Welcome To The World of Figure Skating Tests!

Whether a skater decides to be competitive or remain recreational, they will all at some point take a test. There are tests offered in each discipline of skating. How do you know when you are ready to take a test? Your coach will let you know.

How to Submit a Test Application

Now that your coach has determined that you are ready to take a test, you must fill in an application form. There are two types of forms depending on what level of test you are taking. These application forms are kept in the Music Room. Your coach will ensure that you use the correct form. Each test application form will ask you to fill out basic personal information, your skater’s Skate Canada registration number and indicate which test your skater will be taking. Your coach will tell you what the name of the test is.

Just remember that a separate application form must be filled out for each discipline. That is, if you are taking a freeskate test, a skating skills test and a dance test, you must fill out three separate application forms.

Submit the completed application form and cheque for the test fee into the envelope provided in the music room for the test day.

The Club Test Chair will then process the applications and fill out a test sheet for your skater. The Club Test Chair maintains a record of all tests attempted and past by our members. The official records are also kept by Skate Canada.

Depending on the level of test your skater is taking, the tests may or may not be held at the Club.

The next section will explain what the different levels of tests are, what is required in each and how they differ.

Low Tests vs High Tests vs Competitive Tests

Tests in the Star Skate Program are classified according to Level.

Low: Preliminary, Junior Bronze and Senior Bronze if time/evaluator permits

Intermediate: Senior Bronze and Junior Silver

High: Senior Silver, Gold and Diamond (dance only)

Tests in the Competitive Stream include the following levels:

Juvenile, Pre-Novice, Novice, Junior and Senior for the disciplines of singles freeskate, pairs and dance. They are always held at a "centralized" test day and may also be tried during most local competitions while the skater is competing. See below for more information about centralized tests.

Low Tests are held at the Club and may run during or in place of a regularly scheduled session.

Intermediate and High Tests are “centralized” that is, they are held within the BC Coast Region. That means that they can be held anywhere in the Lower Mainland as far east as Abbotsford (the BC Coast Region actually encompasses the Sunshine Coast, Whistler and east to Hope).

Now that you know where you may go to take a test, here is a guide as to what is required in each test:

All tests are evaluated according to a set standard outlined by Skate Canada. Each component of a test is evaluated on the scale of Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, and Needs Improvement. Skaters are not compared to each other. Depending on the level of the test being taken, there are certain passing criteria which must be met. That means that there are a certain number components which must be rated at least “satisfactory” for the test to pass. Otherwise, the test is designated as a “retry”.

There is no limit as to the number of times that a skater may attempt a test. Each test in the Skate Canada program must be taken sequentially. With the exception of competitive tests, skaters are not permitted to skip a level and the requirements to complete a level must all be fulfilled before attempting the next level.

Test Day — The Checklist

• Skates (laugh, but you’d be surprised what is forgotten)
• Extra Laces(you never know when a break will happen)
• Skate Guards
• Extra Tape or CD of Program (the only tape eaten that day will be yours)
• The Outfit (laugh again, but we have stories)
• Leggings (keep laughing until it is you)
• Club Jacket or sweater and gloves to wear during warmup.
• Toiletries (hairspray, bobby pins, make up etc.)
• Camera and/or Video Camera. Note: Flash photography is NOT permitted during tests.
• Map to Arena (know the route and alternatives to take to get there).
• Extra Change (because your skater will undoubtedly clean out the concession stand once they have skated)
• What is appropriate test day attire?If you are taking a freeskate test and have a competition dress, then wear that, otherwise any other dress that looks neat and tidy is appropriate. For boys, competition wear is appropriate otherwise a pair of regular skating pants and shirt or t-shirt style top will work.
• Note: Girls must wear a skirt. Boys must have sleeves.

Ensure that you are at the Arena at LEAST one half hour prior to the scheduled start of your test. Sometimes tests run ahead of the scheduled time and it is your responsibility to ensure that you are there on time. Use the road reports on the radio to help you avoid traffic problems and allow plenty of time if you are traveling during rush hour and are unfamiliar with the route or how busy it becomes during peak travel times.

At the Test Day

When you get to the arena, look for signs indicating the skaters entrance and directing you to registration.

• Check in and submit your music to the registration volunteer. This volunteer will likely be wandering around the lobby with a clipboard of names. Ensure that they know who you are and indicate which test or tests you are taking. They can also help give you an idea of whether the competition is running on schedule.
• Locate the Starting Order for your Test. This isn't so much an issue at low test days, but at centralized test days, find out how the warm up groups have been broken down so that you know when you are going to go on the ice. This is particularly important for dance tests.
• Locate your Coach. Your coach may be with other skaters that are testing before you. But, be assured they know you are coming and will be there to help you. You can help them out by taking time to start warming up and stretching.
• Do a Proper Warmup. Find a warm place to get your muscles moving and stretched out. Your coach will also help to ensure that you are warm and ready to go. They will also prompt you when you should get your skates on .

Did you know? All evaluators are volunteers too.

• When it is your turn to take your test, relax and smile, and give your best effort.

After You Have Skated

Depending on the number of skaters taking a test and where in the skating order you skate, you may have to wait a while before you know the result of your test. Evaluators must verify that the results listed are correct and sign them before they are posted. All results are posted as either "Pass" or "Retry".