PSA Rating System

The PSA Rating System is for coaches who want to validate their skating skill and teaching experience. Ratings are an assurance to clubs, rinks, skaters, parents, and the general public that the coach they hire is technically qualified to instruct at the level in which they are rated regardless of personal background and skating achievement. More and more coaches are required to become rated and many are choosing to do so because it is so beneficial for both the coaches and athletes.

Introduction to Virtual Ratings

Basic Accreditation

The first step in the Ratings System is to take and pass a Basic Accreditation (BA) written exam or successfully complete the Foundations of Coaching Course (FCC) and accompanying Workbook. The BA exam is completed in the e-learning academy. The FCC is held virtually for one hour a week, for five weeks. The study guide for both the FCC and the Basic Accreditation exam is the Coaches Manual, which is available in the online store as a digital download. The Coaches Manual is included for free with FCC or Basic Accreditation registration.

Sport Science and Medicine

After passing the BA exam or FCC, the candidate can apply to begin taking the Sport Science & Medicine (SSM) exam—Professional membership is required. There are four SSM exams—one at each level: Registered Sport Science & Medicine (RSS) exam, Certified (CSS), Senior (SSS), and Master (MSS).

The Sport Science & Medicine exams are completed in the e-learning academy. The study guide for all levels is The Coach's Guide to Sport Science & Medicine which is available in the PSA online store as a digital download. The Coach’s Guide to Sport Science & Medicine is included for free with a Sport Science & Medicine exam registration.

Passing a SSM exam is not a rating by itself. It is a component of a rating, and a verbal exam in a specific discipline must be passed in order to achieve a rating.

VERBAL Rating Exams

After passing the Registered Sport Science & Medicine exam, a candidate can apply to take the first of four verbal exams (Registered, Certified, Senior, and Master) in the discipline of their choice. Verbal rating exams are taken either virtually or on-site at a verbal ratings event, and registration is completed in the online events calendar. Exam panels will consist of three master-rated coaches as examiners, and up to two trial examiners.

Verbal rating exams are offered in the following disciplines:

Note: A candidate may challenge a verbal exam for half the cost of the exam (referred to as the challenge fee) plus a non-refundable administration fee of $25. The challenge fee will be returned to the candidate if the exam is overturned. Challenges must be made in writing to the PSA office within two weeks of the exam date. The Ratings Committee will select an independent review panel. The digital recording of the exam is the property of the PSA and is used for review purposes only.

Keeping a Rating Active

Once a rating has been earned, a coach must hold a PSA Professional Membership and maintain a minimum of 28 educational credits over a three-year period through attendance at educational events to keep the rating active.

An affidavit must be submitted to the PSA office so that the credits can be recorded.

Of the 28 required credits, a maximum of 16 credits can come from a non-PSA event, such as U.S. Figure Skating CERs, Learn to Skate USA workshops, or ISI Seminars. A minimum of 12 of the credits must come from PSA events.

A coach may not advertise as a PSA rated coach unless the rating is active.

PSA is excited to offer Rating Study Groups as another way for coaches to prepare for PSA rating exams.

Study Groups are designed to provide in-depth guidance on how to take a rating exam. The small group size will foster participation and peer interaction that will go beyond what general educational events can offer. Coaches will explore how to answer questions in a concise manner, practice verbalizing their methods via organized walk-throughs, and, most importantly, they will gain necessary confidence for the exam and beyond.

All study groups are led by PSA master-rated examiners and are limited to a select number of attendees who meet via Zoom once a week for five weeks.

*To protect your privacy and because meetings are intended to be participatory, the Zoom sessions will not be recorded.

For upcoming study group dates and registration, please visit the PSA Events page.

RAPID Exams: Rating/Ranking Accelerated Pathway for Individual Disciplines

(formerly Fast-Tracking in the Ratings System)

• A candidate must have a Level VI ranking or higher

• The ranking and the rating must be in the same discipline

• A candidate must complete the appropriate Sport Science & Medicine (SSM) online exams at the same level

Emeritus Rating

An emeritus rating can be awarded to coaches who meet the following criteria. This status allows them to keep their rating(s) active without having to maintain educational credits:

• Must have reached the legal retirement age (65) or older

• Must have held a PSA membership for the past 10 consecutive years

• No longer coaching or coaching less than 200 hours per year

• Must hold at least one rating

• Must submit a letter to the PSA office requesting emeritus status

Emeritus Rating application

Resources

Rating System Overview

Checklist to Rating Exams

Rating Candidate Guidelines

Requirements & Study Guides

Trial Examiner Application