USSF Written Test Requirements

Discussion in 'Referee' started by timtheref, Dec 3, 2016.

  1. timtheref

    timtheref Member

    Aug 23, 2010
    Just took my 2017 State Referee re-cert written test online. Anyone know if these are the same in every state, or if each state develops their own?

    The test was VERY different from what it's been in prior years. The questions were very sparse as far as the LOTG are concerned. (I know that's nothing particularly new, but this year was much different.) I had multiple questions on self-evaluation, mentorship programs, and professionalism. Also multiple questions on simulation/embellishment, and duties of the 4O. If these are state specific, I would guess those are things my state wants to see improvement on. If it's a nationalized test, I think that means they want embellishment out on every level. I'm just generally curious about this process.

    p.s. I passed on the first try, 45/50 for a 90% with 85% as passing score. So 2017 will be year 5 with the State Badge.
     
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  2. fairplayforlife

    fairplayforlife Member+

    Mar 23, 2011
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    I had the same experience the test no longer tests the minucia laws of the game. Somewhat disappointing because it would humble some of our state referees.
     
  3. timtheref

    timtheref Member

    Aug 23, 2010
    If your test was like mine, I think many will still be humbled. There was some oddly specific stuff on it, and some of the "check all that apply" and double or even triple negatives in the questions were a bit ridiculous. Also, the requirement to know words like "inefficience" on a "check all that apply" question may hurt some of the quality referees in my area for whom English is not a first language.
     
  4. frankieboylampard

    Mar 7, 2016
    USA
    Club:
    Chelsea FC
    Nat'l Team:
    Spain
    My test was the same. I also got a 86% first try. I didn't mark any more than once though. Lol

    The 2012 state test was way more difficult. Hell even the grade 7 and grade 8 test were more difficult (the 100 question ones!)
     
  5. Bubba Atlanta

    Bubba Atlanta Member+

    Mar 2, 2012
    Yep, Atlanta
    Club:
    Atlanta United FC
    "Inefficience" would pose a challenge even for those of us for whom English is our first and only language. :confused:

    (Maybe they threw it in to give a leg up to the French-speakers?)
     
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  6. espola

    espola Member+

    Feb 12, 2006
    I checked the ultimate source - "Inefficience is not a valid Words with Friends word".
     
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  7. tomek75

    tomek75 Member+

    Aug 13, 2012
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    In Missouri, we were encouraged to take the National test instead of the State test, so I can not comment if the questions were standardized. But from what you describe it sounds similar.
     
  8. RefGil

    RefGil Member

    Dec 10, 2010
    We took the National test in Michigan, but we took a State test a couple of years ago that seems similar to what you describe. That year, we did have a few presentations attached in GO that covered the material around tactics, mentoring programs, et c., so the questions weren't completely out of place for us (that year, anyway).
     
  9. timtheref

    timtheref Member

    Aug 23, 2010
    I took the National test too, just for fun, and passed.
     
  10. mvgary

    mvgary Member

    Jan 12, 2006
  11. Law5

    Law5 Member+

    Mar 24, 2005
    Beaverton OR
    The tests, grade specific, are USSF and not State generated. State Assessors this year are required to take the National test. It is on line, which means that it's open book, open friend.
     
  12. Pierre Head

    Pierre Head Member+

    Dec 24, 2005
    Not really a test, is it?
    How many times can it be retaken if someone is so dumb to fail it the first time?
    Not sure what the point is other than to provide a raison d'etre for people in Chicago.:rolleyes:
    Their decisions get stranger and stranger.:D

    PH
     
  13. cmonref

    cmonref Member

    Oct 16, 2016
    Stillwater
    In my state, it is online and three chances, don't know anyone who has had to rearrange it though. Lol
     
  14. vinDeezul

    vinDeezul New Member

    Jun 30, 2017
    Which link is the 2018 recertification state-test at? please send me.
     
  15. fairplayforlife

    fairplayforlife Member+

    Mar 23, 2011
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Most states set up their own recertification tests. There’s no published recert test for the public that I know of.
     
  16. tomek75

    tomek75 Member+

    Aug 13, 2012
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    As some have already said, each state has their own criteria and how to complete it.
    However if you go to https://ussoccer.gameofficials.net and change your identity to Learning. There are courses and depending on your privileges you may be able to take the National Laws of the Game test.
     
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  17. Pittsburgh Ref

    Pittsburgh Ref Member+

    Oct 7, 2014
    da 'Burgh


    They probably knew I was going to ace the test and didn't want me to wreck the curve.
     
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  18. vinDeezul

    vinDeezul New Member

    Jun 30, 2017
    Thanks for the guidance. And yes, i am able to take the national laws test.
     
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