How to Get Your Skydiving License: A Step-by-Step Guide

Key Takeaways 
Earning a skydiving license follows a structured progression that begins with ground school and AFF training and builds toward independent skydiving. Students must complete at least 25 jumps; demonstrate specific freefall, canopy, emergency-procedure and parachute-packing skills; and pass written and practical exams. The process typically costs between $3,000 and $4,000 and can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on weather, schedule and individual progress. Once all requirements are complete, students can apply for their USPA A License and continue their journey as licensed skydivers.

So, you’ve made a tandem skydive, caught the skydiving itch and decided you want to jump on your own. AWESOME! But how do you actually go from first-time jumper to licensed skydiver?

At Skydive Carolina, aspiring skydivers train through Accelerated Freefall (AFF), following the United States Parachute Association’s (USPA) Integrated Student Program (ISP). You’ll learn the skills needed to jump independently, work through AFF Categories A through H, complete at least 25 skydives and, ultimately, earn your USPA A License! 

1. Start With Ground School and AFF

The first step in learning how to get your skydiving license is completing a First Jump Course (FJC), which is commonly called ground school.

At Skydive Carolina, the FJC is a six-hour, one-day course that covers everything from skydiving equipment and aircraft procedures to freefall body position, parachute deployment, emergency procedures, and canopy control. The course costs $349 and includes your first jump (Category A) with two AFF instructors.

During your Category A jump, you’ll be in freefall with two instructors on either side of you, and when the parachute opens, you’ll fly it solo. You’ll use a radio to take instruction from the ground crew while flying your canopy to the landing area. From there, you’ll progress through Categories A through E with dual and single instructor supervision before moving into coach-supported and self-supervised jumps.

2. Complete 25 Jumps and Build Your Skills

How many jumps you need to get a skydiving license depends on your progression, but you must complete at least 25. Some people repeat learning levels as necessary, and accrue more than 25. 

Your jump log includes your tandem skydive, if you make one before enrolling in AFF. As is the case at many dropzones, Skydive Carolina does not require that you make a tandem first, but we highly recommend it. 

Learning how to skydive is not simply a matter of counting jumps. Along the way, you acquire and practice specific freefall, canopy, and emergency-procedure skills, including: turns, forward and backward movement, fall-rate control, canopy control, navigation, landing accuracy, and group-flying techniques. You’ll also learn how to pack your own parachute! 

At Skydive Carolina, your progression breaks down like this:

• Categories A-E: 7 instructor-supervised jumps
• Categories F-H: 12 coach-supported jumps
• Self-supervised jumps: 6 solo jumps

And yes, you really do jump solo during your progression! “Solo” doesn’t necessarily mean alone, though. Early in the program, instructors are right there with you. As your skills develop, you gain more independence until you’re making self-supervised jumps. Once you’ve checked off your USPA A License Proficiency Card, you’ll have a check dive to test all your skills! Check dives are orchestrated by instructors, not coaches or on self-supervision. 

3. Complete the Requirements, Exams, and Check Dive

On top of the freefall and canopy skills needed to earn your first skydiving license, you’ll need to demonstrate parachute-packing skills, pass the required written exam with a score of at least 75% and pass the oral exam with 100%. An active USPA membership is also required to get licensed.

Once you’ve checked all those boxes, you’re ready to submit your A License application to the USPA! 

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Skydiving License?

The total cost to get a skydiving license varies depending on how many jumps you do while progressing through the program, but plan on investing roughly $3,000 to $4,000. That may sound like a lot, but it’s well worth it.

As of August 2026, the Phase 1 Package at Skydive Carolina, which takes students from the FJC through Category E, costs $2,119. The Phase 2 Package, from Category F through the completion of the program, is $1,150. Gear rental and video are included in the program cost.

For the most current pricing and package information, be sure to check out Skydive Carolina’s AFF pricing and call us with any questions! 

How Long Does It Take to Get a Skydiving License?

The time it takes to get a skydiving license depends on individual circumstances. Weather, scheduling, and resources can all affect the pace at which you progress. Additionally, some students need to repeat jumps in order to gain mastery of specific skills – which is totally fine and common. 

Some students complete the course in a matter of weeks, while others take several months. The key is staying current: students must make at least one jump every 30 days. If more time passes between jumps, additional training or repetition may be required before continuing. This isn’t in place to hold anyone back or act as a punishment. Currency helps to keep you and those around you safe! 

Who Can Become a Licensed Skydiver?

To get your skydiving license at Skydive Carolina, students must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Weigh less than 225 pounds
• Be in good physical condition

Valid, government-issued photo ID is required, and parental consent does not allow anyone under 18 to participate. 

Students must also follow FAA alcohol restrictions (no drinking eight hours or less before jumping). 

Is It Hard to Get Your Skydiving License?

Learning to skydive takes commitment, but “hard” doesn’t mean impossible. The AFF curriculum is scaffolded so you build skills progressively; each category preparing you for the next.

You don’t have to ace everything on your first attempt and jumps can be repeated as necessary until the required skills are mastered. Don’t sweat it! Skydiving isn’t a natural thing and it takes time to learn. 

Is It Worth Getting a Skydiving License?

For people who love the feeling of freefall and want to make skydiving more than a once-in-a-lifetime experience, earning an A License can open the door to an entirely new sport, lifestyle, and community. We’re biased – but yes, it’s worth it! 

Is 40 Too Old to Start Skydiving?

Not at all. There is no maximum age for learning to skydive. Physical ability matters more than the number on your driver’s license. People the world over skydive well into their golden years. Contact us if you have any concerns about eligibility.

Ready to Become a Skydiver?

Located in Chester, South Carolina, just an hour from Charlotte, Skydive Carolina offers a structured path from your first day of ground school to your USPA A License.

You don’t need to know everything before you start. That’s what the training is for! All you need is the desire to learn, a commitment to progression, and a willingness to take that first step.

If you’ve been searching for how to become a skydiver, step one is surprisingly simple: Book your First Jump Course! Blue skies!