This is a list with an explanation of the typical Licenses you will get through your training. There are some more like the Sport Pilot's License or the Recreational Pilot's License which I don't mention at this point since they're not going to be important for most people.

Student Pilot's License

The first License you will get is the Student Pilot's License.

It doesn't require any special knowledge or skills and you get it when you pass your Medical (both are actually one piece of paper).

It is used throughout your training until you receive your Private Pilot's License.

Restrictions apply regarding flying and you may not solo without an Endorsement.

For further information check 14 CFR Part 61.81 and the following.

Private Pilot's License (PPL)

This is the first Plastic Card License you'll get. Hooray!

Depending on what your intentions are regarding flying, this actually might be the only one, you want to get as well.

It allows you to fly any non-commercial operations, which if you want to fly as a hobby or sport is everything you'll ever do anyways. Although you are not allowed to be paid as the pilot passengers may pay a pro ratio share of the flight expenses (e.g. leasing cost of the aircraft, fuel and others).

For further information check 14 CFR Part 61.102 and the following.

Commercial Pilot's License (CPL)

If you want to earn money with flying you need to - after you got the Private Pilot's License - get the Commercial Pilot's License. It authorizes you to be compensated for flying. Restrictions on which operations you may and may not fly for hire apply though.

For further information check 14 CFR Part 61.121 and the following.

Instrument Rating (IR)

The instrument rating is not a stand-alone license, but an add-on which you can add to either the Private or the Commercial Pilot's License.

When holding an Instrument Rating you are allowed to fly solely by reference to instruments without any visual outside reference.

For further information check 14 CFR Part 61.65 and the following.

Certificated Flight Instructor's License (CFI)

Although mostly referred to as a Certified Flight Instructor's License the official term is Certificated Flight Instructor's License. This License qualifies you to train other pilots.

To be qualified to become a CFI among other requirements you have to hold a Commercial Pilot's License.

For further information check 14 CFR Part 61.181 and the following.

Certificated Flight Instructor's License with Instrument Rating (CFII)

To become a CFII you have to hold a CFI License, as a CFII is not a License itself but an add-on, like the IR is for the Commercial or Private Pilot's License.

For further information check 14 CFR Part 61.181 and the following.