U.S. Figure Skating Tests and Skating Levels

The following information can be found at the official USFS website. For detailed information, please visit U.S. Figure Skating.

The official tests of U.S. Figure Skating may be taken by all figure skaters who are members of a member club or collegiate club, individual members who are currently registered with the U.S. Figure Skating and are otherwise qualified under these rules, as well as by members of a member association of the ISU.

Tests can only be taken under the auspices of a member club, however, they may be taken during another club’s test session. Fees are involved and vary by club. Sessions are organized and run under procedures outlined in the U.S. Figure Skating rulebook. Most of the testing requirements can be found in either the U.S. Figure Skating rulebook or on the USFS website.

Tests are marked on a “pass” or “retry” basis. Some tests have numeric marks associated with them that determine if the test is a “pass” or “retry.” These are used to establish a “passing” average, and judges use this number as a basis for the quality of the test. Different tests have different standards for “pass” and “retry,” along with different procedures for re-skating elements in a test. For details, candidates should consult the rulebook for the particular test to be taken. If a test is marked “retry” a skater may not retake the test prior to the 27th day following the date of the original test.

For all tests other than adult and masters tests, age is not a factor. To qualify for an adult test, the candidate must be 21 years of age or older. To qualify for masters tests, the candidate must be 50 years of age or older.

Kinds of Tests

There are several classes of tests in the U.S. Figure Skating structure:

  1. Skating Skills (standard track and adult)

  2. Free skate (or free skating) (standard track and adult)

  3. Pairs (standard track and adult)

  4. Compulsory Pattern Dance (standard track, solo, adult and masters)

  5. Free dance (standard track and masters)

The order in which tests are taken is important. A candidate shall not be eligible to take a higher-level test until all of the preceding tests in the same category have been passed or completed except as otherwise specified in the rules.