Skill Level Progression Tests

As a skater advances and becomes more proficient in their skating skills, USFS, through their member clubs, provides test sessions in order for skaters to advance through the different levels of test level skating. In testing, skaters do not compete against other skaters. Skaters are judged according to how well they complete the required elements or Moves in the Field for that level. Judges who are qualified according to USFS rules and regulations watch the skater perform the required movements and determine if the test has been skillfully executed to pass. The skater can then move to the next level in competition, Freestyle, moves in the field, and ice dancing.

When do I Test?

You and your Pro will determine when you are ready for a test. Your Pro should help you complete the application for admission to a test session. Remember, Coach’s and club officer signatures are required. Test applications must be mailed no more than 45 days before and no less than 21 days before a scheduled test session. The applications should be mailed to the address listed on the test application for the figure skating club that is hosting the test session.

Testing “Tracks”

There are three main tracks for test progression. BFSC skaters usually work on more than one test track at a time. Freestyle tests are skated to music, includes jumps and spins Moves in the Field: Each test consists of 3 – 7 moves, no music, etc. Dance tests are a set pattern dance with specific steps and music. Freestyle tests must be passed in addition to the Moves in the Field (MITF) test to advance to competition levels. Freeskate tests can not be taken unless the MITF test of the same level has already been passed. You can take a MITF test and a Freeskate test in the same test session.

Freeskate & Moves in the Field Test Levels

Pre-Preliminary
Preliminary
Pre-Juvenile
Juvenile
Intermediate
Novice
Junior
Senior
Adult Pre-Bronze
Adult Bronze
Adult Silver
Adult Gold

Dance Test Levels

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, Quickstep, Westminster Waltz & Argentine Tango
Junior International: Rhumba, Gold Waltz, Australian Waltz, Cha Cha Congelado
Senior International: Silver Samba, Yankee Polka, Ravensburger Waltz, Tango
Romantica, Midnight Blues

Pairs Test Levels

Preliminary
Juvenile
Intermediate
Novice Junior
Senior
Adult Bronze
Adult Silver
Adult Gold Free Dance Test Levels
Juvenile
Intermediate
Novice
Junior
Senior

Ice dancers and freestyle skaters all start out together in learning basic stroking and the use of edges. In time, they frequently take separate paths based on which discipline the skater finds more interesting and fun. Freestyle skating requires intensive work on jumps and spins; ice dancers and synchronized team skaters spend hours perfecting intricate steps and arm positions.