There are five different disciplines in which skaters test. Moves in the field is a basic skating skills progression. Each test level has several set patterns of turns, edges, spirals and steps that get progressively more difficult. Free skating and pairs tests require skaters to perform a program with jumps, spins and step sequences. In order to test a specific level of free skating or pairs test, skaters must first pass the corresponding moves in the field test.
The ice dance and solo dance structures require skaters to perform three to four set pattern dances per level. The free dance and solo free dance tracks require a skater to perform a free dance to test up a level.
There are specific levels designated for adults age 21 and older, but adults may also choose to test and compete at standard levels. Learn more about adult testing here.
On average, it takes skaters six years to pass their senior moves in the field test and eight years to pass the senior freestyle test. While this timeline varies with each skater, every test passed is another accomplishment and something to be celebrated.
Learn more about advancing through our levels!
U.S. Figure Skating members can progress through the levels by testing at sessions all over the country.
Listed below are all of the levels within the U.S. Figure Skating structure:
Moves in the field and free skating
- Pre-preliminary
- Preliminary
- Pre-juvenile
- Juvenile
- Intermediate
- Novice
- Junior
- Senior
Pattern dance (solo or partnered)
- Preliminary
- Pre-bronze
- Bronze
- Pre-silver
- Silver
- Pre-gold
- Gold
- International
Free dance and solo free dance
- Juvenile
- Intermediate
- Novice
- Junior
- Senior
Pairs
- Pre-juvenile
- Juvenile
- Intermediate
- Novice
- Junior
- Senior
