Kate Brown
Figure skating is an exciting sport that combines athleticism, artistry, and grace. For skaters in the United States, achieving a recognized skill level is an important milestone on the path to competition and performance. The US Figure Skating Tests are a structured system that helps skaters track their progress and develop their skills progressively.
In this guide, we’ll provide you with an in-depth look at the US Figure Skating tests and levels, outlining what each test entails, how to prepare for them, and what they mean for your skating journey.
1. What Are US Figure Skating Tests?
US Figure Skating tests are a series of assessments that measure a skater’s proficiency at different levels of figure skating. These tests are structured to evaluate various aspects of a skater’s abilities, from basic skills like gliding to more advanced elements such as jumps, spins, and choreography.
Each test level is progressively more difficult, challenging skaters to refine their skills and develop new techniques as they advance.
2. The US Figure Skating Test Levels
US Figure Skating organizes tests into several categories based on age and skill level. These categories are designed for skaters to gradually improve and move up the ranks. The levels are divided into two main categories: Moves in the Field and Free Skating.
a. Moves in the Field (MITF)
The Moves in the Field test evaluates a skater’s ability to perform fundamental movements like turns, edges, and footwork. This category is crucial for building the foundation for more advanced skating.
- Preliminary Level: This level introduces basic skills like forward and backward stroking, simple turns, and basic crossovers.
- Pre-Preliminary Level: Skaters perform more complex movements, including deeper edges and turns, and begin incorporating spirals and other intermediate elements.
- Preliminary Level: At this stage, skaters focus on strengthening their edge work and transitions, including single-foot glides and complex turns.
- Pre-Novice Level: This level requires skaters to perform increasingly challenging patterns, with more emphasis on technique and speed.
- Novice Level: Skaters begin to perform advanced turns, spins, and intricate footwork. This level prepares skaters for competition.
- Junior and Senior Levels: The highest levels of Moves in the Field test are designed for competitive skaters and involve complex and precise edge work, difficult patterns, and impeccable technique.
b. Free Skating
Free Skating tests assess a skater’s ability to combine technical elements such as jumps, spins, and footwork into a cohesive program. The skater must demonstrate their ability to perform these elements in a routine set to music.
- Pre-Preliminary Level: At this stage, skaters learn basic jumps, like the waltz jump and salchow, and basic spins, such as the two-foot spin.
- Preliminary Level: The Preliminary test introduces more advanced jumps and spins, including the toe loop and the beginning of combination spins.
- Pre-Novice Level: Skaters at this level start incorporating combination jumps, more complex spins, and a focus on choreography and artistic expression.
- Novice Level: Skaters must demonstrate the ability to perform double jumps and more advanced spins, including the flying camel spin.
- Junior Level: Skaters at this level perform triple jumps and complex footwork sequences. Artistic presentation is also emphasized.
- Senior Level: The Senior Free Skating test is the highest level, requiring skaters to perform triple jumps, intricate spins, and long, artistic programs. Skaters are expected to demonstrate flawless technique and a polished performance.
3. Other Key Figure Skating Tests
In addition to Moves in the Field and Free Skating, there are a few other specialized tests that focus on specific skills.
a. Ice Dance Tests
Ice Dance tests focus on the performance of pre-determined patterns and dances, often performed with a partner. These tests assess synchronization, precision, and timing. Levels include:
- Pre-Bronze, Bronze, Silver, and Gold: Each level includes a set of compulsory dances that the skater and partner must perform. The tests get progressively more difficult as the skaters improve their skills.
b. Pairs Skating Tests
For pairs skaters, the test structure is similar to Free Skating, but it incorporates partner lifts, throws, and synchronized movements. The levels range from Preliminary to Senior and are designed to help skaters develop the trust, timing, and technical skills necessary for pair skating.
4. How to Prepare for US Figure Skating Tests
Preparing for figure skating tests requires a combination of skill-building, practice, and mental preparation. Here are some tips to help you get ready:
a. Work with a Certified Coach
A qualified coach will guide you through the process of mastering the skills required for each test. They will provide you with structured lessons, feedback, and help you focus on areas where you need improvement.
b. Practice Consistently
Like any sport, consistency is key to improvement. Dedicate time to practice your edges, footwork, jumps, and spins. Regular practice will build muscle memory and improve your technique.
c. Focus on Technique
For each test, focus on improving your technique rather than just performing the elements. Proper form will help you execute each move with precision and increase your chances of passing.
d. Mental Preparation
Ice skating tests can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re striving for a higher-level certification. Visualization and relaxation techniques can help calm your nerves and boost your confidence before taking the test.
5. How Are Tests Evaluated?
When you take a US Figure Skating test, it will be judged by a panel of certified examiners who assess your performance based on specific criteria. Each element, whether it’s a jump, spin, or footwork, is graded on factors such as:
- Execution: How well the elements are performed.
- Technique: The accuracy and quality of the skills.
- Presentation: Artistic expression and choreography (especially in Free Skating).
- Timing: How well you perform the moves in sync with the music (in Free Skating and Ice Dance).
A skater must pass all required elements of a test to move to the next level. If you don’t pass, you’ll have the opportunity to re-test once you’ve improved in the necessary areas.
6. What Happens After Passing a Test?
After you successfully pass a US Figure Skating test, you’ll receive a certificate or badge that acknowledges your accomplishment. These milestones are important markers of progress and can help you build a competitive or recreational skating resume.
- For Competitive Skaters: Passing higher-level tests can qualify you for competitions, including regional, sectional, or even national events.
- For Coaches: Coaches can use your test scores to help develop your training program, set new goals, and prepare you for higher-level events.
- For Recreational Skaters: Passing these tests can also serve as a source of pride, providing motivation to continue improving your skills.
7. The Benefits of Taking Figure Skating Tests
- Goal Setting: Tests provide a clear pathway for skaters to track their progress and set goals.
- Skill Mastery: The testing process ensures that you’re mastering important elements before moving to more advanced skills.
- Recognition: Tests provide official recognition for your achievements, helping to boost your confidence and motivation.
- Competitive Advantage: For competitive skaters, test scores and certifications are often required for entry into competitions.
Conclusion
The US Figure Skating Tests and Levels provide a structured, measurable way for skaters to develop their skills, set goals, and track their progress. Whether you’re aiming for a competitive career or just want to improve your skating, these tests offer a pathway to refine your technique and reach your full potential. With determination, consistent practice, and guidance from a qualified coach, you can progress through the levels and experience the satisfaction of achieving each milestone along the way.