How many jumps do I need for my A-License?

You need a minimum of 25 freefall jumps to earn your USPA A-License. This includes completing all AFF categories (A through H), demonstrating required skills, and passing written, oral, and practical exams.

What are the AFF categories?

AFF consists of Categories A through H. Categories A-E are instructor-supervised jumps covering basic freefall and canopy skills. After Category E, you're cleared for freefall self-supervision. Categories F-H cover tracking, hop n pops, and group skills needed for your A-License.

When do I get freefall self-supervision?

You qualify for freefall self-supervision after completing Category E, when you demonstrate stability and heading control within 5 seconds after recovering from instability maneuvers like barrel rolls, back loops, or front loops.

What's included in the A-License exam?

The A-License exam has three parts: a written exam covering USPA regulations and skydiving knowledge, an oral exam with an instructor, and a practical exam demonstrating your skills in freefall and under canopy.

Your A-License Journey: Resources for Success

Congratulations on starting your A-License journey! From your first jump to your USPA A-license card, this page is your roadmap. We've organized every category of your AFF progression below — click any card to dive into the academic material, skills breakdown, and quizzes for that stage. Whether you're preparing for tomorrow's jump or reviewing after a long break, everything you need is here.

Just getting started? Download our free AFF Preparedness Guide to hit the ground running.

Download the AFF Guide

AFF Categories

These seven jumps (Categories A–E, plus F–H) form the core of your training. Each category builds on the last — master one before moving to the next.

Category A

Arch & Awareness

Your first freefall. Learn the stable arch position, altitude awareness, and practice pull sequences with two instructors by your side.

Start Category A →

Category B

Better Body Position

Refine your arch and learn heading control. You'll do practice pulls and begin flying with less instructor assistance.

Start Category B →

Category C

Heading & Canopy Control

Your instructors release you in freefall. Learn turns, heading control, and refine your landing pattern for accuracy.

Start Category C →

Category D

Directional Control

Your first solo exit. Master freefall turns with the Start-Coast-Stop technique, rear-riser steering, and conduct your own gear checks.

Start Category D →

Category E

Experience Instability

Get intentionally unstable — barrel rolls, back loops, and front loops. Prove you can recover, and qualify for freefall self-supervision.

Start Category E →

After AFF

Roadmap for Success

You're cleared for solo freefall — now what? This guide covers your path from jump 8 to jump 25 and your A-License exam.

View the Roadmap →

Category F

Flat Tracking & Hop n Pops

Learn to cover horizontal distance with flat tracking and perform your first low-altitude "hop n pop" deployments.

Start Category F →

Category G

Group Skills

Fly relative to others. Practice docking, maintaining levels, and the safety procedures for group skydives.

Start Category G →

Skydiver diving out toward another skydiver

Category H

Hone Your Skills

Advanced group exits, dive-to-dock maneuvers, and final preparation for your A-License practical exam.

Start Category H →

Ready for Your A-License Exam?

Completed all your jumps and ready to test? Our exam prep page covers everything you need to pass your written, oral, and practical exams.

Go to Exam Prep

Already Have Your A-License?

Congratulations! Ready to keep progressing? Our B-License Study Guide covers everything you need for your next milestone — night jumps, water training, canopy proficiency, and more.

View the B-License Study Guide

Questions About Your Training?

Whether you're scheduling your next jump or need clarification on a concept, we're here to help you succeed.