Testing

This section describes the general guidelines surrounding testing.Detailed information about testing requirements can be found in the United States Figure Skating Association Rulebook.

Generally, figure skating progress is measured by a series of tests that are governed by USFSA.Skaters are tested in figures, moves-in-the-field, freestyle, and dance.

There are a number of factors that determine when a skater should take a particular test.The primary factor is the skater’s ability to pass the test. Your coach will let you know when the skater is ready.Age and whether the skater is competing also play a role in the test decision.Some levels have age requirements to compete at that particular level.These rules are clearly outlined in the USFSA Rulebook.

The USFSA has set forth the following test structure for skaters.Each series of tests may be taken independently of each other except for Freestyle.“Moves-in-the Field” must be taken before the corresponding “Freestyle” test may be taken.Test order is as follows:

Moves-in-the Field / Freestyle
Pre-Preliminary / Pre-Preliminary
Preliminary / Preliminary
Pre-Juvenile / Pre-Juvenile
Juvenile / Juvenile
Intermediate / Intermediate
Novice / Novice
Junior / Junior
Senior / Senior or Gold
  • If a skater fails a test he/she may not re-try that particular test until 28 days have passed.
  • Test levels determine a skater’s competition level. A skater may not participate at a lower level, but may participate at a higher level at some competitions, also referred to as “skating up a level”.

Test Guidelines:

  • The CFSC conducts test sessions periodically throughout the skating year.
  • The CFSC test chair makes all the arrangements for the test sessions.This includes setting the dates and times, obtaining judges, setting the testing schedules, taking care of the judge's hospitality room and reporting all test results to the USFSA.
  • Coaches are to notify the test chair if students are ready to test so that test sessions can be organized.
  • If the skater’s coach thinks it is time to test, he/she will give the skater a test application.It should be filled out completely and given to the Test Chair 14 days prior to the testing date, along with a check for the appropriate amount
  • Notify the Test Chair if the skater decides not to test.Depending upon the policies of the club hosting the test session, the test fee may not be refundable.Do not be a “no-show.”
  • CFSC skaters who wish to test outside the club must make that request a minimum of 14 days in advance of the scheduled test.The Test Chair needs to have time to verify the member's status in the Club and send a permission slip to the testing club prior to the scheduled date.
  • Test fees pay for the ice, a small gift of appreciation for the judges, judge’s mileage reimbursement, and required fees due to USFSA, and TCFSA.

Preparing for the Testing Sessions:

  • Read the USFSA Rule Book (
  • The Test Chair will notify you regarding your test time.Arrive at the arena 30 to 45 minutes ahead of your scheduled test time in case they are running ahead of schedule.
  • Dress neatly and appropriately.
  • In order to provide the best circumstances for a test, there should be a minimum of observers, and the testing area must be kept quiet to avoid distracting skaters.
  • You will be advised when and where to begin your practice and warm-up.Generally you will be allowed 5 to 10 minutes for a warm-up.You may receive coaching during the warm-up.
  • On all tests there is one judge acting as the “judge-in-charge”.This is the judge you should go to with any problems or questions during the test.
  • Respond as quickly as possible when the judge calls you to the ice.
  • On occasion, the judges may decide to ask you to retry a jump, figure, or other skating move.Do not leave the area until the Judge-In-Charge dismisses you.
  • When your test is finished, the Test Chair gathers your test papers and checks them for errors.The papers are then shared with you, your coach and your parents.You may spend as much time as needed reading and studying the judges' comments.The papers must be turned back in to the Test Chair before you leave the arena.No one else is allowed to see your test papers without your permission.The Test Chair may make copies of your test reports for you at a later time.
  • In order to pass a test, you must have received passing scores from a majority of the judges.
  • A room in the rink is designated the “Judge’s Room”.This is for the judges and Test Chairperson only.All others should remain outside the room unless invited by the judges or Test Chairperson.
  • Remember the judges are all volunteers who willingly donate their time to judge tests and competitions.They have spent a long time in training to become judges and they care a great deal about the sport of figure skating.Many of them were skaters themselves before qualifying to be judges.Trial judges are invited to participate in some test sessions.This is part of their training to receive their appointments as official judges.If time permits, the judges are generally happy to discuss a test and the results with the skater.
  • It is important for all skaters to remember to thank the judges at the end of their test.

Last Updated 7/2016