Become Certified

Become Certified

Introduction

The CSPA is authorized by the Aero Club of Canada to issue parachuting certificates on behalf of the FAI, in the general interest of sport aviation in Canada.  The CSPA issues Certificates of Proficiency (CoPs) to recognize ability and knowledge, separated into classes to represent different levels of competence. These certificates are a reflection of demonstration of proficiency in a variety of skill sets combined with technical knowledge through all stages of the skydiving skills grid. They are not merely licenses, records of achievement or accumulations of jumps. Within this section, you will find:

  1. how to qualify
  2. how you are evaluated
  3. how to apply

You can learn more about each level by watching this video!
 

How to Qualify

You must demonstrate your ability in the following skill areas:

  • Preparation
  • Equipment
  • In-flight
  • Freefall
  • Canopy Control
  • Technical Knowledge

How you are Evaluated

Skill requirements for a CoP must be verified by a person designated by CSPA as qualified to perform that function. Qualified individuals holding signing privileges include Coaches, Instructors, Riggers (for packing), Judges and Qualified Evaluators. A few requirements can only be signed by senior rating holders. Criteria for signing privileges are shown under the Endorsements heading near the end of this section.

All written/verbal examinations will be directed to a skill level appropriate to that of the certificate being applied for.

There are four areas to be evaluated for each certificate. These are:

  1. Freefall and Canopy Proficiency
  2. Endorsements
  3. Technical Knowledge
  4. Other Requirements

Freefall and Canopy Proficiency:

  • There are performance standards for each Certificate. All practical skills for the respective CoP must be achieved prior to writing the CoP Exam.
  • These practical requirements must be witnessed and signed in the logbook by the Coach/Instructor who has the proper rating.  A list of the rating holders required for each task is indicated in Section 6.1 to 6.5.  During processing of your application, your logbook entries are reviewed with special attention being paid to the specific practical qualifications for that certificate.
  • Freefall jumps that are to be counted for CoP purposes must be controlled.  The term controlled refers to the parachutist having unassisted control over the attitude of the body from exit to canopy inflation.  Control must be maintained during parachute activation. 
  • When recording freefall manoeuvre performance times, the actual time plus any penalties (corrected time) must be shown in the logbook.
  • Accuracy jumps counted for CoP purposes must be controlled.  The term controlled refers to the parachutist having a controlled approach on a pre-determined target, executing turns with a minimum amount of oscillation.
  • All accuracy landings must be a safe, standup landing. The distance of landings from the centre of the target must be recorded in the logbook. Precision landings are required for the different levels of CoP. Record every distance that can be reasonably measured.

Endorsements

  • Endorsements are administered by written testing, verbal questioning, briefing and/or practical testing; or a combination of these. The endorsement must be obtained prior to writing the CoP exam.
  • Endorsements are part of the Freefall Proficiency, Canopy Proficiency and Technical Knowledge aspects of the CoP requirements.
  • Completion of endorsements should be recorded as a separate entry in your log book and/or initialed on the CoP application form. You may also use the CSPA endorsement card.
  • Logbook entries for jumps used to meet certificate requirements must be countersigned by a CoP holder who has witnessed the actual jump.  Entries must include name and CSPA #.
  • Note: The above endorsements are only valid when signed in the logbook, on the endorsement card, or on the CoP application form by an appropriate rating holder, as shown in the previous table. Signatures of foreign rating holders will not be accepted on applications for CoPs.
  • It is the responsibility of persons holding signing privileges to ensure that the candidate has the required proficiencies and technical knowledge, to a satisfactory degree, prior to signing the candidate’s endorsement card or logbook.

Technical Knowledge:

  • As well as performing skills there is an amount of knowledge that must accompany those practical skills. You will be tested on that information prior to applying for your Certificate of Proficiency.
  • You will find study information in the following texts: PIM 1, PIM 2A and PIM 2B. The type of information that you will be tested on includes: privileges of each CoP level; Rules and Recommendations of the CSPA, and; competition, equipment and general parachuting knowledge.
  • An exam will be written for each certificate. A pass mark of 80% must be achieved on the exam.
  • Exams are written under the supervision of an SSE.  Results of written exams will be immediately entered on the application section of the exam booklet, by the SSE.  Failure of a written exam will require a minimum waiting period of 14 days before re-examination can take place and must be done using the alternate version of the exam.
  • Written exams are distributed to SSEs. The SSE may only receive the D CoP if they, themselves have their D CoP. Dropzones are sent exams automatically every year by the CSPA National Office.

Other requirements

  • Each CoP requires a certain number of jumps and freefall time.

How to Apply

  • Contact a SSE, to determine if requirements and qualifications have been met, prior to applying for a CoP. Each Member normally has at least one SSE.
  • The SSE will help you complete the application form and verify all the required information. The practical demonstrations must be witnessed by appropriate Coaches/Instructors and documented in your logbook.General qualifications and endorsements must be identified by the SSE from a properly verified logbook and endorsement card, prior to signing the CoP application form.
  • Bring the following items
    • logbook(s), with proof of practical requirements
    • endorsement card or logbook with required items signed by appropriate rating holder
    • CSPA affiliation card or completed application form
    • applicable fees
  • Write the applicable CoP exam and review the results with your SSE.
  • Retain all of the above items before forwarding to the CSPA National Office:
    • For all CoPs, have the requirements verified and the application form certified by a SSE
      • For C and D CoPs, in addition, you must photocopy or scan the pages of your logbook that correspond to the jumps on your application form. Notarization is not required.
    • To ensure that all requirements are met, please use the following tips for logging your jumps:
      • Indicate the exact skill performed, as required on the CoP application form
      • Ensure the signature of the appropriate rating holder is legible, and BOTH their CSPA # and rating are signed on EACH jump in your logbook, NOT their CoP #.
    • Forward required items to the CSPA.
  • Written exams are normally kept on file for 30 days. If the applicant fails to submit all required items and documentation to CSPA within 30 days of the written exam, the application will be rejected and they may be asked to rewrite.
  • The office does not accept ANY forms that are not the current versions and will not be held responsible for delays in processing. All current forms are available on the CSPA website and/or upon request from the office.

Please Note:

CSPA Certificates of Proficiency are only valid with an active CSPA affiliation

CSPA/FAI Certificates of Proficiency, once issued, may not be withdrawn, unless obtained by fraudulent means.

All CSPA certificates, “Solo” through “D”, must be obtained in sequence.

A FAI license holder may apply to achieve a CSPA Certificates of Proficiency providing the individual meets the requirements for the level of CoP applied for. FAI license holders holding at least an “A” level CoP of a nation other than Canada, are not required to obtain a SOLO certificate.

Proof of highest foreign CoP must be submitted with the level of CSPA CoP being applied for.  All exams of previous levels of CSPA CoPs must be written and submitted at the same time but only highest level of CoP requires payment and full application.

CSPA Certificates of Proficiencies are recognized by FAI as meeting FAI minimum standards for each of the CoP levels, however, CSPA CoPs and ratings are the product of CSPA and as such reserve the right to make changes without notice to our requirements.