Tests and Skating Levels

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 the U.S. Figure Skating and are otherwise qualified under these rules, as well as by members of a member association of the ISU. Each candidate must present a current registration card before taking a test.

Tests are marked on a “pass” or “retry” basis. Some tests have numeric marks associated with them that determine if the test is a “pass” or “retry.” These are used to establish a “passing” average, and judges use this number as a basis for the quality of the test. Different tests have different standards for “pass” and “retry,” along with different procedures for reskating elements in a test. For details, candidates should consult the rulebook for the particular test to be taken. If a test is marked “retry” a skater may not retake the test prior to the 27th following the date of the original test.

For all tests other than adult and masters tests, age is not a factor. To qualify for an adult test, the candidate must be 21 years of age or older. To qualify for masters tests, the candidate must be 50 years of age or older.

Moves In the Field Tests

The standard moves in the field tests are divided into eight classes to be taken in the following order: Pre-preliminary, preliminary, pre-juvenile, juvenile, intermediate, novice, junior and senior. Furthermore, there are also adult levels of the moves tests: pre-bronze, bronze, silver and gold.

Pre-Preliminary Moves in the Field Test (PPM)

The purpose of this test is to encourage beginning skaters to learn the fundamentals of ice skating. No great deal of technical ability, carriage or flow is expected. The candidate must show knowledge of the steps, fairly good edges and some evidence of good form.

• Forward Perimeter Stroking
• Basic Consecutive Edges
• Forward Right and Left Foot Spirals
• Waltz Eight

Back to top

Preliminary Moves in the Field Test (PM)

The purpose of this test is to continue the encouragement of beginning skaters to learn the fundamentals of ice skating. The candidate must show knowledge of the steps and a good sense of power (speed and flow). Attention should be given to depth of edges and proper curvature of lobes.

• Forward and Backward Crossovers
• Consecutive Outside and Inside Spirals
• Forward Power 3-Turns
• Alternating Forward 3-Turns
• Alternating Backward Crossovers to Backward Outside Edges

Back to top

Pre-Juvenile Moves in the Field Test (PJM)

The fundamentals of ice skating must be demonstrated, although not necessarily mastered. Good edges, flow, power, extension and posture are required and must be strongly emphasized.

• Forward Perimeter Power Crossover Stroking - Counterclockwise only
• Backward Perimeter Power Crossover Stroking - Counterclockwise only
• FO-BI 3-Turns in the Field
• FI-BO 3-Turns in the Field
• Forward and Backward Power Change of Edge Pulls
• Five Step Mohawk Sequence

Back to top

Juvenile Moves in the Field Test (JM)

Candidates must skate the correct steps and turns on good edges, with good form, flow, power, and preciseness to their steps.

• Eight Step Mohawk Sequence
• Forward and Backward Free Skating Cross Strokes
• Backward Power 3-Turns
• Forward Double 3-Turns

Back to top

Intermediate Moves in the Field Test (IM)

Strong, true edges, smooth turns, correct posture and effortless flow are expected of the candidate.

• Stroking: Forward Power Circle
• Stroking: Backward Power Circle
• Backward Perimeter Power Crossover Stroking with Backward Power 3-Turns
• Backward Double 3-Turns
• Brackets in the Field Sequence
• Inside Slide Chassé Pattern

Back to top

Novice Moves in the Field Test (NM)

The candidate must give a performance that is generally good. The preciseness of the footwork should be nearly faultless, the body motion well timed and the flow and power very good. No major consistent errors should be in evidence.

• Backward Perimeter Power Stroking with Back Inside 3-Turns and Forward Inside 3-Turns
• Forward Perimeter Power Crossover Stroking to a Backward Quick Rocker-Turn Sequence
• Forward and Backward Outside Counters
• Forward and Backward Inside Counters
• Backward Rocker Choctaw Sequence
• Spiral Sequence
• Bracket Three Bracket Pattern

Back to top

Junior Moves in the Field Test (JRM)

The candidate must give a performance that is generally very good in all respects. Focus should be on power, flow, edge quality and line and footwork control.

• Forward Power Circles
• Backward Power Circles
• Forward and Backward Outside Rockers
• Forward and Backward Inside Rockers
• Power Pulls
• Choctaw Sequence

Back to top

Senior Moves in the Field Test (SRM)

The candidate must give an excellent performance, displaying power, strong edge control and depth, extension, and precise footwork control.

• Sustained Edge Step
• Extension Spiral Step
• Backward Outside Power Double 3-Turns to Power Double Inside Rockers
• Backward Inside Power Double 3-Turns to Power Double Outside Rockers
• Quick Edge Step

Back to top