Skydiving License Levels Explained: A, B, C & D Requirements

Table of Contents

• Why Do You Need a Skydiving License?
• The 4 USPA Skydiving License Levels: Broken Down
• Skydiving A License Requirements
• Skydiving B License Requirements
• Skydiving C License Requirements
• Skydiving D License Requirements
• Currency Recommendations by License Level
• Frequently Asked Questions About Skydiving License Levels

Key Takeaways

The USPA’s four skydive license levels – A, B, C, and D – provide a structured path for skydivers to develop their skills, experience, and safety knowledge. Each level has specific requirements, including minimum jump numbers, freefall time, and demonstrated proficiency in both canopy and freefall skills. The A License allows jumpers to skydive independently, while the B, C, and D licenses unlock additional privileges and recognize progressively higher levels of experience.

For many skydivers, a tandem jump is just the beginning. Earning a license allows you to jump independently and with your friends, develop skills, and continue progressing in the sport. The learning never stops! 

In the United States, the United States Parachute Association (USPA) establishes the licensing standards and training progression followed by its members and affiliated dropzones around the world. Each skydiving license level builds on the previous one, helping jumpers gain the knowledge, experience, and skills needed to responsibly participate in increasingly advanced jumps.

Why Do You Need a Skydiving License?

A skydiving license shows that you have completed defined training requirements and demonstrated the knowledge and skills associated with a particular experience level. Tandem skydiving requires no prior experience, but jumping independently calls for formal instruction and steady progression through a structured training program.

Each license level builds on the one before it. Meeting the certification requirements confirms that a skydiver has developed the skills, judgment, and experience expected at that stage. Think of it like advancing through school: students in the same grade have completed a similar body of work, so there is a shared baseline of knowledge. In the same way, D-licensed skydivers understand what it took to reach that level and can reasonably expect other D-license holders to have met the same standards.

The 4 USPA Skydiving License Levels: Broken Down

The USPA issues four license levels:

• A License: Entry-level license that allows skydivers to jump independently while demonstrating basic freefall and canopy skills.
• B License: Intermediate license with additional off-landing and water-training requirements while demonstrating increased experience, accuracy, and safety knowledge.
• C License: Advanced license that recognizes significant freefall experience and the ability to responsibly participate in larger, more complex skydives.
• D License: The highest USPA license level recognizing extensive experience, advanced proficiency, and long-term commitment to the sport. 

Each level has specific skydive license requirements and jump-number minimums that must be completed before advancing to the next.

Skydiving A License Requirements

The first skydiving license you get after completing student training is the USPA A License. Requirements for this license level are designed to ensure new jumpers have the skills to solo skydive without direct instructor supervision. An exciting privilege that comes with the A License is jumping alongside other skydivers. 

USPA A License requirements include:

• Completion of an approved student training program
  i.e. Accelerated Freefall (AFF), Static Line (SL), or Instructor Assisted Deployment (IAD) 
• Logging at least 25 skydives
• Demonstration of canopy control skills
• Completion of the A License Progression Card
• Passing written and practical examinations
• Ability to pack a main parachute under direct supervision

Meeting these requirements for skydiving license advancement allows jumpers to skydive independently at USPA-affiliated dropzones!

Skydiving B License Requirements

After gaining experience as an A License holder, many jumpers work toward the B License. The USPA B License requirements focus on improving overall safety knowledge and preparedness.

USPA B License requirements include:

• Logging a minimum of 50 jumps
• Logging at least 30 minutes of accumulated freefall time
• Successful completion of water training
• Demonstration of accurate landings
• Logging 10 formation jumps, inc 5 with at least 3 participants
• Completion of the Canopy Proficiency Card
• Passing all required written and practical evaluations

Many skydivers pursue this license because it opens the door to additional skydiving activities – like performing night jumps and jumping from a hot air balloon – and provides greater flexibility when traveling to new dropzones.

Skydiving C License Requirements

The next progression level is the C License. The USPA C License requirements recognize a skydiver’s growing experience and ability to safely participate in more advanced jumps.

USPA C License requirements include:

• Logging a minimum of 200 jumps
• Logging at least 60 minutes of freefall time
• Demonstration of canopy control proficiency
• Demonstration of accurate landings
• Logging 50 formation jumps, including 10 with at least 4 participants
• Passing all required written and practical evaluations

Skydivers holding a C License often participate in larger formation jumps. Plus, reaching 200 jumps also meets USPA recommendations for jumping with a camera – although individual dropzones may have additional requirements.

Skydiving D License Requirements

The D License is the USPA’s highest skydiving license level. D License requirements represent a significant achievement and demonstrate extensive experience in the sport. All tandem skydiving instructors hold a D License (and complete additional training).

USPA D License requirements include:

• Logging a minimum of 500 jumps
• Logging at least three hours of accumulated freefall time
• Demonstration of advanced skydiving knowledge and proficiency
• Completion of 2 qualifying advanced skills
• Passing all required written and practical evaluations

For many experienced jumpers, earning a D License is a major milestone that reflects years of dedication and hundreds of jumps.

Currency Recommendations by License Level

A skydiving license does not expire simply because a jumper has taken time away from the sport. However, USPA recommends refresher training and supervised jumping when licensed skydivers exceed the following periods without making a freefall skydive.

Skydiving currency refers to how recently you have jumped. The higher your license level, the longer you can generally go between jumps before USPA recommends supervised refresher training:

• A License: If you have not made a skydive within the previous 60 days, you should make at least one jump under the supervision of a currently rated USPA instructional rating holder.
• B License: If you have not made a skydive within the previous 90 days, you should complete at least one supervised jump and demonstrate that you can safely exercise the privileges of the license.
• C License: If you have not made a skydive within the previous 180 days, you should complete at least one jump under the supervision of a USPA instructional rating holder.
• D License: The same 180-day recommendation applies to D-license holders.

Students who have not jumped within the previous 30 days should also expect to make a jump under the direct supervision of an appropriately rated USPA Instructor. Individual dropzones may impose stricter recurrency policies based on total jump numbers, length of the layoff, equipment, planned jump, or local procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skydiving License Levels

These are the frequently asked questions we get about skydiving license levels. If you have others, please reach out – we’re here to support your skydiving progression.

How many jumps do you need for each license level?

Current USPA minimum jump requirements are:

• A License: 25 jumps
• B License: 50 jumps
• C License: 200 jumps
• D License: 500 jumps

These jump numbers are part of the official skydive license requirements established by the USPA.

Can you jump at any dropzone once you have an A license?

In most cases, yes. An A License allows you to jump at most USPA-affiliated dropzones, although individual dropzones may have additional policies, currency requirements, or experience standards.

How long does it take to get skydiving certified?

The answer depends on how frequently you jump. Many students complete the requirements for skydiving license advancement and earn their A License within several weeks or a few months. Those who train consistently may complete the process even faster. And, those who opt to stretch the time out can take up to a year. It depends on how much money and time you have to commit to your progression – the most important thing is staying current. 

How much does it cost to get a skydiving license?

Costs vary by dropzone and training program, but earning an A License typically costs between $3,000 and $5,000. This generally includes training jumps, equipment rental, and coached instruction. 

Is getting a skydiving license worth it?

For people who love the sport, absolutely! A skydiving license provides the freedom to jump independently and become part of the skydiving community – the best community on earth! 

Start Your Skydiving Journey

Whether your goal is to earn your first license or work toward the highest skydive license levels, every licensed skydiver starts with the same first step. At Skydive Monroe, our experienced instructors can help you navigate the skydive license requirements, complete your training, and achieve your skydiving goals. Book your tandem skydive or enroll in AFF training today!