Figure Skating Levels: U.S. Figure Skating Testing Structure
Skaters in the United States who want to compete in high-level events must first pass tests from U.S. Figure Skating. However, many recreational skaters also take these tests to challenge themselves, show their skills, and find out what they need to improve.
Skaters must meet certain requirements to take an official U.S. Figure Skating test. They need to be a member of a collegiate or member club, an individual member registered with U.S. Figure Skating, or a member of another association in the International Skating Union (ISU).
U.S. Figure Skating Officials judge each test session and grade skaters based on the skills being tested. There are five different test areas, and each has multiple levels. Skaters who pass the final test in a pathway move closer to earning the U.S. Figure Skating Gold Medalist title.
What Is Figure Skating Testing?
U.S. Figure Skating testing is exactly what it sounds like. Skaters take tests in different areas to determine their skill level and proceed to the next level. These tests are a prerequisite for those hoping to compete in competitions. However, they’re also available to recreational skaters who wish to challenge themselves and continue improving their skills.
As you advance through the testing levels, you can rise from a pre-preliminary skater to a gold skater. Most skaters take an average of six years to reach and pass their Gold Skating Skills test and eight years to reach and pass the Gold Singles test.
It’s important to remember that this is a journey, and each new level reached is cause for celebration.
How Many Figure Skating Tests Are There?
There are five areas of testing in U.S. Figure Skating tests, including Skating Skills, Singles, Pattern Dance, Free Dance, and Pairs. Some of the names of these tests were recently updated on July 1, 2023.
Prior to that date, the test names were Moves in the Field, Free Skate, Pattern Dance, Free Dance, and Pairs.
Why Did the Testing Area Names Change?
The changes aim to better represent figure skaters’ growth and achievements throughout their testing journey.
What Levels Are There in Figure Skating?
There are several levels of testing for each of the five categories.
These levels can include:
- Pre-preliminary
- Preliminary
- Pre-bronze
- Bronze
- Pre-silver
- Silver
- Pre-gold
- Gold
The names of these levels were also updated on July 1, 2023. Administrators changed these names to better reflect a gold, silver, and bronze path. Previously, they were named preliminary, pre-juvenile, juvenile, intermediate, novice, junior, and senior.
The updates made to the names of the tests and levels haven’t changed the testing criteria. The name changes were done simply to better reflect the intent of each test and level.
What Are You Tested on for Each Level?
During each level, a panel of U.S. Figure Skating officialsprofessionals will assess your skills in the area you’re testing. Skaters work their way through the levels while testing in any of the five areas, ultimately with the goal of reaching a silver or gold medal.
The structure of these tests can be compared to karate, where athletes earn belts until they achieve a black belt. Similarly, skaters start at the most beginner level and progress until they’ve passed the gold level.
Skating Skills
Skaters usually begin by working their way through the Skating Skills (formerly known as the Moves in the Field) levels. This area is typically considered a prerequisite for the other areas. Skaters must pass the Skating Skills test before taking the correlating level test in another area.
During the skating skills test patterns, skaters are tested on edges, spirals, steps, and several set patterns of turns. Each becomes progressively more difficult as they ascend through the levels.
The levels involved for Skating Skills include:
- Pre-preliminary
- Preliminary
- Pre-bronze
- Bronze
- Pre-silver
- Silver
- Pre-gold
- Gold
Singles and Pairs
Singles (formerly known as free skate) and Pairs testing areas require skaters to perform a program with step sequences, jumps, and spins.
The levels involved for Singles testing include:
- Pre-preliminary
- Preliminary
- Pre-bronze
- Bronze
- Pre-silver
- Silver
- Pre-gold
- Gold
The levels for Pairs testing are:
- Bronze
- Pre-silver
- Silver
- Pre-gold
- Gold
Pattern Dance and Free Dance
Pattern Dance testing gives skaters the opportunity to participate in ice dancing, even if the skater doesn’t have a partner to work with. In this stage, skaters are required to perform three to four set pattern dances per level.
For Free Dance, skaters must perform a free dance program to test up a level. Each test includes spins, step sequences, lifts, and synchronized twizzles that become more difficult at higher levels.
The levels in Pattern Dance include:
- Preliminary
- Pre-bronze
- Bronze
- Pre-silver
- Silver
- Pre-gold
- Gold
- International
The levels for Free Dance testing are:
- Bronze
- Pre-silver
- Silver
- Pre-gold
- Gold
Remember that each level becomes progressively more challenging. Skaters make their way through the testing levels at their own pace and are encouraged to retest if they don’t pass a level. While that can be a disappointing experience, it’s perfectly normal and only an indication of what you can improve on!
Tips for Figure Skate Testing Challenges
Skaters can sometimes struggle with maintaining strong edges, control, and flow during tests. To improve, focus on balance, extension, and rhythm while practicing each element. Judges look for smooth transitions and proper use of the ice, so avoid shallow edges and rushed movements.
Skating with confidence and maintaining even speed can also make a big difference. Regular practice, video reviews, and feedback from coaches help refine technique. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks; many skaters retest before passing.
With dedication and smart training, you can improve your skills and move up through the levels.
Bringing Up a Young Skater? Here’s How to Prepare Them
Understanding figure skating levels is vital for parents who want to support their child’s journey on the ice. Young skaters should begin with introductory levels like Snowplow Sam and Basic 1-8. By adhering to these levels, your child will learn fundamental skills like gliding, stopping, and turning.
As they progress, they can advance into more specialized disciplines, including singles, pairs, and ice dancing. It’s, of course, simpler on paper than in practice. However, each level builds upon the last, helping skaters develop confidence and technique.
Test Your Way To Gold With Riedell Ice
Whether you’re a recreational skater progressing through the U.S. Figure Skating testing levels for fun or a competitive skater with their eyes set on the gold, you’ll need the right equipment to help you pass these tests.
We offer a variety of skates, ranging from casual to competitive ice skates, and even offer custom skates so you can be sure you have the right fit.