Testing is the common core of figure skating. Every athlete in every discipline must take tests, the foundation and building blocks to develop strong skating skills, to move throughout the pipeline of figure skating.

Here are some things you need to know about the test structure:

  • Everything in figure skating is based on a skater's test level: entry to competition, participation in various programs, placement within programs, etc.

  • Skaters move through the test structure at their own pace. There are no rules on age or time requirements.

  • Skaters can use the test structure as an entry point to competitions or it can be a unique achievement on its own.

  • Test record and qualifying (and international) competition history is the only permanent record that follows a skater through their career.

  • Passing the highest test in any discipline earns the skater the title U.S. Figure Skating Gold Medalist 

Skaters start with the Moves in the Field (MITF) structure. MITF is a basic skating skills progression. Each test level has several set patterns of step sequence elements including turns, edges, spirals, etc., that get progressively more difficult.

The Free Skating & Pairs structure requires skaters to perform a program with jumps, spins and step sequences. Please note, skaters must pass the corresponding MITF test before taking the free skating tests.

The Dance & Solo Dance structure requires skaters to perform 3-4 set pattern dances per level. The Free Dance & Solo Free Dance track requires a free dance. 

New Mexico Testing Dates and Club

January: Santa Fe

February: Rio Rancho

March: Albuquerque

April: Rio Rancho

May: Santa Fe

June: Rio Rancho

July: Albuquerque

August: Santa Fe

September: Rio Rancho

October: Santa Fe

November: Albuquerque

December: Albuquerque

Next test session either June 21 or 28th. Details coming soon.