Test Structure

The test structure, considered the foundation of U.S. Figure Skating, determines a skater’s competition level. Test sessions featuring panels of U.S. Figure Skating officials are hosted by clubs across the country and offer skaters the opportunity to highlight their abilities and advance to the next level. When a skater passes the final test in a given pathway, he or she earns the designation of U.S. Figure Skating Gold Medalist.

Figure Skating Levels

While competitive skaters are required to participate in the U.S. Figure Skating test structure in order to compete in qualifying competitions, recreational skaters may opt to take tests as a means of continually challenging themselves and their skating abilities. Tests are available in moves in the field, free skating, pairs and ice dance, and a separate track is available for adults age 21 and older. As a skater advances, the tests become more difficult, so each test passed is a definite cause for celebration.

Learn more about figure skating test levels 

How to Test

Skaters may test one of two ways: via a scheduled test session hosted by a figure skating club, or by submitting a competition protocol from a sanctioned U.S. Figure Skating competition. The latter option is available for free skate, pairs and free dance tests at the juvenile-senior levels and select adult levels. Adults are able to test in the adult testing structure.

Testing has evolved and changed over the years, and skaters who passed tests during certain time periods are grandfathered into certain levels. The qualifications and standards for all tests are specified in the current version of the U.S. Figure Skating Rulebook.

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View the current grandfathering chart

U.S. Figure Skating Rulebook

U.S. Figure Skating Gold Medalists

Passing the final test in a given test pathway earns a skater the designation of U.S. Figure Skating Gold Medalist. Skaters can earn multiple gold medalist designations over the course of their skating careers.

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