Skate Canada STAR Assessment
Overview: Skate Canada’s STAR (Skills, Tests, Achievement, Recognition) program provides a nationally standardized pathway for skaters from STAR 1 through Gold. Assessments recognize development in Skills, Freeskate, Dance, Artistic, and Synchro, with consistent evaluation standards across Canada.
The program is designed to:
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Support long‑term skill development
- Provide clear milestones and recognition
- Prepare skaters for both recreational and competitive pathways
Assessment Structure at a Glance
| Level Range | Who Assesses | When It Happens | Fees | Disciplines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STAR 1–5 | Coach Assessor | During regular sessions | $12/assessment (no extra fees) | Skills, Freeskate (Elements & Programs), Dance, Artistic, Synchro |
| STAR 6–Gold | Skate Canada Evaluator | Designated assessment days | $12/assessment + ice/admin fees | Skills, Freeskate (Elements & Programs), Dance, Artistic |
| Diamond Dances | Skate Canada Evaluator | Designated assessment days | $12/assessment + ice/admin fees | Six advanced ISU pattern dances |
STAR 1–5 Assessments
These levels focus on foundational skating skills and are intentionally integrated into regular training.
How STAR 1–5 Assessments Work:
- Conducted during normal practice sessions.
- Scheduled at the coach’s discretion when the skater is ready.
- Evaluated by a Coach Assessor certified for STAR 1–5.
- Fees: $12/assessment, no additional ice or admin fees.
- Disciplines: Skills, Freeskate (Elements & Programs), Dance, Artistic, Synchro.
STAR 6–Gold Assessments
These levels introduce more advanced technical and performance requirements and require formal evaluation.
How STAR 6–Gold Assessments Work:
- Conducted on designated assessment days.
- Evaluated by an accredited Skate Canada Evaluator.
- Fees: $12 assessment fee with additional ice and administration fees (communicated in advance).
- Disciplines: Skills, Freeskate (Elements & Programs), Dance, Artistic.
- Optional: Diamond Dance Tests: Skaters may pursue the Diamond Dances, which include six advanced ISU pattern dances. This level sits above Gold and is optional for skaters seeking further dance achievement after completing all STAR 1 - Gold Dance assessments.
These assessments often represent major milestones, especially at the Gold level.
| Discipline | What is Assessed | Level |
| Skills | Edges, turns, field moves, skating exercises | STAR 1 - Gold |
| FreeSkate - Elements | Jumps & Spins | STAR 1- 10 |
| FreeSkate - Program | Full program with required elements + program components | STAR 2- Gold |
| Dance - Pattern Dance | Prescribed steps, timing, edges, accuracy, character; skated solo/partner/shadow | STAR 2- Gold |
| Dance - Elements | Specific dance steps and sequences | STAR 1, 3, & 5 |
| Artistic | Choreographic sequence, field moves/spirals, artistic spin, performance quality | STAR 5, 7, 9, & Gold |
| Synchro | Block, line, circle, wheel, intersection, transitions | STAR 2-4 |
Assessment Standards & Readiness
- Coaches determine when a skater is ready based on Skate Canada’s national standards.
- Each discipline has its own progression and required elements.
- In Freeskate, skaters may progress through Elements and Programs independently (except Gold).
- Skaters are evaluated on technical execution, control, musicality (where applicable), and overall quality.
Why Assessments Matter
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Provide structured development and recognition.
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Help skaters set goals and track progress.
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Required for certain competition categories.
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Offer a pathway from grassroots skating to advanced achievement.
Quad Gold Achievement
The Quad Gold Achievement is one of Skate Canada’s highest recognitions. A skater earns Quad Gold status by completing all four Gold‑level assessments:
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Gold Skills
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Gold Freeskate
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Gold Dance
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Gold Artistic
Achieving Quad Gold demonstrates mastery across every major discipline in the STAR program and represents years of dedication, training, and technical and artistic development.
Competition Entry Requirements (STAR Events)
Skaters must pass the corresponding FreeSkate assessments (Elements & Program) before entering each STAR FreeSkate category. See STAR Competition Page for more details.
| STAR Program Category | Required Assessment |
|---|---|
| STAR 6 Program | Must have passed the complete STAR 5 Freeskate assessment |
| STAR 7 Program | Must have passed the complete STAR 5 Freeskate assessment |
| STAR 8 Program | Must have passed the complete STAR 5 Freeskate assessment |
| STAR 9 Program | Must have passed the complete STAR 5 Freeskate assessment |
| STAR 10 Program | Must have passed the complete STAR 8 Freeskate assessment |
| Gold Program | Must have passed the complete STAR 8 Freeskate assessment |
Competition Entry Requirements (Podium Pathway)
The Podium Pathway is Skate Canada’s competitive stream beyond STAR events. Each level has specific age and test requirements that must be met before entering the category. See Podium Pathway Page for more details.
| Podium Pathway Level | Required Test Level |
|---|---|
| Pre‑Juvenile | Must have passed the complete STAR 5 Freeskate assessment |
| Juvenile | Must have passed the complete STAR 5 Freeskate assessment |
| Pre‑Novice | Must have passed the complete STAR 6 Freeskate assessment |
| Novice | Must have passed the complete Gold Freeskate assessment |
| Junior | Must have passed the complete Gold Freeskate assessment |
| Senior | Must have passed the complete Gold Freeskate assessment |
