incorporated into a training progression if it is part of the drop zone’s instructional approach.

USPA’s training methods are designed to build the knowledge and skills needed to safely progress toward each license.

Do I need to renew my licenses?

Licenses are a one-time purchase and do not need to be renewed. However, licenses are only valid while your USPA membership is active.

How much do licenses cost?

Licenses are a one-time purchase of $43.00 each.

Do I need to be a USPA Member to earn licenses?

Yes. Join USPA today

If my membership expires, can I use my licenses or earn new licenses?

No. You must be an active USPA member to use your current licenses or earn new licenses.

Where can I jump with my USPA Licenses?

USPA licenses are valid in all Member Countries of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI; aka the World Air Sports Federation).

Can tandem jumps be counted toward my licenses?

Yes. Tandem jumps can count toward license requirements and may also be used as part of student training. With all student training methods, the first one or two jumps may be completed as tandem jumps before transitioning to another training method such as AFF, IAD, or Static-Line.

All tandem jumps must be properly documented and verified. You must also complete the remaining skill and experience requirements for each license.

Can military jumps be counted toward my licenses?

Yes, military freefall and static-line jumps can be counted towards your total jump numbers when applying for licenses. An appropriate official will need to verify documentation of your military jumps. You must also complete the remaining skill and experience requirements for each license.

If you have documentation of successful military freefall training, you may be eligible to use the Military Transition Proficiency Card to earn your A License. Talk to a USPA Instructor to learn more.

Does USPA issue special FAI Sporting Licenses?

No. FAI Sporting Licenses are issued by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). They are typically required for international competitions, record attempts, and other FAI-sanctioned events, such as those involving members of the U.S. Parachute Team.

How do I take a written license exam?

Written license exams are administered by your instructor and may be completed online or using a License Exam Answer Sheet.

If completed online, your instructor will direct you to the appropriate exam page. If using an answer sheet, you will submit your completed exam to your instructor, who will review, grade, and verify a passing score through the USPA website or document it on your license application.

How often can I retake a written license exam?

If your instructor issues a written exam online, you can retake a failed exam two more times (3 attempts) per day.

If your instructor issues a written exam with the License Exam Answer Sheet, you must wait 7 days to retake a failed exam.

Are written license exams open or closed book?

License exams are closed book. No external resources may be used.