Hello, Judges!
JudgeApps has recently removed the historical levels of the Legacy Judge Program and Judge Academy. However, at the International Judge Program (IJP), we believe that no judge should lose the certification that recognizes their skills, abilities, and experience—even if they chose not to join the IJP during the transition period (March–June 2024).
To help these judges retain their Judge Level, we have introduced a Rapid Certification System. That said, earning an IJP level now will be more challenging than it was during the Transition Period. Judges who transitioned in 2024 already underwent a maintenance process to ensure their skills met IJP standards. It wouldn’t be fair to certify others at the same level without proper evaluation.
Please note that contrary to what happened during the last year, this time we are not running a Transition Period, but instead just helping to get formerly certified judges to get certified again. For example, if you were an L3, last year you could go straight for L5, this is not the case anymore, but if you have the skill sets to be L5, you can quickly become one using the standard procedure.
How Does It Work?
- If you were an L1:
Contact L1TestingManager@internationalJudgeProgram.org and provide details of three events you judged in 2024. The Testing Manager will administer an online exam, and if you pass, you will be certified as IJP Level 1. From there, if you wish to judge competitive events, you can pursue Level 2 certification through the standard process. - If you were an L2:
Contact L2TestingManager@internationalJudgeProgram.org and provide details of either a) two Competitive REL events or b) 6 events (any REL) you judged in 2024. The Testing Manager will administer an online exam, and if you pass, you will be certified as IJP Level 2. From there, if you wish to judge international events, you can work towards Level 3 certification through the standard process. - If you were an L3:
Contact L3TestingManager@internationalJudgeProgram.org and provide details of your judge activity in 2024. If your activity meets the L3 maintenance requirements, the Testing Manager will administer an online exam. Upon passing, you will be certified as IJP Level 3. From there, if you wish, you can work towards Level 4 certification through the standard process.
