StarSkate Testing

At MSC, StarSkate skaters must take tests to qualify to skate on the junior, senior and advanced sessions. How do you know when you are ready to take a test? Your coach will let you know.

Star 1 - 5 Tests

Star 1 - 5 tests can be administered on regular sessions during a private lesson with a coach.  If your child is to take a test, you will receive an envelope with information specific to the test to be taken. There is a Skate Canada fee (as outlined on the test envelope) for each test to be taken. These fees must be paid in full before test day. Return the envelope with payment to your coach, who will give it to the office after your test is complete.

Star 6 - Gold Tests

Star 6 - Gold tests are evaluated by qualified Skate Canada evaluators and take place on designated Test Days. There are several of these throughout the year, and they are scheduled at the start of the season. Regular sessions are usually cancelled on these dates to accommodate testing. Skaters will be notified by their coach at least 1-2 weeks in advance if the skater is scheduled to try a test. 

Skaters must wear appropriate attire for skating tests. See your coach for guidance on testing attire. Note that skating outfits may be rented from The Loft at a minimal cost. 

How to submit a test application

Your private coach will determine when you are ready to take a test. For Star 6 to Gold tests, coaches are responsible for letting the Test Chair know that you are going to be taking the test a minimum of two weeks prior to the test day. You will be provided with the amount of the fee and the time for testing a few days prior to the test day(s).

The Club Test Chair will process the applications and fill out a test sheet for your skater. The Club Test Chair maintains a record of all tests attempted and passed by our members. The official records are also kept by Skate Canada. When skaters try a test there are 2 fees:

• Skate Canada fee of $12 per test tried.
• Additional Markham Skating Club Administration Fee of $10 for Star 6 - Gold tests.

For example if a skater was trying the Ten Fox and the Fourteenstep dances, the cost would be $34: $12 for Skate Canada for each test tired and $10 for MSC Admin fee. The MSC administration fee helps the club recover the costs that are associated with running the test day. Fees are payable by cash or cheque made out to Markham Skating Club.

All tests are evaluated according to a set standard outlined by Skate Canada. Each component of a test is evaluated on the scale of Gold, Silver and Bronze. Skaters are not compared to each other. Depending on the level of the test being taken, there are certain criteria that must be met for a result of Pass with Honours or Pass.  If the passing criteria are not met, the result will be 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.

On test day

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.

Check in with your test chair. This volunteer will likely be wandering around the lobby with a clipboard of names or in the club office. 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 things are on schedule.

Locate the Starting Order for your Test. The schedule and starting order will be posted a few days before test day. Check the timings of each warm-up so that you know when you are going to go on the ice.

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.

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 the test sheets are handed out. All results are indicated as Pass with Honours, Pass or Retry. Please ensure that your coach sees and/or gets a copy of the test sheet so they know how you did.

What to Wear

Ask your coach about proper skating attire for your test. If you wish, you may rent a skating outfit from The Loft. Please email costumes@markhamskatingclub.com to set an appointment to discuss your rental. Many are as low as $15! Cash or cheque only.