Junior HPR Level 1 Participation Program

The NAR Junior High Power Participation Program, or JrHPP, is an exciting program available to NAR members ages 14-17 years. If you are a younger NAR member and want to experience the fun of building bigger, more powerful rockets, this program may be for you.

The process is simple. Build a rocket capable of using an H or I class motor using the motor ejection for recovery deployment. We suggest that you work with an experienced HPR flyer to answer questions and help you to understand the differences between low-mid power rockets and high-power rockets when constructing your airframe. There are many excellent kits available from the many vendors who support the NAR that you can use for your first venture into HPR. Take your time, build it strong, and make sure you have a rocket that is ready for your certification flight.

Let’s talk a bit about some of the legal issues associated with HPR. As a member under the age of 18, you will not be allowed to handle, assemble, or use a HPR motor on your own. You also cannot legally make or handle ejection charges using a pyrotechnic charge for ejection. If you want to use a chute release or other non-pyrotechnic recovery deployment device, you are allowed, but the keep it simple recommendation applies for your certification flight.

You will need a flyer-of-record, who can be any NAR member certified to fly HPR to work with you to handle, assemble, and use the HPR motor. This person can be that same HPR-certified friend who helped you with questions and suggesting building techniques. Or, reach out to your local NAR Section leaders to help you find a mentor and flyer-of-record for your certification flight.

Once you build the rocket, you are ready for the final steps to certification. First, you will have to take a test that covers some important topics like:

·      Junior high power participation program basics

·      Federal Aviation Administration regulations regarding high power rocketry

·      The NAR high power safety code

·      Technical aspects of high-power rocketry

The test is straight forward; we have practice exams and study materials to help you and the test is administered online. Remember, you must take and pass the test before you can fly. Once you complete the test with a passing score, download the certificate to your mobile device or print it out to use as proof of completing the test requirements.

Ideally, you should communicate with the flyer-of-record to help you with the purchase of the motor; that is to work with you and a motor vendor to select, purchase, and possess the motor until you are ready to do the certification flight.

Before you fly, you will need to have the certification rocket, the certificate (digital or paper copy) from completing the test, and the application forms with you. Fill out the applicant portion of the application, have a parent or legal guardian sign and date the form, have your flyer-of-record fill in their section, and work with the certification team at the launch to inspect your rocket. The certification team should also be able to help you with getting the rocket inspected at the launch by a range safety officer, and to help with the launch procedures at that launch. It’s ok to ask questions along the way.

After the flight, retrieve your rocket, show it to the certifying team, and if all is good, you will complete your certification.

If something went wrong, ask questions of the certification team for a debrief on their thought regarding the issues your rocket had and options for fixing any problems encountered. You can repair the rocket or build a new one if unrepairable and fly again when ready.

Once you have a successful flight, Congratulations! Get your paperwork completed with signatures and contact information from the certification team. Keep the completed forms to use for completing the online certification form for submission to the NAR. After our HPR certification staff review your submission for completeness, your account will be updated indicating the certification.

After certification, you will continue to be required to have a flyer-of-record to handle your motors and be with you at flights. Once you turn 18 years, the NAR will automatically change your certification to Level 1, as long as you remain a member.

Have fun with your high-power adventures and remember, be safe!

Overview of Certification Process

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Important Notes

• For a detailed description of the Junior HPR Level 1 Participation program, please visit this page.
• Do NOT mail or email paperwork to NAR Headquarters.
• Do NOT contact NAR Headquarters with certification questions.
• All questions about HPR certification must be sent to:
  HPRCertifications@nar.org
  

1. Who Can Participate (Minimum Requirements)

1. You must be 14 to 17 years old at the time you earn certification.
2. You must be a current NAR member in good standing.
   • You will need to show proof of membership (membership card, receipt, or proof from a NAR event).
3. You must pass the NAR Junior HPR Level 1 online exam before attempting your certification flight.
   • The test covers laws, safety rules, and basic rocket science (like stability and balance).
4. All of your high-power flights must be supervised by a certified adult (Level 1 or higher).
   • This adult must legally buy and handle the motor.
   • This adult is called the Flier of Record.
   • The Flier of Record cannot be part of the Certification Team.
5. Motors used must be officially certified (NAR, Tripoli, or CAR).
   • Hybrid motors are not allowed.
6. These rules do not replace local, state, or federal laws. Other rules may still apply.

2. When Junior HPR Level 1 Is Required to:

You need Junior HPR Level 1 certification if your rocket:

• Uses one or more motors with total impulse between 160.01 and 640 Newton-seconds, or
• Weighs more than 53 ounces (1500 grams), or
• Uses motors stronger than standard model rocket motors, such as H or I motors.

3. What Junior HPR Level 1 Members Are Allowed to Do:

1. You may fly rockets with up to 640 Newton-seconds total impulse.
2. Your certification flight and future flights must use:
   • Single-deployment recovery, or
   • Non-pyrotechnic recovery systems
   • (No explosive ejection charges because you are under 18.)
3. Hybrid motors are not allowed.
4. You must always fly with a certified adult until you turn 18.

4. Junior HPR Level 1 Online Exam

1. The exam is online only at NAR.org under Continuing Education.
2. You must complete and pass the Junior HPR Level 1 Exam first.
3. The exam has multiple-choice and true/false questions.
4. Questions come from a 50-question study guide.
5. Practice exams are available covering:
   • Program rules
   • FAA regulations
   • Safety code
   • Technical knowledge
6. You must score 88% or higher (22 out of 25 correct).
7. If you fail:
   • You may retry once immediately.
   • After a second failure, you must wait 7 days.
8. You must pass the exam before flying. After passing, download and save or print your exam certificate.
9. You must bring this certificate to your certification flight.

5. Online Test Procedure

• Click “Take Course/Requirement” 
• Fill out the registration form and check “Save Information.”
• Complete the CAPTCHA and submit.
• Watch for test link by email (arrives in ~10 minutes)
• Click the link in the email to start the test.
• Answer all questions – Please note that you will receive immediate feedback on your answers as soon as you click the answer.
• Click “Finish Test” to see your score.

6. Certification Team (Required)

1. The Certification Team has two adults (18+) who:
   • Are NAR members
   • Are not related to you
   • Are not the Flier of Record
2. At least one team member must already be Level 1 certified.
3. A single Level 2 certified NAR member may act alone.
4. The team must see the flight in person, videos are not allowed.

6. Certification Process

1. You must pass the online exam before flying. The NAR Junior Level 1 Online Exam Certificate must be presented to the Flyer of Record. This certificate is required before making the certification flight attempt.
2. The flight can happen at any launch with a proper Certification Team.
3. FAA rules and waivers must be followed.
4. You must build your own rocket (kit or scratch-built).
   1. Each person must have their own rocket.
   2. The rocket must recover safely (usually with a parachute).
5. Your rocket must use at least one H or I motor.
   1. You may NOT handle the motor.
   2. The certified adult handles the motor at all times.
6. You and your parent/guardian must complete the application form.
7. The Flier of Record accepts full responsibility for the flight.
8. Before flight:
   1. The rocket will be inspected for safety.
   2. You will answer questions about how your rocket works.
9. The Certification Team watches the flight.
   1. The rocket must fly safely and recover properly.
10. After flight:
    1. The rocket is inspected for damage.
    2. It should be reusable without repairs.
11. If the flight is successful:
    1. The Certification Team signs the paperwork.
    2. You receive a temporary certification card (valid for 60 days).
12. You must submit the digital certification form with photos or scans.
13. NAR reviews the information and confirms with the Certification Team.
14. Your NAR account is updated with Junior HPR Level 1 status.
15. When you turn 18, your certification becomes a Senior Level 1 automatically.

7. Administrative Rules

1. Lying or falsifying information will result in loss of certification.
2. JrHPP members may fly at Tripoli launches if approved.
3. If your NAR membership lapses for over one year, you must redo certification.
   

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Final Reminder

• For a detailed description of the Junior HPR Level 1 Participation program, please visit this page.
• Do not send paperwork to NAR Headquarters.
• Email all questions to:HPRCertifications@nar.org

Revision Date: December 22, 2025