Those of you new to ice skating may have already heard terms like pre-preliminary, Novice, Bronze level dancer, and other. These terms refer to levels established by the United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA).
The USFSA is the governing body of figure skating on ice in the United States. The International Skating Union (ISU) and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) recognized it as such. Below are the USFS Figure Skating and Ice Dancing levels in the order and sequence they must be taken after a skater has demonstrated skill through Basic Skills.
- Moves In the Field (Free Skate & Pairs)
- Pre-Preliminary
- Preliminary
- Pre-Juvenile
- Juvenile
- Intermediate
- Novice
- Junior
- Senior
- Ice Dance
- Preliminary
- Pre-Bronze
- Bronze
- Pre-Silver
- Silver
- Pre-gold
- Gold
- Junior International
- Senior International
- Adult Moves In the Field
- Pre-bronze
- Bronze
- Silver
- Gold
- Standard Intermediate
- Standard Novice
- Standard Junior
- Standard Senior Sr. International
The level at which you are skating at is determined by testing. Each level has stated requirements and is scored by judges appointed by the USFS. If you plan to compete in USFS competitions beyond the Basic Skill level, you must test in order to determine your competition level. You must be a member of the USFS, through a club like DIFSC, or individually to be eligible to compete in USFS competitions.
Even if you are not planning to compete, testing is an excellent way to measure your progress. Each figure skating level contains the Moves in the Field Test and a Free Skate Test. Each dance level includes at least three dances. You may take these tests on the same day or on a separate test date. You must first pass the Moves in the Field Test before you may attempt the Free Skate Test. Your coach will work with you to prepare for each test and help you determine when to test.
