USA Hockey officiating levels
| Level | Prerequisite | What you complete | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | None. This is the entry level. | Level 1 seminar, Level 1 online module and the Level 1 Playing Rules Exercise (40 questions), plus SafeSport and the background screen when they apply to you. | Sources: USA Hockey - Annual Membership Education (officiating program registration); USA Hockey - 2026-27 Membership Rules & Policies (officials section) (checked Oct 5, 2026) |
| Level 2 | Level 1 membership completed within the last two seasons. | Level 2 seminar, Level 2 module and the Level 2 Playing Rules Exercise (60 questions). | Source: USA Hockey - Annual Membership Education (officiating program registration) (checked Oct 5, 2026) |
| Level 3 | Level 2 (or higher) membership completed the previous season. | Level 3 seminar, Level 3 module and the Level 3 Playing Rules Exercise (80 questions; 40 if tenured). | Sources: USA Hockey - Annual Membership Education (officiating program registration); USA Hockey - 2026-27 Membership Rules & Policies (officials section) (checked Oct 5, 2026) |
| Level 4 | Level 3 or Level 4 membership completed last season. | Level 4 seminar, Level 4 module and the Level 4 Playing Rules Exercise (80 questions; 40 if tenured). | Sources: USA Hockey - Annual Membership Education (officiating program registration); USA Hockey - 2026-27 Membership Rules & Policies (officials section) (checked Oct 5, 2026) |
| Affiliated (non-skating) | None. | Online application, SafeSport and the background screen. Affiliated members may not work any USA Hockey sanctioned game. | Source: USA Hockey - Annual Membership Education (officiating program registration) (checked Oct 5, 2026) |
- New for 2026-27: officials 16 or older who have completed Level 1 must advance to Level 2 this season. Mandatory advancement beyond Level 2 is planned for future seasons, not this one. Sources: USA Hockey news: Mandatory Advancement Keeps Officials Moving Forward (published 2026-09-23); USA Hockey - 2026-27 Membership Rules & Policies (officials section) (checked Oct 5, 2026)