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What jumps are required for the Preliminary USFS test?
TL;DR
Preliminary Free Skate typically requires a Waltz Jump, Single Toe Loop, Single Salchow, Single Loop, and Single Flip — no Axel yet.
A lot of parents assume the Axel shows up here because it is the next single — it does not. The Single Axel first appears as a test requirement at Pre-Juvenile, one level up.
Also worth clearing up: this is a free skate program, not a short program. Short program is a competition format, not a test term. At this level, judges are watching for consistent technique across all five jumps — correct edges on takeoff, full rotation, and a controlled landing — not just whether your child lands them.
Requirements can vary by test version, so confirm the current element list with your coach or usfigureskating.org.
Want to see this in your child's skating? SkateMarks analyzes every jump with per-second AI coaching notes.