High Power Rocketry Certifications
The NAR was created in 1957 as an advocate of the model rocketry hobby. Over the past four decades the hobby has grown to encompass rocket motor types and performance unavailable to the modeler at the NAR’s inception. In response to this growth the NAR offers a certification process which permits individuals to purchase and use rocket motors whose physical constraints and performance exceed traditional model rocket boundaries. Rocket motors which exceed model rocketry motor definitions and the models that use these motors are collectively referred to as high power rocketry. Certification for high power rocketry consists of three progressive levels:

• Level 1 allows the purchase and use of H and I impulse class motors; solid and hybrid. Certain F and G motors may also require Level 1 certification for purchase and use.
• Level 2 allows the purchase and use of J, K, and L impulse class motors; solid and hybrid.
• Level 3 certification allows the purchase and use of M, N, and O impulse class rocket motors; solid and hybrid.

The procedures for Level 2 certification are documented below. Level 2 certification requires that you hold a valid Level 1 certification before applying. You can examine the HPR Level 1 Certification Procedures for more information. You can also review the HPR Level 2 Study Guide. Level 3 certification requires in-process reviews of the certification model’s design and construction prior to flight. Level 3 certification is covered in an application separate from the Level 1 and Level 2 paperwork. Please note that the NAR high power certification is only one consideration when purchasing and using high power rocket motors. Compliance with local and state laws as well as federal regulations (e.g., FAA FAR Part 101, NFPA 1127, etc.) is also required. High Power certification is intended to provide a measure of the modeler’s competence to avoid gross violations of good modeling practice and safe model operation. The program is not foolproof. A single demonstration of a modeler’s skills does not guarantee consistent safe performance. The certification program does not replace competent range personnel (note that high power range safety officers will require high power certification per NFPA 1127) to provide assurance of safe models and operating practices.

Questions about any of the content should be directed to the Sections Activities Chairman.

Junior HPR Participation Program (JrHPP)

The Junior HPR Participation Program is offered to Junior and Leader members, ages 14 - 17, in order that they may fly rockets using H and I class motors. The program follows the same basic procedure used for the Level 1 HPR certification for Senior NAR members. However due to legal restrictions pertaining to the purchase, possession, and handling of high power rocket motors, ejection charges and related items by those under the age of 18, there are additional requirements. See the following for more information.

• Junior HPR Participation Program Procedures
• Junior HPR Participation Program Application
• Digital Junior Level 1 HPR Certification Form
• Junior HPR Participation Program Written Exam Study Guide
• Certification Document Current Version Check

JrHPP Online Practice Exams (JrHPRL1-2020 Versions):

• NAR Jr. HPR Level 1 Participation Program
• Section B - FAA Regulations 
• Section C - NAR High Power Rocketry Safety Code 
• Section D - Technical

HPR Level 1 Certification

HPR Level 1 Certification allows the purchase and use of H and I impulse class motors, both solid and hybrid, by adult NAR members. Certain F and G motors also require Level 1 certification for purchase and use (this includes: hybrid motors, motors designed to emit sparks, motors that exceed 80 Newtons average thrust, motors containing 125 or more grams of propellant, or are in rockets weighing more than 1500 grams. See the following for more information.

• Level 1 Certification Procedures
• Level 1 Certification Application
• Digital Level 1 Certification Form

HPR Level 2 Certification

HPR Level 2 certification requires that you hold a valid HPR Level 1 certification before applying and once successfully completed, allows the purchase and use of J, K, and L impulse class motors by adult NAR members. See the following for more information.

• Level 2 Certification Procedures
• Level 2 Certification Form
• Digital Level 2 Certification Form
• Level 2 Written Exam Study Guide
• Certification Document Current Version Check
  

HPR Level 2 Online Practice Exams (HPRL2-2020 Versions):

• Section A - Applicable Regulations
• Section B - Rocket Motor Designations
• Section C - Range and Safety Practices
• Section D - Rocket Stability

HPR Level 3 Certification

HPR Level 3 Certification requires that you hold a valid HPR Level 2 Certification before applying and once successfully completed, allows the purchase and use of M, N, and O impulse class motors by adult NAR members. See the following for more information.

List of Members of the Level 3 Certification Committee By Name (10.23.2024)
List of Members of the Level 3 Certification Committee By State (10.23.2024)