All About U.S.

Figure Skating Tests

If you or your child recently started taking private lessons in figure skating you may have heard from your
coach, or other skaters about the test structure, or been told to start working on “moves in the field” or “pre-
preliminary” or your “first test”. The test structure can be confusing to new skaters, but it is one of the most
important parts of figure skating, and will soon become an integral part of your skating language!

WHAT IS THE TEST STRUCTURE AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?

The test structure is often called the “backbone of U.S. Figure Skating.” Starting with the first test you take,
through your entire career, it is the national standard that you are measured against. When you fill out
applications for just about everything in figure skating, the first question will be “What is the highest U.S.
Figure Skating Test passed?”

U.S. Figure Skating tests are offered in the following tracks:

1. Moves in the Field

2. Free Skate
3. Pattern Dance or Solo Pattern Dance
4. Free Dance or Solo Free Dance
5. Pairs

The level you enter in competitions is determined by your highest test passed, often sessions at rinks are
divided by the skaters’ test levels, and skaters registering for a camp or clinic are divided by test level. Each
U.S. Figure Skating test that you pass goes on your permanent record, and is an achievement you always
carry with you. In fact, your tests passed and your placement at qualifying competitions are the ONLY
things on your U.S. Figure Skating record.

U.S. Figure Skating’s test structure can be compared to karate, and the process of an athlete earning belts
until they achieve their black belt. Another comparison in the Boy Scout program, where boys advance
through levels and ultimately strive to become Eagle Scouts. In each figure skating discipline, there are
either six or eight test levels, with the highest one being either “Senior” or “Gold”.

When an athlete passes their senior or gold test, it is a huge accomplishment, marking many years of
dedication to the sport, and their mastery of that discipline. The athlete earns the title, “U.S. Figure Skating
Gold Medalist,” they receive a gold pin from U.S. Figure Skating, may purchase a Gold Medalist jacket, and
most importantly they may put the accomplishment on a skating resume, college application or even a job
application. A skater passing a senior or gold test in two disciplines becomes a “U.S. Figure Skating Double
Gold Medalist.” The amount of time it takes to achieve the senior or gold test varies, but on average, it is
around five years (5) years from when a skater passes their first test (pre-preliminary moves in the field) until
they pass the senior moves in the field test. Then, expect an additional several years to pass a second gold
test. Most U.S. Figure Skating Double Gold Medalists have been skating for approximately 12 years. The
most common age to earn that accomplishment is 17 years, regardless of when the athlete started, or how
quickly they went through the earlier tests.

In a typical calendar year, approximately 30,000 U.S. Figure Skating tests are passed by members. Of those,
approximately 1,000 are senior tests in Moves in the Field, 250 are senior tests in Free Skating, 80 are gold
Dance tests and 20 are gold Pair tests.

Earning a gold test is something that every young skater can and should strive for, and it is a wonderful goal
for one’s skating career. It is also achievable and realistic. With perseverance, dedication, and many years
of hard work, every figure skating athlete has the potential to become a U.S. Figure Skating Gold Medalist,
or even double or triple gold medalist.

All About U.S. Figure Skating Tests

TYPES OF TESTS

MOVES IN THE FIELD Athletes typically begin their testing with the Moves in the Field track. This is because Moves
in the Field is considered a “prerequisite” or baseline test series. This means that in order to take a discipline
specific test, like free skating or pairs, the skater must first pass the equivalent Moves in the Field test.

Moves in the Field tests the skater’s ability in skating skills. They help athletes to learn skating skills and turns that
are necessary to be successful in any discipline of figure skating, focusing on accuracy, posture and carriage,
bilateral movement, strength, power, extension, edge quality, continuous flow, quickness and turn execution. It
is impossible to become a high level skater in any area or discipline of skating without mastering these skills.
Doing so would be similar to attempting to read without understanding the alphabet.

Each level in Moves in the Field consists of four – six set patterns that must be performed by the skater. Each
level requires that skaters perform skills in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, on both the right and
left feet, and on both inside and outside edges.

Each level in the series builds upon the one before it. Skaters at the lowest level begin learning stroking
technique, basic consecutive edges, spirals, and a “waltz eight” pattern with two easy turns. With each
progressive test new skills are layered on. Skaters never stop practicing what they learned in the beginning, it
just becomes more challenging and intricate as they move up. The senior test, in a way, is a summary of every
turn, edge and skill they learned over the years and it is expected to be performed at a superior level.

The patterns required at each level are found in the U.S. Figure Skating Tests Book. The Tests Book describes the
pattern in detail, provides a diagram of what it looks like on the ice, and even designates a specific focus for
that pattern (For example: “Power and Extension” or “Edge Quality,” etc.)

The MOVES IN THE FIELD tests progress through the following levels:

1. Pre-Preliminary
2. Preliminary
3. Pre-Juvenile
4. Juvenile
5. Intermediate
6. Novice
7. Junior
8. Senior

Athletes move at their own pace through the Moves in the Field tests, some preferring to spend a lot of time
working their way up, and other athletes choosing to devote a lot of their skating time to them early, thus
progressing more quickly. There is no “right or wrong” amount of time that it takes to advance to the next level,
nor is there a perfect amount of time each week to practice them. Skaters and their parents should discuss
their goals, desired time commitment and budget with their coach to develop a plan that works for the skater.

Generally, the higher a skater gets, the more time it takes to complete a level, and the more likely they are to
have to “retry” a test. For example, at the pre-preliminary level, the middle range of skaters take approximately
six months to pass the test, and spend 1 hour – 1 ½ hours per week working on it. Nearly all skaters will pass on
their first try. By the time a skater reaches the novice or junior level, the middle range of skaters spend about
three hours per week working on Moves in the Field, it will typically take between eight months and one year to
pass, with the average skater taking about two attempts to pass.

If a skater does not pass, they will be asked to “retry” the test. While disappointment is natural, this is absolutely
nothing to be ashamed, embarrassed of upset over. It does not in any way mean a skater is untalented or that
they will be unsuccessful in the sport. It has happened to nearly every skater who has reached the top!

All About U.S. Figure Skating Tests

TYPES OF TESTS

FREE SKATE tests are the next most common type of test to take, although it is perfectly acceptable to move
directly to dance, or simply focus on Moves in the Field.

The levels in free skate tests mirror Moves in the Field, and a skater may not attempt a free skate test until they
have passed at least the corresponding Moves in the Field test. (A skater may test as high as they want to in
Moves in the Field without taking any other tests, though).

If a skater wants to compete in a free skate or short program event in a competition, the highest free skate test
that they have passed determines the level that they are required to enter. For example, a skater who has
passed the juvenile free skate test will enter the Juvenile Girls Free Skate event. Once that skater has passed a
test, they may never again enter a competition at a lower level. (Some competitions do, however, allow a skater
to “skate up” one level. For example, the same skater who have passed Juvenile Free Skate could be permitted
to enter the Intermediate Ladies’ Free Skate event).

The Free Skate series of tests begins with pre-preliminary. This test consists only of five basic jumps (Waltz jump,
Salchow, toe-loop, ½ flip, ½ Lutz) and a one foot spin. The skater is required to simply demonstrate that they can
successfully complete these technical elements.

Beginning with the Preliminary test, each level consists of required jumps, spins and steps. (Steps are either specific
‘step sequences’, spiral step sequences or moves that connect elements to one another). Instead of the skater
to simply demonstrating the elements, they must perform all of the elements in a program choreographed to
music at a prescribed length.

As the levels increase, the length of the program increases, as do the number of required elements. As with
Moves in the Field, more challenging and intricate skills are layered on as the level gets higher. In addition, the
skater is judged not just on the technical elements, but also on presentation, which also must show improvement
as the level increases. It is interesting to note that many elements found on multiple test levels. It is expected that
the element will be performed with higher and higher quality at each successive level.

The requirements for all free skate tests are found in the U.S. Figure Skating Rulebook, found at
[Link] It is a good idea for skaters to “look ahead” and understand not only what is required of
them now, but what they should be reaching for in the future.

The FREE SKATE tests progress through the following levels:

1. Pre-Preliminary
2. Preliminary
3. Pre-Juvenile
4. Juvenile
5. Intermediate
6. Novice
7. Junior
8. Senior

One thing that is often confusing is that skills performed by skaters in competitions often exceed what is required
for the equivalent test level. The U.S. Figure Skating system recognizes all levels of achievement and goals. It is
important that test levels are realistic and achievable to most skaters. In addition, as skaters reach higher levels in
the sport, the gap between the test requirements and what skaters are doing at competitions narrows.

In addition, the majority of competitions offer both “Well Balanced Program” events and “Test Track” events.
Skaters choosing to enter “Well Balanced Program” events may choose to perform elements from a higher test
level in their competition program, whereas athletes choosing to enter “Test Track” events may not. Athletes may
choose either event and they may switch between the two as often as they like.

All About U.S. Figure Skating Tests

TYPES OF TESTS

PATTERN DANCE AND SOLO PATTERN DANCE tests are offered as a fun way to participate in ice dancing, even if
the skater doesn’t have a partner to compete with. Approximately 3,000 pattern dance tests are passed by U.S.
Figure Skating members each year.

Pattern dances consist of required steps to music, skated in a particular tempo that cover the ice surface. There
are either 3 or 4 dances per level. Like moves in the field and free skate, the patterns becoming more
challenging and intricate as the level increases.

Skaters can select to learn to skate with a partner, or to test in the solo track. In many cases, skaters wishing to
dance with a partner will do so with a coach. Since there are many more girls then boys, it is common for male
dance coaches to partner their students on dance tests. In addition, executing the steps properly on your own is
extremely important, and in the standard track, once a skater reaches the silver level, they must perform the
dance with their partner, and then repeat it solo during a test session.

Illustrations and detailed requirements for each pattern dance are found in the U.S. Figure Skating Rulebook,
found online at: [Link]

The PATTERN DANCE and SOLO PATTERN DANCE tests progress through the following levels:

1. Preliminary: Dutch Waltz, Cansta Tango, Rhythm Blues

2. Pre-Bronze: Swing Dance, Cha Cha, Fiesta Tango
3. Bronze: Hickory Hoedown, Willow Watlz, Ten-Fox
4. Pre-Silver: Fourteenstep, European Waltz, Foxtrot
5. Silver: American Waltz, Tango, Rocker Foxtrot
6. Pre-Gold: Killian, Blues, Paso Doble, Starlight Waltz
7. Gold*: Viennese Waltz, Westminster Waltz, Quickstep, Argentine Tango
8. International*: Austrian Waltz, Cha Cha Congelado*, Finnstep, Golden Waltz, Midnight Blues,
Ravensburger Waltz, Rhumba*, Silver Samba*, Tango Romantica*, Yankee Polka*

* When a skater has passed their gold test, they become a U.S. Figure Skating gold medalist. The international dances are offered as an
additional challenge for those who wish to keep going after achieving the gold level. In addition, only those marked with an * are able to be
skated solo.

In addition to having an “extra” level beyond gold, pattern dance tests are unique in that skaters may test each
dance in a level at their own pace. They may test the dances within a level in any order, and they can choose
to do them all at one test session, or spread them over several test sessions. They can work on one dance at a
time if they like, or many. The only important note is that a skater is not considered to have passed a level until
they have completed ALL dances in that level.

Pattern dance is very self-paced, and therefore it is difficult to determine the average amount of time a skater
spends at a level. This is because skaters testing in this track have very different goals. For example, an athlete
that wants to focus primarily on dance, and spends the majority of their practice time on dance will progress
quickly. On the other hand, many athletes appreciate the skills dance provides, and will do it as a supplement to
another discipline. In this case, they may set aside a limited amount of time to practice dance, take each
pattern dance test one-at-a-time, and spend a year or more at each level.

If a skater starts in the standard pattern dance track, they may switch to the solo dance track at any time and
begin at the next highest level that they completed in the standard track. However, it does not go the other way,
and a skater passing only solo pattern dance tests that wants to move to the standard pattern dance track must
start at the beginning.

All About U.S. Figure Skating Tests

TYPES OF TESTS

FREE DANCE AND SOLO FREE DANCE Skaters wishing to compete in competitive ice dance events that lead to the
U.S. Figure Skating Championships, must first pass free dance tests with their partner. Free dance tests are
programs to music, much like free skate tests. Each test consists of lifts, spins, step sequences and synchronized
twizzles, increasing in difficulty throughout the levels.

Solo free dance tests are relatively new, being implemented September 2, 2012. These tests mimic the standard
free dance test, but allow dancers without a partner to participate. The required elements at each level consist
of short and long edge elements (replacing the lift), spins, step sequences and twizzles (replacing the
synchronized twizzle element.

The FREE DANCE AND SOLO FREE DANCE tests progress through the following levels:

1. Juvenile
2. Intermediate
3. Novice
4. Junior
5. Senior

Free dance is very self-paced, and in most cases the reason for taking the tests is to fulfill a requirement for
competition. Therefore, the average amount of time a couple spends practicing for a test is not terribly relevant,
as it is a very small portion of their overall training. It depends the most on how long a couple chooses to
compete at a given competitive level. For example, a couple may choose to compete at the novice level for
two seasons, for their competitive development, choosing wait on taking the junior free dance test, and leaving
a gap of several years between passing tests.

The solo free dance track is very new, and therefore, not enough skaters have participated to determine
average training times for this test program.

If a skater starts in the standard free dance track, they may switch to the solo free dance track at any time and
begin at the next highest level that they completed in the standard track. However, it does not go the other way,
and a skater passing only the solo free dance tests that wants to move to the standard free dance track must
start at the beginning.

PAIRS test are taken most often by teams wishing to compete in the qualifying competition system. However,
they may also be taken by any individual who wishes to learn and practice pairs skating. Skaters in the later
situation often test with their coach.

The PAIRS tests progress through the following levels:

1. Pre-Juvenile
2. Juvenile
3. Intermediate
4. Novice
5. Junior
6. Senior

The pairs test structure is uniquely self-paced. In addition to skaters starting at the beginning and working their
way through over many years, it is common that high-level singles skaters will make the choice to skate pairs, and
move through tests very quickly. For example, a singles skater at the junior or senior level who finds a partner and
wants to compete at the junior level in pairs may be able to progress through all of the required tests in a few
months, whereas a true juvenile level skater would take several years.

All About U.S. Figure Skating Tests