Become a USPC Judge

Join one of the most respected judging programs in powerlifting.

Our certification process is designed to develop knowledgeable, professional, and consistent officials through one of the industry's most comprehensive education and testing programs. All judges are required to successfully complete a background check after completing all levels of the USPC judging certification process. Background checks are paid for by the USPC and performed by VolunteerBadge.com.

Getting Started

Before taking the USPC Online Judge Exam, applicants should carefully study both the USPC Rulebook and the USPC Judge's Handbook .

Our online examination is one of the most comprehensive in the industry and is intended to prepare judges for real-world decision making on the platform.

Eligibility Requirements

Requirement	Details
Minimum Age	18 years of age or older.
Meet Experience	Competed in at least two (2) sanctioned powerlifting meets (any federation).
Online Exam	Complete the USPC Online Judge Exam.
Passing Score	Minimum score of 90%.
Functional Exam	Complete within 90 days after passing the online exam.
Background Check	Required after completing all levels of the USPC judging certification process. Paid for by the USPC and performed by VolunteerBadge.com.

Already a Judge with Another Federation?

Active judges from other organizations are welcome to join the USPC at their current certification level without resigning from their position in any federation.

Visit our Ready to Move Up or Transfer from Another Federation? section for information about transferring your credentials or obtaining National and International certification.

Questions? Email [email protected] .

Our Philosophy

We welcome judges working across multiple federations. Our goal is to grow the sport of powerlifting while maintaining the highest officiating standards.

Professional Standards

Code of Conduct compliance
Sexual Harassment Policy compliance
Judge's Handbook compliance
Successful background check
Professional conduct on and off the platform

Ready to Get Started?

Once you've reviewed the Rulebook and Judge's Handbook, you're ready to begin the online certification process.

Take the USPC Online Judge Exam

Important Notice

Sexual harassment and Code of Conduct policies are strictly enforced and fully outlined in the USPC Judge's Handbook .

All USPC judges are required to successfully complete a background check as part of the certification process. Background checks are paid for by the USPC and performed by VolunteerBadge.com.

✅ Online Exam Passed!

You're almost an official USPC Judge. Just a few more steps remain.

Review & Sign the Judge's Handbook

Before moving forward, carefully review the USPC Judge's Handbook and complete the required acknowledgement.

➜ Open the Judge's Handbook

Complete Your Background Check

All USPC Judges are required to successfully complete a background check through VolunteerBadge before completing the remaining certification steps.

Background Check Requirement

The background check is paid for by the USPC and performed through VolunteerBadge.com. This requirement must be completed before ordering your official USPC Judge's shirt.

USPC proudly uses VolunteerBadge for judge background checks.

Order Your Official Judge's Shirt

Congratulations—you've completed your testing and background check requirements and can now order your official USPC Judge's shirt.

Production Schedule
Shirt orders are combined and submitted to our vendor once each month (typically mid-month). After ordering, please allow 2–3 weeks for production and shipping.

➜ Order Your Judge's Shirt

Complete Your Functional Exam

Unless you have been grandfathered from another federation, your final requirement is the USPC Functional Judge Exam.

The Functional Exam is completed at a USPC-sanctioned meet, where you will work side-by-side with a National or International Judge, actively judging and assisting throughout the competition.

⚠️ Important:
Functional Exam opportunities are limited at each meet. Before traveling, confirm with the Meet Director that the exam will be offered, then reserve your spot through the Meet Staff & Volunteer Sign-Up.

➜ Reserve a Functional Exam Spot

USPC National/International Judge Exam

Ready to advance your judging credentials or transfer your experience from another powerlifting federation?

The USPC National/International Judge Exam is the next step for experienced officials who are ready to operate at the highest level of USPC and IPC competition.

This advanced certification exam requires a 95% passing score and is designed to ensure that officials have a thorough understanding of USPC/IPC rules, judging standards, and competition procedures.

National/International Certification

Successful completion of this exam is required for officials seeking National/International Judge certification.

Please review the current USPC/IPC rules and judging standards before beginning the exam.

Take the USPC National/International Judge Exam

Important: Do not begin the exam until you are prepared to complete it. Make sure you have reviewed the applicable USPC/IPC rulebook and judging requirements.