2025 Test Judging Procedures

A message from IFBB Professional League and NPC Vice President Tyler Manion

Becoming an NPC Judge is a prestigious honor that brings with it significant responsibility. Professional and accurate Judging of Athletes is of the utmost importance to the NPC. As such, we hold our Judges to the highest standard. Test Judging is an integral part of our training and evaluation process. Good luck at your upcoming Test Judging!

General Notes

Test Judging involves two separate evaluations; A "Top 5" test, as well as a "Total Class" test. Each is described below, including what you will need, and how and when to turn in your scores.

1. Top 5 Test (for Classes with 8 or more Competitors)

For each class with 8 or more competitors, you will complete a "Top 5" card after the Competitor presentations, but before the Head Judge makes the first callout. An example of a "Top 5" card is below:

Each "Top 5" card must be completed entirely, including your Test Judge Number (which the Event Statistician will provide to you before the beginning of the Event), your initials, the Division (e.g., "Men's Bodybuilding", "Women's Physique", etc.) and the Class name (e.g., "Novice", "Masters 35+", "Open Class A", etc.).

In the "Top 5 Competitor Numbers" area, in no particular order, fill out the Competitor numbers that you determine as the Top 5 in the Class.

Provide your "Top 5" card directly to the Head Judge in a timely manner, so the Head Judge can proceed with the First Callout. After the Event is complete, the Head Judge will provide all "Top 5" cards directly to the Event Statistician for entry into the Muscleware scoring system.

Tip: When completing the "Top 5" card, if you are unsure of the name of the current Class, refer to the "Full" scorecard for the Class (described below).

Note: If you are able, Download and Print your Top 5 cards in advance, and bring them to the Event. Otherwise, the Event Statistician will be able to provide Top 5 cards to you prior to the beginning of the Event.

2. Total Class Test (for all Classes)

For all Classes (including those classes with 8 or more Competitors), you will complete a "Full" scorecard. The Event Statistician will provide you with a set of "Full" scorecards prior to the beginning of the Event. Two examples of "Full" scorecards are below:


Left: More than 15 Competitors	Right: Less than 15 Competitors

For each "Full" scorecard, you will fill out all placings, up to a maximum of 15^th place. For example, if there are 21 Competitors in the Class, you will rank from 1 to 15, and leave the remaining 6 empty. If there are only 13 Competitors in the Class, you will rank all Competitors with placings of 1 to 13.

Note: Unlike the "Top 5" cards (where you write the Competitor numbers of the Competitors you determine to be in the Top 5), the "Full" card has all of the Competitor numbers already printed on it, in numeric order, and you rank the Competitors by indicating placing ("1", "2", "3", etc.) to the right of the Competitor number.

When finished, provide your "Full" card directly to the Event Statistician for entry into the Muscleware scoring system.

ATTENTION: Any suspicion or evidence of Test Judges collaborating or sharing/copying scores will result in immediate termination. Any/all Test Judges involved will never be permitted to test judge again.