US Figure Skating Test Sessions


Skaters qualify for various levels of competition based on their test level.  There is a test structure for each of the disciplines in our sport.  The official test structure includes:

Moves in the Field:

Moves tests are divided into eight classes taken in the following order: Pre-Preliminary, Preliminary, Pre-Juvenile, Juvenile, Intermediate, Novice, Junior and Senior.  These tests are the prerequisite to the corresponding Free Skating and Pair tests.

Free Skating:

Free skating tests are divided into eight classes taken in the following order: Pre-Preliminary, Preliminary, Pre-Juvenile, Juvenile, Intermediate, Novice, Junior and Senior.  Free skating is the artistry of figure skating combined with jumps and spins and other moves on ice usually skated to music.  As stated above, the corresponding "Moves in the Field" test must be passed before the free skating test can be taken.

Pair Skating:

Pair Preliminary, Juvenile, Intermediate, Novice, Junior and Senior are offered in the USFSA structure.  Pair skating is free skating by two people of the opposite sex in unison and harmony.  The pair test consists of single skating moves skated simultaneously with their partner, lifts and partner assisted jumps.  As stated above, the corresponding "Moves in the Field" test must be passed before the pair test can be taken.

Ice Dance:

Dance Preliminary, Pre-Bronze, Bronze, Pre-Silver, Silver, Pre-Gold, Gold, Junior, and Senior International dance tests are all offered.  In addition, there are Free Dance tests available.  Ice dancing tests require movements characteristic of each dance in established patterns on the ice with a partner.  Correct steps, strong edges, good form, good rhythm, expression and partner unison are required to pass.  In 1997, US Figure Skating added a Solo Dance track as well.

Synchronized team:

These tests are available, but are not required by the US Figure Skating Association.

Adult Testing:

Adult Moves in the Field, Adult Free Skate, and Adult Dance test are available.  Prerequisites are as stated above.  Test sessions are held only under the auspices and control of a US Figure Skating Member Club. While there are many ways to conduct a test session, it is important for club officers to be familiar with the Test Rules, the Judges Rules and Skating Standards Regulations as set forth in the US Figure Skating Rulebook.