Frequently Asked Questions

If you have general questions about testing and the certifications, please checkout these FAQ pages. If your question is not addressed there, please contact the Testing Coordinator, 859/245-7669, extension 234.

Eligibility to Test & Test Fees

Review the Chart of Learning for information on proceeding through the certification levels and tracks.

Please review the Testing Eligibility Information and Test Fees document for certification requirements and national fees for testing.

Members must have an active, participating membership and be in good standing to apply for and test a national certification.

All test fees are to be submitted online with the testing application. Test fees defray the expense of National Examiners’ fees and transportation to the test region, office administration, as well as examiner training.

Additional Regional Test Fees

A region may pass on to the candidates expenses incurred in providing food, facilities, and use of horses (H-B and H-A) unless the region elects to absorb these cost; these expenses are not to exceed $175 per candidate. Stabling may be separate. If these expenses are to be paid by the candidate, information to this effect must be sent to the candidates well in advance of the test and included in the Test Site Information Form returned to the National Office. No additional charges may be billed to candidates after a test.

Note: The testing region may withhold a portion or the entire regional fee from a candidate should they decide to withdraw or change site. Check with the testing region as to their policy regarding withdrawing a candidate.

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Application Submission

All applications are to be submitted online through the My Test link found on the sidebar of the National Level Testing web pages. Online applications and payment must be submitted and processed by the National Office by the application deadline.  All application deadlines are 12 weeks out prior to the test you are applying for.*

If you are applying after the deadline, candidate must receive approval from the National Testing Chair, in addition to a $100.00 late fee. (Note: if space in test allows.)

*Exception: Tests held prior to March 1, have a January 3 deadline.

Directions to access the Application Page:

1. The member must be signed in (or the parent signed in as the member-only available if child is under 18 years of age).
2. From the profile page, below the Participating Membership section, click the 'National Testing Resources' link.
3. On the sidebar of the resulting page, at the top, click on 'My Tests'.
4. Click on the green 'Add New Application', once completed in full hit 'Submit' and then opt to pay for Test.
5. Applications are not received or considered complete by the National Office until payment has been received.

Test Preparation

Candidates planning to go beyond the C-2 level should make early plans for a program of preparation. As many clubs/centers are unable to provide more than encouragement and administrative support, it is the candidate who assumes most of the responsibility for education towards higher levels. The region can also play an important role by organizing test preparation clinics at each level. Candidates should be encouraged to contact Pony Club members who have already passed the certification or observe a test before their own. Instruction from a clinician well versed in USPC Standards, extensive reading, participation in Pony Club rallies and competitions, teaching in local clubs and centers, and working with a veterinarian and a farrier will increase self-confidence in demonstrating and expressing knowledge to an examiner. A candidate who does not put forth effort in preparation will be at a disadvantage. Examiners expect each candidate to be fully prepared to pass the certification.

National Testing Feedback Project

Calendar of Events - Looking for a clinic or prep?  Be sure to check out the calendar of events to see what's being offered. 

Cancellations

Last minute cancellations can jeopardize an entire test. It is the responsibility of the candidate to notify the National Office, RS and test organizer immediately of intention to cancel. They must send their notice of cancellation to the National Office in writing by letter, fax or e-mail.

No one will be removed from a test until the National Office receives his/her notice of cancellation in writing. If the National Office does not receive notification to cancel the candidate is considered a No Show.

If the number of candidates falls below the minimum needed to hold a test, the test may be cancelled.

Refunds

Cancellation refunds are available if the cancellation is made prior to 12 weeks from the test date, minus the $50.00 handling fee. Cancellations made after the 12 weeks from the test date will result in a forfeit of the testing fee.

Change of site candidates are not eligible for a refund.

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Retests

Retest Procedures:

A candidate may retest only if the candidate qualifies for a retest, and the original National Examiner test panel has recommended the candidate to retest.

• Those testing during the current year have until December 1st of the following year to complete their first retest attempt.
• Membership must be maintained in order to retest. Candidates who have not maintained their membership will be required to take the entire certification again.
• Candidates are required to be retested on all line items contained within each section in which they Did Not Meet Standards (DNMS) and all sections must be tested at the tame retesting event.
• Candidates must be certain of the date, method, and location of their desired retest before submitting the Retest Application.

View the Full Retest Procedures here.

Accessing Your Retest Application:

1. The member must be signed in (or the parent signed in as the member).
2. From the member's profile, below the Participating Membership information, click 'National Testing Resources'.
3. On the left side bar, select 'My Tests'.
4. Below the 'Incomplete Application' section, a retest application will be available once created by the National Office Testing Coordinator. 
5. Remember, DO NOT create a NEW application for a retest.

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