Singles Tests
Singles tests are the free skating tests: jumps, spins and step or choreographic sequences. Until July 2023 they were called free skate tests. There are eight levels, taken in order. Each one requires the skating skills test at the same level and the singles test below it.
How the tests are skated
- From Preliminary up, the test is a program set to music of the skater's choice; vocal music is allowed. At Pre-Preliminary a program is optional.
- Each level has a maximum program length, from 1:40 to 4:10. Going over costs one point for every 10 seconds, or part of 10 seconds, over.
- The requirements are minimums. Skaters may add extra elements, or harder jumps, without penalty, as long as the program stays well balanced.
- No jump may be included more than twice.
- Up to two different elements may be reskated if the judges need to see them again.
How the tests are marked
From Preliminary up, each judge gives three marks, each from −3 to +3 with 0 as the passing average: one for the elements, one for the skating and one for the program. A total of 0 to 3 is a pass, 4 to 6 is honors and 7 to 9 is distinction. The Pre-Preliminary test is marked pass, pass with honors or retry as a whole.
From Bronze up, a singles test can also be credited from a sanctioned competition, by reaching the minimum scores in the matching free skate event under the IJS.
Learn more about the elements in our guides to jumps, spins and footwork.
Singles tests, level by level
| Level | Length | Jumps | Spins | Sequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Pre-Preliminary | 1:40 | 5: waltz jump or 1A, plus 4 different jumps (2 singles; half jumps allowed); no doubles | 2: one in a single position, one that may change position (3 revs each) | Choreographic sequence |
| 2. Preliminary | 2:10 | 5: waltz jump or 1A, 3 different singles, 1 two-jump combination; 2S, 2T, 2Lo allowed | 2: one single-position, one that may change position (3 revs each); no flying entry | Choreographic sequence |
| 3. Pre-Bronze was Pre-Juvenile |
2:10 | 5: waltz jump or 1A, 3 different singles from Lo/F/Lz/A, 1 two-jump combination; doubles except 2A allowed | 2: combination spin (6 revs) and single-position spin (4 revs); flying entries allowed | Choreographic sequence |
| 4. Bronze was Juvenile |
2:40 | 5: 1A, 3 different singles, 1 two-jump combination; doubles and one triple allowed | 2: combination spin (8 revs, 2 positions) and single-position spin (5 revs) | Step sequence (full ice) |
| 5. Pre-Silver was Intermediate |
3:10 | 6: 1A, 1 double, 1 combination with a double, 3 more singles | 2: combination spin (8 revs) and single-position spin (5 revs); one must have a flying entry | Step sequence (full ice) |
| 6. Silver was Novice |
3:40 | 6: 1A, 3 different doubles, 1 combination of two doubles, 1 more single | 3: combination (10 revs), flying spin (6 revs), choreographic spin | Choreographic sequence |
| 7. Pre-Gold was Junior |
3:40 | 6: 1A, 4 different doubles (one 2F, 2Lz or 2A), 1 combination of two doubles | 3: combination in all 3 positions (10 revs), single-position (6 revs), choreographic spin | Choreographic sequence |
| 8. Gold was Senior |
4:10 | 6: 1A, 3 different doubles (one 2F, 2Lz or 2A), 2 combinations of two doubles | 3: combination in all 3 positions (10 revs), single-position (6 revs), choreographic spin | Step sequence (full ice) and choreographic sequence |
Sources: 2026-27 Singles Test Requirements chart (version 1.0, dated 02/27/26) and the U.S. Figure Skating 2026-27 Rulebook, rules 6211 and 6220 to 6308.