Figure Skating Levels: U.S. Figure Skating Testing Structure
Figure skating can be a wonderful recreational or competitive activity, and every skater chooses which path to follow. American skaters hoping to compete in high level qualifying competitions must participate in the U.S. Figure Skating testing structure before they’re allowed to enter competitions, but many recreational skaters choose to go through the testing process as well. It’s an excellent opportunity to challenge yourself, showcase your skills, and learn which areas you can improve on.
The official U.S. Figure Skating tests can only be taken by skaters who meet certain criteria. You must be a member of a collegiate club or member club, an individual member currently registered with U.S. Figure Skating who meets the qualifications, or a member of another association of the ISU.
Each test session is overseen by a panel of U.S. Figure Skating Officials, who will grade you based on the area you’re testing in. There are five different areas you can be tested in and different levels of testing available. As a skater passes the final test in each pathway, they get one step closer to earning the honor of becoming a U.S. Figure Skating Gold Medalist.
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, but they’re also available to recreational skaters who wish to challenge themselves and continue improving their skills.
As you advance through the levels of testing, you have the opportunity to 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.
There are several levels of testing for each of these 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, 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 what the skaters will be tested on. The name changes were done simply to better reflect the intent of each test and level.
What Are You Tested On?
During each level, a panel of U.S. Figure Skating professionals will assess your skills in the area you’re testing. Skaters work their way through the levels while testing in any of thefive areas, ultimately with the goal of reaching a silver or gold medalist.
The structure of U.S. Figure Skating tests can be compared to karate, with the athletes earning 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 level test before they can take 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 & Pairs
Testing for the Singles (formerly known as free skate) and Pairs areas requires 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 & 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 in this area consists of spins, step sequences, lifts, and synchronized twizzles, which increase in difficulty throughout the 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!
Test Your Way To Gold With Riedell Ice
Whether you’re a recreational skater progressing through the US 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.