You can take the test at any level you want, but you must pass Level 2 in order to take the Level 1 test. You must first also take the pre-test training course before taking the Level 1 test. If you fail the test, you will be exempted from the pre-test training if you take the test again within the same year. Those who have passed Level 1 are required to register with SAJ (Ski Association of Japan).
Intermediate to advanced skiers should aim for Levels 1 and 2, while beginners should start with Levels 3 through 5.
Vocabulary
Examiner
A person who evaluates your skiing according to the regulations.
Slope Types
Very gentle slope: less than 5°
Gentle slope: 5°-10°
Gentle-medium slope: 10°-15°
Medium slope: 15°-20°
Medium-steep slope: 20°-25°
Steep slope: 25°-30°
Overall slope: including gentle, medium and steep slopes
Slope Conditions
Natural: slope in normal course conditions
Prepared: slope that is smooth and level
Uneven： slope as it is (including bumps)
Level 5
Qualifications
No age limit
Test Content
○ Snowplow turn (at approximately gentle slope/level ground)
You will be evaluated based on whether you can you control your speed by using the snowplow turn technique, transfer your weight between your left and right sides, and ski smoothly and according to the conditions of the slope. The examiner will judge your performance.
Scoring Criteria
You will be evaluated on your ability to execute snowplow turns during the course. The evaluation will be based on the number of points given by a single examiner.
Pass/Fail
100 points will be awarded per skill. A total of 50 points or more for a skill is considered a passing score.
Level 4
Qualifications
No age limit
Test Content
○ Rhythm through snowplow turns (at approximately gentle/medium slope/level ground)
You will be evaluated on your ability to control your speed using the snowplow turn technique, transfer your weight between your left and right sides, and ski smoothly and according to the conditions of the slope. The examiner will judge your performance.
Scoring Criteria
You will be evaluated based on your ability to conduct snowplow turns during the course. The evaluation will be based on the number of points obtained by a single examiner.
Pass/Fail
100 points will be awarded per skill. A total of 55 points or more for a skill will is considered a passing score.
Level 3
Qualifications
No age limit
Test Content
○ Basic parallel turn (at approximately medium slope/level ground)
○ Stem turn (at approximately medium slope/level ground)
You will be evaluated on your ability to control your speed using each technique, transfer your weight between your left and right sides, and ski smoothly and according to the conditions of the slope. The examiner will judge your performance.
Scoring Criteria
You will be evaluated on your ability to conduct snowplow turns during the course. The evaluation will be based on the number of points obtained by a single examiner.
Pass/Fail
100 points will be awarded per skill. A total of 50 points or more for a skill is considered a passing score.
Level 2
Qualifications
No age limit
Test Content
Practical skills
○ Basic parallel turn, large turn (at approximately medium steep slope/natural)
○ Basic parallel turn, small turn (at approximately medium slope/natural)
○ Stem turn (at approximately medium slope/natural)
Ability to ski in accordance to situations and conditions
１．Formation of turn: positioning and edging
２．Handling of slope conditions: adjustment of speed and rotation arc
３．Quality of movement: balance, rhythm and timing
The examiner will judge your performance.
Scoring Criteria
The average of 3 judges will be your test score. Points will be rounded to the first decimal place.
Pass/Fail
100 points shall be awarded per skill. A total of 195 points or more for the three skills is considered a passing score.
Level 1
Qualifications
＜１＞ No age limit
＜２＞ Candidates must have passed the Level 2 test.
＜３＞ Candidates must have completed 1 unit (2 hours) of pre-test training prior to taking this test.
＜４＞ The prior training course described in the previous item is valid only in the same year in which the course was taken.
Test Content
Practical skills
○ Parallel turn, large turn (at approximately steep slope/natural)
○ Basic parallel turn, small turn (at approximately steep slope/natural)
○ Parallel turn, small turn (at approximately medium slope/uneven terrain)
○ General downhill (at approximately steep slope/natural)
Ability to ski in accordance to different situations and conditions
１．Formation of turn: positioning and edging
２．Handling of slope conditions: adjustment of speed and rotation arc
３．Quality of movement: balance, rhythm and timing
The examiner will judge your performance.
Scoring Criteria
Each skill will be evaluated by three examiners, and the average of the 3 examiners will be your score for the skill. Points will be rounded to the first decimal place.
Pass/Fail
100 points are awarded per skill. A total of 280 points or more for the four skills is considered a passing score.
Passing procedure
A person who has passed and is not a member of the Association must then register as a member or a provisional member.