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What jumps are required for the Intermediate USFS test?
TL;DR
The Intermediate Free Skate test is where double jumps become a requirement. The required doubles are typically the Double Salchow and Double Toe Loop. Skaters at this level are also expected to land a clean Single Axel from the previous level.
Per the 2024–25 USFS Singles Test Requirements, Intermediate is the level where the test track transitions from "single jumps with an Axel" into "doubles." It's a meaningful step up from Juvenile.
What's new at Intermediate:
- Double Salchow — a two-rotation edge jump from a back inside edge, typically the first double a skater learns because the takeoff mechanics are simpler than the toe-pick doubles
- Double Toe Loop — a two-rotation toe-pick jump from a back outside edge
What's still required from previous levels:
- The Single Axel is expected to be solid by Intermediate, since it was introduced at Juvenile
- Other single jumps appear in the program structure as well
What's NOT required at Intermediate:
- Double Loop, Double Flip, Double Lutz, and Double Axel are not required at this level — they appear at Novice and above
- Triple jumps are far away — they typically don't appear until Junior or Senior
The progression from Single Axel to Double Salchow + Double Toe Loop is non-trivial — many skaters spend a year or more bridging this gap. Don't let anyone rush it; clean Doubles take time.
Want to see if your skater's Double Salchow is fully rotated or under-rotated? SkateMarks measures rotation and shows you the takeoff/landing position so you know whether they're ready to test.