Preliminary Skating Skills Test
- Level
- 2 of 8
- Test takes about
- 10 minutes
- Competition level
- Preliminary
The Preliminary skating skills test builds on the basics with six patterns. Crossovers appear forward and backward, and three-turns now have to be skated with power, not just placed.
From this level up, each pattern gets its own mark. The judges look for knowledge of the steps and a good sense of power, meaning speed and flow across the ice, with real depth to the edges and round, even lobes on the circle eight.
Passing it is required for the Preliminary singles test and for the Pre-Bronze skating skills test.
Until July 2023 this test was called the 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 and backward crossovers
- Consecutive outside and inside spirals
- Forward power three-turns
- Alternating forward three-turns
- Forward circle eight
- Alternating backward crossovers to backward outside edges
Before you can take it
How it is marked
Each judge marks every element from −3 to +3, where 0 is the passing average for this level. A judge's total decides their result: pass 0 to 6, honors 7 to 12, distinction 13 to 18. A majority of the judges must pass the skater.
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.