Figure Skating Tests
Figure skating in the United States is organized around a ladder of tests run by U.S. Figure Skating (USFS). Each test is skated in front of a panel of judges, and passing it lets the skater move up to the next test and to a higher competition level. You do not have to compete to test: many skaters test simply to measure their progress, and passing the final test in a track makes a skater a U.S. Figure Skating gold medalist.
Two tracks, eight levels
For singles skaters there are two test tracks, each with eight levels:
- Skating skills tests are set patterns of edges, turns, stroking and step sequences, skated without music. They show the quality of a skater's basic skating.
- Singles tests are free skating: jumps, spins and sequences, skated (from Preliminary up) as a program to music.
Each singles test needs the skating skills test at the same level, plus the singles test below it. A skater can pass skating skills tests ahead of their singles tests, but not the other way round.
USFS also runs separate test tracks for pairs, pattern dance and free dance, for adults (21 and over), for Skate United skaters with physical disabilities, and for adaptive skating. This section covers the standard singles tracks.
The names changed in 2023
In July 2023 USFS renamed the tests. Moves in the field became skating skills, free skate tests became singles tests, and six of the eight levels took medal names. The competition levels kept their old names, so the tests and the competitions no longer share a name above Preliminary:
The eight test levels
| # | Level | Old name (before July 2023) | Tests | Lets you compete at |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pre-Preliminary | (same) | Skating skills · Singles | Pre-Preliminary |
| 2 | Preliminary | (same) | Skating skills · Singles | Preliminary |
| 3 | Pre-Bronze | Pre-Juvenile | Skating skills · Singles | Pre-Juvenile |
| 4 | Bronze | Juvenile | Skating skills · Singles | Juvenile |
| 5 | Pre-Silver | Intermediate | Skating skills · Singles | Intermediate |
| 6 | Silver | Novice | Skating skills · Singles | Novice |
| 7 | Pre-Gold | Junior | Skating skills · Singles | Junior |
| 8 | Gold | Senior | Skating skills · Singles | Senior |
The patterns and elements did not change with the rename. Older articles, club websites and coaches may still use the old names.
How a test session works
Tests are held at test sessions hosted by U.S. Figure Skating member clubs, usually a few times a year. The club's test chair sets the schedule and handles registration, and a panel of USFS judges marks each candidate. Ask your coach or your home club's test chair when the next session is. Many clubs list their sessions and take registrations through EntryEeze, where you can search for test sessions near you. Clubs may also host virtual test sessions instead of in-person judging.
At most levels each judge marks the test from −3 to +3, with 0 as the passing average for that level, and the result is pass, pass with honors or pass with distinction. The two Pre-Preliminary tests are simply marked pass, pass with honors or retry. If something goes wrong, the judges may ask for a reskate: one element on a skating skills test, up to two on a singles test.
From the Bronze level up, singles tests can also be passed at a sanctioned competition instead of a test session: a skater who reaches the minimum scores in the matching free skate event (for example, a Juvenile free skate for the Bronze singles test) can submit the results for test credit.
Tests and competition levels
To enter a standard singles event at a non-qualifying competition, a skater needs the skating skills test and the singles test for that level, or higher:
| Competition level | Tests needed (or higher) | Age limit (age on the July 1 before the competition) |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Preliminary | Pre-Preliminary skating skills and singles | None |
| Preliminary | Preliminary skating skills and singles | Girls 12 or under, boys 13 or under |
| Pre-Juvenile | Pre-Bronze skating skills and singles | Girls 12 or under, boys 13 or under |
| Juvenile | Bronze skating skills and singles | Girls 12 or under, boys 13 or under |
| Intermediate | Pre-Silver skating skills and singles | Under 18 |
| Novice | Silver skating skills and singles | None |
| Junior | Pre-Gold skating skills and singles | None |
| Senior | Gold skating skills and singles | None |
Passing a higher test no longer stops you entering a lower level. What does is having already competed at a higher level: a skater who has skated at a qualifying competition at the next level up can no longer enter the lower one. Qualifying competitions (the National Qualifying Series that leads to regionals, sectionals and the U.S. Championships) have their own test rules, published each season in the National Qualifying Series Athlete Handbook. Adult events still use "passed no higher than" limits.
Sources
The test names, requirements and eligibility rules on these pages come from the U.S. Figure Skating 2026-27 Rulebook, the 2026-27 Singles Test Requirements chart and the 2023 test renaming chart. USFS updates them every season, so confirm details with your coach or club test chair before you test.