Edges of Philadelphia

What are US Figure Skating Tests and why should you test?

Figure skating in the U.S. can be either competitive or recreational, and those learning to skate can choose either route. While competitive skaters are required to participate in the U.S. testing structure to eventually compete in qualifying competitions, recreational skaters can also opt to take tests in order to continually challenge themselves and their abilities.

The official tests of U.S. Figure Skating may be taken by all figure skaters who are members of a member club or collegiate club, individual members who are currently registered with U.S. Figure Skating and are otherwise qualified under these rules, as well as by members of a member association of the ISU.

Test sessions can only be held under the auspices and control of a member club. Fees are involved and vary by club. The qualifications and standards for all tests are specified in the current version of the U.S. Figure Skating Rulebook. 

The order in which tests are taken is important. According to Rule 4002 in the rulebook: “A candidate shall not be eligible to take a higher-level test until all of the preceding tests in the same category have been passed or completed except as otherwise specified in these rules.”

As a way for U.S. Figure Skating to congratulate skaters for passing tests at the novice level or higher, we will write a personalized school recognition letter (in .pdf format) that can be forwarded to teacher(s) and/or principal, school leadership, etc. The letter will be personally addressed to them, will include the skater’s name, the test passed and information about what this test means to the athlete’s skating career and resumé.