The U.S. Figure Skating Test System is a nationally standardized progression of skill‑based tests that offer an opportunity for athletes to achieve personal goals in the sport. Skaters demonstrate specific skills in front of an official panel of judges at a test session (in-person or virtually). When a test is passed, it becomes a permanent credential recorded by U.S. Figure Skating.​ In the case of a "retry" result, most tests require a 14-day waiting period (from the date of the original test) before the test can be retaken (see USFS Rule 4003 for details). 

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Unlike competitions, where skaters are ranked against others, tests measure a skater against a clear technical standard. The goal is mastery and development, not placement.

Tests exist for multiple disciplines, including:

• Skating Skills (formerly Moves in the Field)

  • judges evaluate fundamental building blocks of skating; edge quality and control, body alignment and posture, power, flow and step precision.

• Singles (formerly Free Skate)

  • judges evaluate consistent execution of jumps and spins, mastery of step sequences, overall speed and the ability to confidently present a choreographed program. Skating skills (see above) and program components (composition, presentation and musicality) are important parts of this test in addition to jumps, spins, etc.

  • Skating Skills tests are prerequisites to corresponding Singles tests. For example, Pre-preliminary skating skills must be passed before Pre-preliminary Singles can be taken.​

• Ice Dance (Partnered, Solo, Free Dance)

  • For pattern dance, judges primarily evaluate timing, edge quality/technique, posture/carriage and pattern execution.​

  • For free dance, judges are primarily looking for strong skating skills, timing/rhythm, execution of elements and choreographic interpretation/expression.

• Pairs

  • judges evaluate a team's ability to execute required elements (lifts, throw jumps, spins) in unison. In addition to required elements, judges are looking at skating skills, flow and program components (presentation, timing, music interpretation).​

 

Why Do Tests Matter?

Testing serves several important purposes:

• Skill progression: Tests provide structure and benchmarks so skaters build strong fundamentals before advancing.

• Competition eligibility: Many competitions require certain tests to be passed before entering specific events.

• Goal setting: Tests offer tangible, motivating milestones for skaters and families.

• Long‑term development: Strong test foundations support safer jumps, better skating quality, and more confident performances later on.

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Testing Tracks:

Skating Skills & Singles (Skating skills are prerequisites to corresponding Singles tests)

• Pre-Preliminary

• Preliminary

• Pre-Bronze

• Bronze

• Pre-Silver

• Silver

• Pre-Gold

• Gold

Pattern Dance (Partner and Solo)

• Preliminary - Dutch Waltz, Canasta Tango, Rhythm Blues

• Pre-Bronze - Swing Dance, Cha Cha, Fiesta Tango

• Bronze - Hickory Hoedown, Willow Waltz, Ten-Fox

• Pre-Silver - Fourteen Step, European Waltz, Foxtrot

• Silver - American Waltz, Tango, Rocker Foxtrot

• Pre-Gold - Kilian, Blues, Paso Doble, Starlight Waltz

• Gold - Viennese Waltz, Westminster Waltz, Quickstep, Argentine Tango

• International - Austrian Waltz, Cha Cha Congelado, Finnstep, Golden Waltz, Midnight Blues, Ravensburger Waltz, Rhumba, Silver Samba, Tango Romantica, Tea-Time Foxtrot, Yankee Polka

Free Dance (Partner and Solo) & Pairs

• Bronze

• Pre-Silver

• Silver

• Pre-Gold

• Gold

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For more detailed information on USFS Testing, to include charts of required elements per test, visit the Testing section of the USFS Members Only website:

USFS Testing

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