You know how to sail. Make it official.

Already have substantial sailing experience but no ASA certifications? Demonstrate your skills in a separate assessment on your way toward cruising and chartering.

Same standards. A separate assessment.

Eligible experienced sailors can challenge ASA 101 and/or ASA 103 without taking the full instructional course. Challenges take place in a separate, shorter private session; challengers are not added to a scheduled class.

Ask about an experienced-sailor challenge discount

Ask us about current challenge pricing and available discounts. Books, logbook and applicable ASA charges are separate. Contact us for an itemized quote and an assessment plan.

Experience review: tell us your sailing history and goals. We confirm eligibility, prerequisites, the standards to be assessed and the plan if further training is needed.
Written exams first: complete the instructor-proctored knowledge exam for each certification being challenged, including prerequisite levels where needed.
Private on-water evaluation: demonstrate every required practical skill to an authorized instructor.
Documented results: we record your experience, exams and skills evaluation. Certification is awarded only if all requirements are met, with the appropriate signed logbook entry.

Your American Sailing ID

Use your existing ASID if you have one. If you are challenging a certification and have never registered with American Sailing, get your free American Sailing ID before the assessment so we can enter you in the system. Do not create a duplicate ID; contact the school if you are unsure.

Certification is not guaranteed. If you do not meet a standard, we will explain the gaps and discuss further instruction or reassessment before any additional booking or charges.

For chartering, ASA 104 and an IPC application may be later steps; charter company and destination requirements vary.

Request a challenge assessment