Upgrading Categories

AlanZ said:

I have recently been told that there are other ways to upgrade categories... such as taking lessons and going to clinics.
Is this true? and does anybody have any information on how to do this?

This may be true for going from cat 5 to cat 4, although I have never heard of it, however it is absolutely not true for upgrading to any other category.

Yes you can upgrade to Cat 4 by taking a Velodrome safety class, but that is only for Track Cycling.

Here is the rest of the upgade info, taken from USACycling.org
http://www.usacycling.org/news/user/story.php?id=580

USCF Categorization Guidelines Upgrades

Note: USA Cycling's Online Membership System allows you to upgrade much quicker and easier than using the paper method. USA Cycling strongly encourages you to request your upgrade online.

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An upgrade request consists of the following:
A cover letter requesting an upgrade and a resume of race results over the past 12 months. The ideal resume will contain all current rider contact info (address, phone, email), date of birth, license number, expiration date, category, club and racing age, at the top of the page. This should be followed by race results that show date, event name, location, category, number of starters, and place.

A stamped, self-addressed return envelope to receive an upgrade sticker for your license.
Please DO NOT send your license. Contact your Regional Coordinator via phone or email with questions or circumstances not addressed in the rulebook.
Upgrades to category 1 require license reissue (\$15 fee).
Downgrades to 5 are not allowed.
Road Categorization
Requirements and Notes by Category:

5 - 4:
Experience in 10 mass start races;
4 - 3:
Need 20 points in any 12-month period;
or experience in 25 qualifying races with a minimum of 10 top-10 finishes.
30 points in 12 months is an automatic upgrade
3 - 2:
Need 25 points in any 12-month period
60 points in 12 months is an automatic upgrade
2 - 1:
Need 30 points in any 12-month period
60 points in 12 months is an automatic upgrade
Qualifying Road Races for each Category Category Class Road Race Criterium Time Field Experience
5 - 4 Men 15 mi 10 mi 45 min 10 10 races
4 - 3 Men 25 mi 20 mi 1 hr 30 25 races
Women 25 mi 15 mi 45 min 10 25 races
Junior 25 mi 15 mi 45 min 10 25 races
3 - 2 Men 50 mi 20 mi 1 hr 50
Women 40 mi 15 mi 45 min 20
2 - 1 Men 80 mi 35 mi 1.5 hr 60
Women 50 mi 20 mi 1 hr 30

Points Awarded for Road Placing Category Race Type Points Places
4 - 3 RR or Crit 7-5-4-3-2-1 1st-6th
3 - 2 SR/GC 20-17-15-13-11-10- 9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 1st-15th
RR/SR 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 1st-8th
RR 10-7-5-3-2-1 1st-6th
Crit 7-5-4-3-2-1 1st-6th
2 - 1 SR/GC 20-17-15-13-11-10- 9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 1st-15th
RR/SR 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 1st-8th
RR 10-7-5-3-2-1 1st-6th
Crit 7-5-4-3-2-1 1st-6th

Track Categorization

Track upgrades are based on the criteria of ATRA (American Track Racing Association).
1. Riders finishing in the top five in an event at a National Championship, National Qualifier, Cat A or B race will receive 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 points.
2. Riders finishing in the top five in the omnium at a Cat C, D or E race will receive 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 points
3.Events with field sizes smaller than 10 riders do not qualify for upgrade points to Cat 2 or 3.
4. Events with field sizes smaller than 20 riders do not qualify for upgrade points to Cat 1.
5 - 4: Complete Velodrome Safety Course
4 - 3: 5 race days and 20 points
3 - 2: 5 race days and 20 points
2 - 1: 5 race days and 30 points

USCF and NORBA suggst the following guidelines for license categories:
USCF 5 - 4 = NORBA beginner/sport
USCF 3 = NORBA expert
USCF 2 = NORBA Expert or Semi-Pro
USCF 1 = NORBA Semi-Pro
USPRO = NORBA Pro