Figure Skating Competition Levels Explained (Beginner to Elite)

Testing & Competition
Written By Emily Amanatullah

If you’re new to figure skating competitions—or starting to take them more seriously—you’ve probably asked:

“What level is my skater… and what comes next?”

Between Compete USA, Excel, and the Championship Track, understanding the progression can feel overwhelming.

At Skate VIDA, we help families and skaters navigate this journey with clarity. This guide breaks down U.S. Figure Skating competition levels from beginner to elite, so you can confidently plan your next step.

The Big Picture: How Competition Levels Progress

Most young skaters begin their competition journey in Compete USA, which is specifically designed to introduce beginners to the sport in a fun, encouraging, and low-pressure environment. These events offer foundational levels that help new athletes build confidence while learning how competitions work.

As skaters progress—often around the Aspire levels—some may choose to transition into the Excel Series. This pathway provides more advanced competitive opportunities while maintaining a more balanced approach, with less intensive time and financial commitments than higher-level competitive tracks.

From there, paths can vary:

  • Some skaters use Excel as a stepping stone toward higher-level competition

  • Others continue within Excel, which offers progression all the way through the Senior level

For those seeking the highest level of competition, the Championship Track (also known as the national qualifying track) serves as the pipeline to Team USA. This pathway is designed to identify and develop top talent across the country and involves a more rigorous, structured, and competitive environment.

That said, there is no single “right” path, and that’s okay!

Some skaters thrive in the intensity of Championship Track, while others find greater joy and success within Excel or recreational competition.

There is truly a place for everyone in figure skating—but understanding the different levels is key to finding where your skater will be happiest, most confident, and most successful.

1. Compete USA (Beginner Levels)

Compete USA is where most skaters begin their competition journey.

Levels include:

  • Snowplow Sam

  • Basic 1–6

  • Aspire (introductory bridge level)

What to expect:

  • Simple elements (basic jumps, forward skating, beginner spins)

  • Short, easy-to-learn programs

  • Fun, low-pressure environment

These events are designed to help skaters:

  • Gain confidence

  • Learn competition structure

  • Perform in front of judges and an audience

Perfect starting point for first-time competitors
→ Getting ready for your first event? Read our First Figure Skating Competition Checklist to feel fully prepared.

2. Excel Series (Developmental Pathway)

The Excel Series is a development-focused competitive track that allows skaters to grow without the intensity of elite qualifying.

Levels include:

  • Pre-Preliminary

  • Preliminary Plus

  • Pre-Juvenile Plus

  • Juvenile & Juvenile Plus

  • Intermediate & Intermediate Plus

  • Novice

  • Junior

  • Senior

What makes Excel unique:

  • Gradual introduction to more advanced elements

  • Optional use of the International Judging System (IJS) at higher levels

  • Opportunities to qualify for Excel Finals

Excel is ideal for skaters who:

  • Want structured progression

  • Enjoy competition but prefer a balanced training load

  • Are developing consistency and technique

3. Championship Track (Well-Balanced / Qualifying)

Often called the “qualifying track,” this is the highest level of traditional competitive figure skating.

Levels include:

  • Preliminary

  • Pre-Juvenile

  • Juvenile

  • Intermediate

  • Novice

  • Junior

  • Senior

What defines this pathway:

  • Strict technical requirements

  • High-level jump and spin content

  • Qualifying structure (National Qualifying Series → Sectionals → Nationals)

  • Significant training commitment

This track is for skaters aiming for:

  • Elite competition

  • National-level events

  • Long-term athletic development

→ Not required to enjoy or succeed in figure skating—but essential for elite goals

How These Pathways Work Together

Here’s something many families don’t realize:

→ Excel and Championship Track often share the same level names—but not the same expectations.

In fact, the name of a level can be misleading if you don’t understand the expectations behind it.

For example:

A Juvenile Excel skater and a Juvenile Championship Track skater are not performing at the same technical level.

Juvenile Excel Program Requirements:

  • All single jumps allowed

  • ❌ No double (or higher) jumps permitted

Juvenile Championship Track Program Requirements:

  • All single and double jumps allowed

  • Includes double axel

  • May include a triple jump

While a Juvenile Excel program could technically meet the minimum requirements to enter a Championship Track event, the ceiling of difficulty is dramatically different—and that ceiling defines the level of competition.

At the higher end, this difference becomes even more clear:

  • Senior Excel is the only Excel level that allows a double axel

  • That means it is more comparable in jump content to Juvenile Championship Track

In other words: Level names are shared—but expectations are not.

Understanding this difference is key to making the right decision for your skater.

Rather than focusing on level names, families should consider:

  • The technical demands of each track

  • The training time and commitment required

  • The environment where their skater will feel both challenged and confident

This is what allows skaters to:

  • Move between tracks when appropriate

  • Choose a path that fits their goals and lifestyle

  • Stay motivated and successful long-term

→ Not sure which path is right for your skater? Explore all options in our Competition Opportunities Guide.

Bonus Pathway: ISI Competition Levels

In addition to U.S. Figure Skating, many skaters participate in Ice Sports Industry (ISI) competitions.

ISI levels:

  • Typically aligned with skill progression (similar to Basic levels and beyond)

  • Include creative and themed events

What makes ISI different:

  • Strong focus on fun and participation

  • Flexible program structure

  • Great for building confidence and performance skills

→ ISI is often used alongside USFS competitions—not instead of them.

Bonus Pathway: Adult Competition Levels

Figure skating truly is a lifelong sport.

Adult competitions include:

  • Adult Pre-Bronze

  • Bronze

  • Silver

  • Gold

  • Masters levels

These events provide:

  • Age-appropriate competition structure

  • Supportive community environment

  • Opportunities from beginner through advanced

How to Know What Level Your Skater Is

The best way to determine level is through:

  • Coach evaluation

  • Skill mastery (jumps, spins, skating skills)

  • Testing structure (U.S. Figure Skating tests)

  • Competition readiness

At Skate VIDA, we guide each skater individually to ensure they are:

  • Challenged—but not overwhelmed

  • Progressing—but still enjoying the sport

Final Thoughts: Progress Looks Different for Every Skater

There is no single “correct” path in figure skating.

Some skaters:

  • Stay in Excel and thrive

  • Move into Championship Track

  • Compete recreationally for years

The goal isn’t just moving up levels—it’s building confidence, skill, and a lifelong love of skating.

More in this series:

Emily Amanatullah
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First Skating Competition Checklist
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Competition Opportunities in Figure Skating