A CE Level A rating, governed by the EN 17092-4:2020 standard, signifies that a garment offers basic protection against impact and abrasion. This class is designed for urban and light-duty riding, where comfort and mobility are prioritized.

To achieve this classification, the materials in the most vulnerable areas of the garment, known as Zone 1 (typically shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees), are tested on a specialized machine called the Darmstadt tester. In this test, a sample of the garment's material is subjected to a simulated slide on a concrete surface. For a garment to earn the A rating, the material in Zone 1 must withstand a rotational speed of approximately 265.3 revolutions per minute (rpm) on the Darmstadt machine. This is designed to replicate a slide at a road speed of approximately 28 mph (45 km/h). The material passes the test if it does not develop a hole larger than 5mm in any direction after the abrasion.

It is important to note that this abrasion test is just one component of the comprehensive testing required for certification. To earn the final rating, the garment must also pass rigorous standards for tear resistance, seam strength, the impact protection performance of the included armor, and additional factors.