HOW DO I GET A SKYDIVING LICENSE?
Ready to take skydiving to the next level?
Earning your skydiving license allows you to skydive solo and truly experience the freedom of flight. Yes—you can skydive by yourself, and here’s how it works.
GETTING CERTIFIED
The most common path to becoming a licensed skydiver is the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) Program, a structured training program recognized by the United States Parachute Association (USPA). AFF guides students from their first jump through the skills needed to earn a USPA A License.
The program typically includes ground school, classroom instruction, all required jumps, one-on-one coaching, and gear rental.
AFF PROGRAM OVERVIEW
AFF begins with ground school, where students learn safety procedures, body position, emergency protocols, and equipment use.
After ground school, you’ll take a tandem skydive with one of our instructors, after which you’ll complete the following skydives with your own parachute and an instructor in freefall with you.
The program typically includes 7–9 training levels, starting with instructor-assisted jumps and progressing to supervised and solo freefall.
As skills improve, skydiving students gain more independence until they’re cleared for solo jumps and license checkout dives. The training follows the USPA’s Integrated Student Program (ISP), ensuring all safety and skill requirements are met.
Cost of Becoming a Licensed Skydiver
Skydiving license costs vary by dropzone. At Cleveland Skydiving Center, you can learn about the pricing options for AFF here.
How Long Does AFF Take?
AFF is self-paced. Students who jump frequently can finish in as little as two weeks, though most complete the program in about a month or longer. To remain current, students must jump at least once every 30 days.
YOUR FIRST LICENSE – THE USPA ‘A’ LICENSE
The USPA A License is the first official skydiving certification and is recognized by the FAA and USPA-member dropzones nationwide. To earn it, students must:
- Complete 25 freefall jumps
- Finish and submit the USPA A License Proficiency Card
- Complete five group skydives
- Pass the written and oral USPA exams
- Hold an active USPA membership
This license is required before progressing to higher certifications (B, C, and D licenses).
Sound good? Read more about how to start your student skydiver training with us here.
