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.

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.

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
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 .

The United States Powerlifting Coalition reserves the right to conduct a background check on any meet personnel or judge at its discretion.

✅ 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

Order Your Official Judge's Shirt

Congratulations—you've earned it!

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

Ready to Move Up or Transfer from Another Federation?

The USPC National Judge Exam is your next step. This high-level certification requires a 95% passing score and is designed for experienced officials ready to operate at the highest standard.

□ Access is restricted and requires an approval code.

To request access, contact:

Your State Chair
Your Meet Director
The National Judge Chair
Or email: [email protected]

Take the next step in your judging career and earn your place at the national and international level. □

International Level?

The IPC International Exam includes 100 questions based on the International Powerlifting Coalition Rulebook .

We welcome international judges from other federations, but all officials must pass the online exam and complete a call with the National Judge Chairman before final approval.

USPC National Judge Exam IPC International Exam