USA Gymnastics offers entry level testing for the Developmental Program at the compulsory levels 4/5, Xcel Bronze-Gold and optional levels 7/8.
All written tests are now online.
     There is a USAG online course for those judges who have
a currant DP rating (L4/5, 6/7/8,9,10, National or Brevet) which automatically qualifies them to  judge Xcel competitions. The course fee is $15.  



In order to test optional level 9, you must hold a 7/8 rating for a minimum of one year.
Similarly, in order to test optional level 10, you must have held a level 9 rating for a minimum of one year.

The level 4/5 test is an open book, online exam. 
It is multiple choice and consists of 50 questions.

There are 10 questions on General Faults/Penalties,
and 10 questions each for Vault, Bars, Beam, and Floor. 
The passing grade is 70%. 

Once achieved, a level 4/5 rating is valid for 8 years (or until the current compulsory cycle ends and routines change).

The level 7/8, 9, and 10 tests consist of both a written exam ( on line)
and a practical exam.
Once achieved, an optional rating is valid for 4 years
(or until the current optional cycle ends and rules are updated).