Testing and Skating Levels

Figure skating 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. Figure Skating (USFS) 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.

Any skating member of the Pines Figure Skating Club may participate from any of the official tests of the USFS.   Pines FSC hosts many Test sessions throughout the year and schedules are posted via the Club website, the Club's Official Facebook Page and at the bulletin board conveniently located in the “Red Rink” next to the Pro Shop in the Pines Ice Arena.

Test sessions hosted by Pines FSC are strictly organized and run under procedures outlined in the U.S. Figure Skating rulebook.

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.

There are several classes of tests in the U.S. Figure Skating structure:

1.       Moves in the field (standard track and adult)

2.       Free skate (or free skating) (standard track and adult)

3.       Pairs (standard track and adult)

4.       Compulsory Dance (standard track, solo, adult and masters)

5.       Free dance (standard track and masters)

The order in which tests are taken is important. A testing candidate shall not be eligible to take a higher-level test until all of the preceding tests in the same category have been passed or completed except as otherwise specified in the rules.

Please note that fees are involved when enrolling for testing.   A Test Registration Form is also required and must be completely filled out. Forms can be delivered to any Pines FSC board official or dropped off at the Club’s mail box located inside the Pines Ice Arena office.

For more detail on the testing structure of the U.S. Figure Skating, download the Figure Skating Programs and Development/Pipeline of Figure Skating document.