Not every license is for everyone. A gives you independence. B opens disciplines. C leads to teaching. D is pure profession. Here's what each level lets you do (and not).
Tl;dr — which license is yours
A
25 jumps
2–6 months
What you can do
What you CAN'T yet
For whom
Baseline level for anyone jumping regularly as a hobby. 70% of Italian skydivers stop here.
B
50 jumps
3–12 months after A
What you can do
What you CAN'T yet
For whom
For those who want to specialize in a technical discipline. After B you can do the freefly course or 4-way FS, step into amateur competitions.
C
200 jumps
1–3 years after B
What you can do
What you CAN'T yet
For whom
Amateur-pro level. Point where skydiving becomes "serious passion" and instructor role is realistic.
D
500 jumps
3–7 years after C
What you can do
What you CAN'T yet
For whom
Highest level. Required only if you want to instruct tandem, wingsuit BASE, or professional competition disciplines.
From A to B: average 1 year (requires weekend consistency). B to C: 2–3 years. C to D: often never, because it requires 300+ additional jumps, about €12,000 in jumps and 5+ years of weekly commitment. 70% of Italian license holders stop at A, 20% at B, 7% at C, 3% reach D.
Moral: if your goal is "jumping when I want with friends," A is the real finish line. No pressure to continue — a well-consolidated A (50–70 total jumps) is safer than a rushed B.
Every license starts from the AFF course + 18 consolidation jumps toward A.