Pre-Preliminary Skating Skills Test
- Level
- 1 of 8
- Test takes about
- 8 minutes
- Competition level
- Pre-Preliminary
The Pre-Preliminary skating skills test is where U.S. Figure Skating testing starts. Most skaters take it after a learn-to-skate program, once they can stroke around the rink, hold an edge and do a forward three turn on each foot.
The judges are not looking for polish yet. They want to see that the skater knows the patterns, skates fairly good edges and shows some sign of good form. The whole test gets one result (pass, pass with honors, or retry) rather than a mark for each pattern.
Passing it opens the door to the Pre-Preliminary singles test and the Preliminary skating skills test.
Until July 2023 this test was called the Pre-Preliminary moves in the field test.
What's on the test
Skated in this order, without music (soft background music is allowed). Each pattern starts from a standstill, with no more than seven introductory steps.
- Forward perimeter stroking
- Basic consecutive edges
- Forward right and left foot spirals
- Waltz eight
Before you can take it
- None. This is the first test.
How it is marked
The whole test is marked pass, pass with honors or retry; there are no individual marks at this level.
One element may be reskated if needed.
Source: U.S. Figure Skating 2026-27 Rulebook. Requirements change from season to season, so check with your coach or club test chair before you test.