certification details

The way I understand it, as an adult all I have to do for L1, L2, and L3 certification is fill out the right forms, have a sponsor, and run a successful flight of the appropriate category. Is that it, or is there a written test component or some other aspect of the program?

Also, other than age what is the difference between L1 and L1 junior? Is there an L2 junior or L3 junior?

depends on who you cert with. Both NAR and TRA have written tests for L2. The L3 flight rules are slightly different in each organization, but the main idea is you need a couple people to review the rocket and flight plan prior to launch.

TRA: https://www.tripoli.org/Certifications/tabid/80/Default.aspx

NAR: https://www.nar.org/high-power-rocketry-info/high-power-resources/

So, written test for L2 but L1 is only the flight?

Also am I correct in assuming that the junior program ends at L1?

L1 is just the flight. You need have CP marked on the rocket and discuss stability, recovery and such with the person doing the cert, but it's pretty informal. Put a motor with between 160 N/s and 640 N/s in the pipe and light it.

Kick it up and mail it in.

Jr. program in NAR I'm not familiar with. In TRA it's a bit more open : https://www.tripoli.org/Certifications/TripoliMentoringProgram/tabid/322/Default.aspx

In NAR, the Jr program ends at L1. TRA allows you to fly whatever your mentor is certified to. L2 has a test and L3 has a lot of paperwork...

Actually the Jr. programs in both NAR and TRA are participation programs as it is not legal for anyone under 18 to process a high power motor.

The Jr. member can build the rocket but a senior member must assemble and insert the motor and igniter, and the senior member's name appears on the flight card.

A NAR Jr. Member in good standing is automatically granted L1 certification status when he/she reaches 18.

Bob