Become a USTA Tennis Official
Learn how to become a certified USTA tennis official and advance your career in officiating.
Certification Levels
Roving Umpire
Entry-level certification for officiating recreational and junior tennis
- Complete online training modules
- Pass certification exam
- Safe Play compliance
Chair Umpire
Qualified to chair umpire sanctioned matches
- Roving Umpire certification
- Additional training modules
- On-court evaluation
- Match shadowing experience
Referee
Can serve as head referee for tournaments
- Chair Umpire certification
- Referee training program
- Tournament management experience
- Advanced rules knowledge
Steps to Get Started
Create USTA Account
Register at usta.com and access the USTA Learning Center
Complete Safe Play
Mandatory Safe Play training and compliance for all officials
Submit Vision Form
Complete and submit required vision documentation
Online Coursework
Complete required training modules through USTA Learning Center
Pass Certification Exam
Score 80% or higher on the certification assessment
Shadow Experienced Officials
Gain practical experience by shadowing at local tournaments
Begin Officiating
Start officiating at sanctioned events in your section
Safe Play Compliance
All USTA officials must maintain current Safe Play compliance
- Background screening
- SafeSport training
- Annual renewal required
Official Resources
Mock Practice Tests
Test your knowledge before the official certification exam!
International Officiating Pathway (ITF)
Progress from USTA certification to officiating at Grand Slams and ATP/WTA Tour events
Green Badge Level 1 - Entry
Entry-level ITF certification for national-level officiating
White Badge Level 2
Intermediate certification for higher-level international events
Bronze Badge Level 3
Advanced certification for ATP/WTA Challenger events
Silver Badge Level 4
Elite certification for ATP/WTA Tour events
Gold Badge Level 5 - Elite
Highest ITF certification for Grand Slam and Masters events
ITA College Tennis Officiating
Officiating pathway for NCAA college tennis in the United States
Requirements
- USTA certification as prerequisite
- ITA Officials Training Program completion
- Annual registration fee (~$75)
- Regional coordinator approval
Opportunities
- NCAA Division I, II, III matches
- Conference championships
- NCAA Team Championships
- ITA National Indoor/Outdoor Championships
Compensation & Benefits
| Level | Compensation | Perks |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (USTA/ITA) | $50-150 per match | Local event experience, Training opportunities, Networking |
| ITF Green/White Badge | $100-300 per day | Travel expenses, Hotel accommodation, Meals provided |
| Bronze Badge (Challengers) | $200-400 per day | International travel, Full accommodation, Per diem allowance |
| Silver Badge (ATP/WTA Tour) | $400-600 per day | First-class travel, Premium hotels, Health insurance, Pension contributions |
| Gold Badge (Grand Slams) | $80,000+ annually | Top 31 earn ~$1,500/week retainer, Premium travel & accommodation, Full benefits package, Grand Slam bonuses (~$450/day) |
Typical Career Progression
A typical journey from local official to Grand Slam chair umpire
Notable Tennis Umpires
Meet some of the most recognized and respected officials in professional tennis
Mohamed Lahyani Gold
Sweden
- Chair umpire since 1991
- Gold Badge earned in 1997
- Famous Kyrgios pep talk at 2018 US Open
- One of the most recognizable voices in tennis
Carlos Ramos Gold
Portugal
- Over 32 years of professional officiating
- 10 Grand Slam singles finals
- 2018 US Open Women's Final (Serena vs Osaka)
- Retired in April 2023 at Estoril Open
Marijana Veljovic Gold
Serbia
- First Serbian female Gold Badge umpire
- 2018 Australian Open Women's Final
- 2020 Australian Open - Federer code violation incident
- Regular at all Grand Slams
Eva Asderaki-Moore Gold
Greece
- Historic 2015 US Open Men's Final - Djokovic vs Federer
- First woman to umpire men's US Open final
- 2004 Athens Olympics umpire
- 2013 Wimbledon Women's Final
Marija Cicak Gold
Croatia
- 2021 Wimbledon Men's Final - Djokovic vs Berrettini
- First woman to officiate Wimbledon men's final in 144-year history
- 2016 Rio Olympics Women's Gold Medal Match
- 15 consecutive Wimbledon Championships
James Keothavong Gold
Great Britain
- 75 consecutive Grand Slams
- 15 Grand Slam singles and doubles finals
- 2014 Wimbledon Men's Final - Djokovic vs Federer
- Chaired men's finals at all 4 Grand Slams
Life as a Top Tennis Official
World Travel
Top officials travel to 20+ countries annually, following the ATP/WTA tour calendar
Competitive Salary
Gold Badge umpires earn $80,000+ annually, with Grand Slam bonuses of ~$450/day
Premium Accommodation
Five-star hotels, first-class flights for top-tier events
Health & Pension
Full health insurance and pension contributions for career officials
Courtside Excellence
Front-row seats to the greatest matches in tennis history
Player Relationships
Build professional relationships with the world's best players
USTA Rules Assistant
Ask questions about officiating, rules, and certification