The cost of becoming a certified skydiver will depend on the skydiving center you choose and the system they use. Across the world, there are several levels of skydiving certification and different skydiving license costs.

Within the sport of skydiving in the United States, there are four primary skydiving licenses: A, B, C, and D. Note that the skydiving license cost most people have in mind when they begin considering skydiving certification is the “A” license.

The “A” License is where almost everyone starts. It is what shows the skydiving world that you have received the basic and appropriate amount of training to be able to jump with other licensed skydivers.

In the United States, becoming a certified skydiver opens up a varying range of opportunities within one of the world’s most exciting sports. Once you have achieved your skydiving certification, you will be able to start focusing on one of the many disciplines of skydiving, building your skills, and having a lot of fun in the process.

According to reports, one of the most common disciplines chosen by new skydivers is formation skydiving, where you learn to jump with other people safely and to make formations by holding onto one another’s arms and legs during freefall.

Have it in mind that this is a great social discipline and can be done at any USPA member skydiving center, as long as you have your USPA (United States Parachute Association) license.

You can also use your skydiving certification to jump overseas, either with the license you have or by converting it to the local license type. Nonetheless, this will depend on the specific skydiving center you are visiting, and that is why it is recommended that you check in advance.

Coupled with the practical applications of your skydiving certificate, you also have the mental benefits too. Note that by working toward the certification and then achieving it, you will get a great sense of pride in a job well done. You will also build up the knowledge and skills you need to be fully responsible for yourself and your equipment, which is very empowering.

Once you have received your initial “A” License, you can start working toward several admirable skydiving goals. You could also choose to work toward completing the necessary canopy maneuvers, water training and 50 jumps minimum to obtain your “B” License.

Or, if you prefer to be like one of the coaches that helped you along the way, you could choose to acquire the United States Parachute Association Coach Rating. Note that this particular skydiving certification is the first instructional rating a skydiver can earn in the sport of skydiving.

Types of Certifications for Skydivers and Their Cost

There are four types of skydiving licenses. These are categorized as A, B, C, and D licenses. The A license is the first license obtained by a new skydiver and each license is indeed more challenging to achieve, requiring the skydiver to prove certain skills and reach certain experience levels.

The D license is the highest level of skydiving license and skydivers need a minimum of 500 and to have completed all requirements of the previous licenses as well as two-night jumps.

1. Skydiving A License

Just like was stated above, this is the first license or certification a jumper can acquire. An A license opens the door to the skydiving world and is proof that the skydiver has completed their training and is now cleared to jump without supervision.

After completing a series of jumps and showing experienced skydiving instructors that they have the skills needed to skydive safely and competently by themselves, a jumper can receive their A License.

However, a jumper must also be able to remain stable in free fall, pack their own parachute, complete a written and oral exam, and a whole list of other requirements and skills completed in free fall as identified by the United States Parachute Association.

Once a new skydiver successfully completes their training and demonstrates the necessary skills, they are awarded an A License. Simply put, to acquire this license, a skydiver must:

• Complete a minimum of 25 jumps
• Complete all requirements laid out by the USPA A License Proficiency Card
• Make five skydives with one or more other people
• Have their skydiving license stamped by the USPA
• Pass the USPA written and oral exams

Cost

• $3,900 (three jumps were tandems, $650)

2. Skydiving B License

To acquire a Skydiving B License in the United States, a jumper will have to first clock at least 50 jumps. These skydivers are also expected to have proven their canopy piloting skills by completing the canopy maneuvers required by the United States Parachute Association, have live training to make a water landing, have passed a written exam, and have successfully completed the required freefall flying maneuvers.

Also have it in mind that by showing that you have the skills to attain your B License (and receive it), it shows that you are ready to handle even bigger and better things.

This includes jumps at night, jumps from high altitudes (up to 30,000ft!) jumps from helicopters, and jumps from hot air balloons! Howbeit, if you have your B License and reach 100 skydives, you are eligible to receive training to become a skydiving coach and assist other skydivers to progress in the sport.

Cost

• $1,600 (incl. water & canopy training, 25 jumps, 22 rentals)

3. Skydiving C License

A skydiving C license is a step higher than the B license and this license holder can do all of the things listed under A and B and is also eligible to get their USPA instructor rating (though not the Tandem rating).

Also, note that they can be a passenger on a USPA tandem instructor training course and rating renewal jumps and can participate in certain more advanced level jumps. According to reports, the C License is achieved by jumpers who have reached 200 skydives.

These jumpers have also been able to land within 7 feet of a target on at least 25 skydives. Also note that to be awarded a C License, the skydiver is also expected to pass a written exam. C License jumpers can also now begin looking into wing suiting and now qualify to take a wingsuit course.

Cost

• $5,600 (including 200 regular jump tickets)

4. Skydiving D License

The skydiving D license is the highest license you can achieve. Skydivers holding a D license have proven a vast range of skills and have well-rounded experience, having completed a minimum of 500 jumps.

D license skydivers offer all of the privileges of A, B, and C licenses and are eligible for all USPA instructor ratings. Also, note that D License holders are able to apply for all instructor ratings provided by the United States Parachute Association including pro ratings and the ability to jump into stadiums!

To obtain a Skydiving D License, these skydivers have also made at least 2 skydives at night and have passed a written exam.

Cost

• Varies according to location, Skydiving center, and system used.

Conclusion

You can get your skydiving certification in as few as 8 training jumps and 17 consolidation jumps. Each training jump is designed to equip you with the skills you need to be a successful skydiver and to fly your own body, operate all of the equipment, and deal with any possible situation that might occur. Once you have that USPA A license in hand, you will be primed and ready to tackle the next steps.

The more advanced skydiving certification levels–the B, C, and D licenses–will move you well into your skydiving career, and the ratings you can earn will allow you to do demonstration jumps, participate in incredible air sports events and even teach new jumpers how to skydive. With time, effort and dedication, you can even become a certified skydiver instructor.