Medal Tests and Exams

Medal Tests

Medal Tests are a great way for students to attain their goals and reach a level of achievement. Students perform their syllabus routines in front of an examiner who will score them appropriately and then each student who passes will receive a certificate of achievement and bronze silver or gold medals depending on the level of syllabus that they are demonstrating. If you would like to find out more information about scheduling a medal test for your studio please contact our Secretary Debbie Marolda at (973)276-1170.

Professional Examinations

Preparation

How to prepare

  • It is strongly recommended by the USTA that you receive training from a qualified Trainer to help prepare you for your exam. Feel free to contact any of the governing directors for help finding a Trainer in your area
  • Learn how to dance the applicable figures as both Man and Lady in time to music with and without a partner
  • Develop an understanding of the technical details of the chart information
  • Be able to explain and discuss teaching methods
  • Have a clear understanding of additional information such as Tempo, Beats and Bar, etc. that is supplied in your chosen syllabus

USTA recognizes for following syllabi for examinations

-International Style:

  • ISTD
  • Guy Howard
  • Walter Laird

-American Style:

  • DVIDA
  • ISTD
Exam Breakdown

Practical Demonstration and Dancing

  • During the Practical Demonstration/Dancing Segment the candidate will present each dance with a partner to music. The candidate must be prepared to demonstrate the material as both Man and Lady. Please make sure to have someone available to play the music for this portion of your examination.
  • Along with the prepared material the Examiner may also ask you to demonstrate any amalgamation of figures for a particular dance with or without music

Theory and Technical Questions

  • The Theory and Technical Question portion of your examination will be based on both the chart material as well as teaching methods.
  • All chart information (foot position, amount of turn, etc) should be memorized for both the Man and Lady
  • Each candidate should be able to give simple definitions for the style of the examination (Rise and Fall, CBM, CBMP, etc)
  • Two Precedes/Follows are needed for Associate candidates.
  • Three Precedes/Follows are needed for Membership candidates.
Additional Exam Information

Level of Examination

  • Professionals interested in taking their examinations can start with the Associate Level.
  • Professionals interested in taking their Fellow examination must have their Membership in that style for 2 years.
  • *Please contact the USTA for additional information about preparing for your Examinations*

Exam Scoring

  • Professionals interested in taking their examinations can start with the Associate Level.
  • Professionals interested in taking their Fellow examination must have their Membership in that style for 2 years.
  • *Please contact the USTA for additional information about preparing for your Examinations*

Length of Exam and Fees

  • Associate Examination:  2 hours  –  $120 plus the Examiner’s hourly rate
  • Membership Examination: 2.5 hours  –  $140 plus the Examiner’s hourly rate
  • Fellowship Examination is 2.5   –  $170 plus the Examiners hourly rates

Scheduling Your Examination & Fees

To schedule please contact either:

Gary McDonald

  • 973.276.1170
  • usterpsichore@aol.com

Diana McDonald

  • 973-276-1170
  • dmcdndca@aol.com