1. Start By Taking the Provisional Test
The test has been written from the Rules of Tennis (or Appendixes), The Code and USTA Tournament Regulations. It is an OPEN BOOK test. Take as much time as you need. The purpose is to be instructional.
The test is 60 questions. The odd-numbered questions will have multiple-choice answers. The even-numbered questions will have multiple choice reference answers for the preceding question.
You can print the test and access Friend at Court online by going to www.usta.com and selecting the tab labeled "About USTA" and then selecting "Officials." Here, you will find the provisional test and an electronic copy of Friend at Court. Once you have completed the test on paper, you can then go in and record your answers online. The results will be automatically e-mailed to you.
2. What Happens Once I Pass The Test?
Once you take (and pass) the exam, officials are required to complete the following activities before becoming a fully certified and paid official.
1) Send your test results to Kristi Bushinski at bushinski@northern.usta.com. She will forward your test scores and interest to the USTA Northern Section Chair of Officials starting the process.
2) You must attend one of several officiating clinics. (You may attend more than one. They are typically held in the Minneapolis area, although there is one each in North Dakota and South Dakota annually). These are generally 6-8 times a year and on Sunday mornings.
3) Complete practice chairs and get evaluated by a trainer who provides feedback. Once you pass the basic skills in the chair, roving training may begin.
4) You can complete court roving training via any combination of roving clinic, one-on-one training, and/or mentor training. This training is not paid.
5) Once you pass the roving training, you will provide the information required to complete a criminal background check.
6) Upon successful completion of a criminal background check, you will receive information about www.arbitersports.com (the program used to assign officials.)
7) Once you have completed chair and roving assignments, you can begin ITA (Collegiate) Training – complete and pass the ITA test. (ITA class and exam may have been completed earlier in the process, but additional training is required for ITA assignments.)
8) Attend an ITA class for umpires. Complete at least two ITA Chairs (unpaid) and at least 2 dual matches roving with a mentor or trainer. The trainer or mentor will provide feedback and inform you when you are ready for ITA assignments.