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.

Test Days

Testing at Markham Skating Club takes place at the arena 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. 

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 fee (as outlined on the test envelope) for each test to be taken. These fees must be paid in full before test day. They can be submitted at the office or to the skater’s coach.

Skaters must wear appropriate attire for skating tests. See your coach for guidance on testing attire. Note that dresses may be rented from MSC for tests at minimal cost. Click here for more information on how to prepare for test day. If you have further inquiries regarding test days, please contact the MSC office: info@markhamskatingclub.com.

How to Submit a Test Application

Coaches/ skaters / parents will determine when you are ready to take a test. 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.
• Markham Skating Club Administration Fee of $10.

For example if a skater was trying the Dutch Waltz and the Baby Blues the cost would be $34 - $12 for Skate Canada for each test tired and $10 for MSC Admin fee. Fees are payable with the test envelope by 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 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 that must be met. That means that there are a certain number of components that 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.

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.

At the 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 and make sure your music has been submitted. 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 things are on schedule.

Locate the Starting Order for your Test. Find out how the warm up groups have been broken down 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 either "Pass" or "Retry". Please ensure that your coach sees and/or gets a copy of the test sheet so they know how you did.