USFS testing is divided into five categories, with up to eight test levels in each category.
Moves in the Field (8)
Freeskate (8)
Pattern Dance (8)
Free Dance (5)
Pairs (5)
Tests progress in difficulty, and expectations for quality of execution increase with each level. Passing each test is somewhat equivalent to completing another grade or two in school. Once the skater learns and successfully demonstrates that level of competency to a panel of judges, they move on to the next level in their skating education. There are exceptions, but it usually takes anywhere from 6 to 18 months to master the skills at each test level. In addition to qualification for competing, testing certification also brings the benefits of nationally standardized testing credentials for those who want to move on to teaching or performing in ice shows. Each of these disciplines progresses up through gold test levels, and Pattern Dances offer an additional level for International Dances. Passing the Gold level test certifies the tester as a Gold Medalist, which some equate to a four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited college.
Moves in the Field tests replaced school figures in the 1990’s. They now form the basis for fundamental skating skills. There are 40 possible turns in skating. Each turn is tested in the testing program, along with stroking, crossovers, spirals, twizzles and other moves. Although they require no jumping or spinning, if you pass the Gold Moves test you know how to skate well. Moves tests are pre-requisites for equivalent level Freeskate, Free Dance, and Pairs tests.
Freeskate tests require competent demonstrations of increasingly more difficult jumps, spins, footwork, and choreography. They are put together in a program like those done for competition. An artistic composition of increasingly more difficult required elements is demonstrated at each test level. A Gold test is a four-minute program that requires considerable athletic endurance, includes multiple jumps and a jump combination up through a double-lutz, along with spins and footwork.
Pattern Dance tests can be tested solo or with a partner. There are three different standard dances on each of the first five dance tests (Preliminary through Silver), four on each of the next two (Pre-Gold and Gold), plus eleven at the International Dance test level (above Gold.) Dance tests require the correct steps and pattern on time with the music. When tested in partnership an additional requirement is unison, including body lean, leg extension and knee bend. Whereas Moves and Freeskate tests are done by yourself, partnered dance requires learning to work together as a team of two. It is no longer just about ‘me’ and how ‘I’ am doing, it is about ‘us’ and how ‘we’ are doing. It is an excellent skillset for life. Finding a dance partner with similar abilities, goals, skating style, and compatible personality is difficult, which makes training for and passing these tests all that more impressive.
Free Dance tests can also be tested solo or with a partner, although these are quite different tests. Solo Free Dance tests are like Freestyle tests, but without jumps, and there is more emphasis on musicality and timing. The choreography is original, but there are required elements. When tested in partnership there is even more reliance (than pattern dances) on your partner since lifts and pair spins are also required.
Pairs tests require two skaters performing footwork, spins, lifts, jumps, and throw jumps. Pairs skating has the highest risk of any of the figure skating disciplines. It offers the ultimate reward in learning absolute trust in your partner and knowing you can do things that few other skaters can do. As a pair on the ice, everyone is watching you. As a Pairs Gold Medalist you are not just an excellent freestyle skater, you also have outstanding upper body strength, fearlessness, and the ultimate sense of personal responsibility for your partner (another skillset for life.) Pair partners are rarer than dance partners. It takes special perseverance to find a compatible partner and keep that relationship together, not to mention their injury potential. Pair Gold Medalists deserve special respect.
Earning one gold medal is quite an accomplishment. It takes years of dedication and training and a considerable financial investment to achieve this level of expertise. Earning two or more gold medals certifies a broader competence in figure skating skills. Following is a list of our member club’s double (or more) Gold Medalists - See OSC Gold Medalists here at our TESTING PAGE.
~Doug Hansberry
