What is U.S. Figure Skating Testing?

Testing is a formal way for skaters to progress through skill levels (Pre-Preliminary to Senior) in disciplines such as:

• Skating Skills

• Singles

• Pattern Dance (both partnered and solo)

• Free Dance  (both partnered and solo)

 

Skaters are judged by officials on specific elements like jumps, spins, and footwork, serving as prerequisites for competitions and personal skill validation. US Figure Skating sanctioned clubs host these tests in-person or via virtual sessions, allowing skaters to advance after proving proficiency, demonstrating skills, and achieving personal goals. 

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Skating Skills:

Skating skills tests may be taken and passed independently of the singles, pair, pattern dance and free dance tests. A skater may take and pass skating skills tests higher than the corresponding singles, pair, pattern dance and free dance tests and still be qualified to compete in qualifying and non-qualifying competitions.

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Skating skills are basic skating moves not set to music. Skating skills must be skated with good edges, control, flow, extension, carriage and rhythm. An even speed and flow should be maintained throughout. Maximum utilization of the ice surface is desirable. Ice coverage must not be obtained by the use of flat or shallow edges.

 

 

 

Singles:

Singles tests include jump elements, spins and a step sequence. Singles tests are no longer a prerequisite to any skating skills test.

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Pattern Dances (partnered or solo):

Pattern dancing consists of skating dances with specified steps and holds that are either set pattern dances, which must be placed on the ice surface as diagrammed in the rulebook, or optional pattern dances, which may be placed on the ice surface in any relation to the ice surface that the couple desires, provided that the edges and their relationship to the continuous axis are maintained, the pattern is not distorted and is maintained for each repetition and does not place the partners in awkward positions.

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Skaters have the option to test the Lead or Follow (separate testing tracks) steps regardless of gender.

Partnered and solo are separate tracks.

 

Free Dance (partnered or solo):

A free dance is a creative dance program blending dance steps and movements expressing the character/rhythm(s) of the dance music chosen by the skater(s). The free dance must contain combinations of new or known dance steps and movements including required elements composed into a well-balanced, whole unit displaying excellent skating technique and the personal creativity of the couple in concept, arrangement and expression.

 

The program, including required elements, must be skated in time and phase with the music. The skater(s) should skate primarily in time to the rhythmic beat of the music and not to the melody alone.

 

 

 

​Testing Tracks:​

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Virtual Testing:

The FSC of Charlotte is not currently hosting in-person or virtual testing sessions. We aim to begin offering virtual test sessions in the spring of 2026. Until that time, skaters should plan to continue their testing either in-person or virtually via other host clubs.  

 

Testing at Another Club:

Before registering for your test, please contact the FSC of Charlotte Test Chair, Jennifer Parker, at fsccharlotte@gmail.com, to obtain a Permission to Test Form as you will need to submit this along with your test registration. This is required and verifies to the host club that you are a skater in good standing with the FSC of Charlotte. You will receive your Permission to Test form via the email address associated with your membership account. 

 

To locate and register for a test session: 

• Visit EntryEeze, https://www.entryeeze.com/.

• Available test sessions and dates can be found by clicking "Find a Test Session" under the right hand side tab. 

• Enter your zip code and a mileage radius you prefer.

• Search through the available test session dates. Be sure to verify that your coach is available and choose a test session date that works for both you and your coach.

• Be sure to register for the correct test level and not one you have already passed. You can check your test history anytime by logging into your account on US Figure Skating's website.

• Check the host club’s website and review their testing procedures and/or online registration process. You may need to contact the Test Chairperson of the hosting club if you have additional questions about their testing process. Testing fees charged at other club’s may be different than fees charged for FSC of Charlotte test sessions.

• It is important to note that The FSC of Charlotte Test Chair does not register skaters for other club’s test sessions. It is the skater’s responsibility to register themselves.

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​Video Checklist for Virtual Tests:

• Video must begin with the you clearly identifying yourself and holding a testing placard that includes the following:

Skater Name

Test Taken

Host Club

Date of Test Session (not the date of the recording)

• After capturing yourself with the testing placard, the videographer must also capture the date and time from a phone, tablet, smart watch, etc.  Per US Figure Skating Video Requirements, the rink clock is not adequate.

• Once the placard shot and the date/time are complete, the videographer may continue as you complete your test.

• Once recording is completed and your coach feels that the video is good to submit, you will need to complete two additional testing forms - the Affidavit and the Name and Likeness.

• The video, Affidavit and Name and Likeness forms will need to be uploaded or emailed (depending upon the host club's submission instructions) before the testing submission deadline.

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​Virtual Testing Tips:

• Video MUST be recorded in Landscape mode (NOT Portrait)!

• The video must be taken from the position of the judges stand (as if it was an in-person test session). Videos may not be taken while following the athlete around the ice during the test.

• Do NOT stop recording - the video must be a continuous play! If you find that you have an error mid filming, you must start over from the beginning.

• There may be no more than 8 (eight) skaters on the ice during any test video recording. Be sure your coach announces "Testing" loudly so that other skaters and coaches know to remain on the boards.

• Hold the recording device still and zoom a bit to keep the skater close and in frame. The skater must stay in frame during the entire recording. There should not be any outside distractions such as talking, shaky video, or loud music (if it is not a part of the test).

• Music used for the test, such as singles and ice dance, must be clearly audible.

• Skating skills test may NOT have music playing during the test.

• All tests must be recorded within a 14-day window prior to the date of any test session, in accordance with USFSA standards.

• Video from a competition, exhibition, or ice show may NOT be submitted to a virtual test session. 

 

Virtual Testing Forms:

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