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Become Licensed

Application Deadlines

Annual deadlines for submitting complete national applications (non-FEI) for review by the Federation, as well as the respective dates applicants will generally receive a decision on their application:

  • March 15; decision by May 15
  • July 15; decision by September 15
  • December 15; decision by February 15

If you do not hear by the above posted decision dates, you may contact the Licensed Officials Department. Please do not contact the department prior to these dates.

How to Become a USEF Licensed Official 
  1. Read the US Equestrian Licensed Officials Policies and Procedures
  2. Submit a license checklist (review this PowerPoint for the how-to instructions and watch this webinar) 
  3. Complete the application requirements
  4. Submit your completed application 
  5. Be reviewed by the Federation
Would you like to become a USEF licensed official?

Please review the US Equestrian Licensed Officials Policies and Procedures document for detailed licensing requirements before starting any application requirements. 

All applicants must start an online licensed official application before starting the licensing process. If an applicant completes any requirements prior to starting an online application those requirements will not count. 

Please see below for instructions on how to start an application. All applicants must be compliant with the following prior to starting an application: 

  • Federation's Safe Sport Policy (complete Safe Sport Training and a background check)
    • You can read more about the policy here.
  • Federation's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training

Apprentice evaluation forms, exam rubrics, and other licensing forms are located below under the "Forms and Publications" section below. The documents can filtered by selecting the Category drop down and selecting a type of license.

Helpful Tips
National and FEI License Applications

If you are ready to start the application process:

  1. Login to your USEF account
  2. Select the Licensed Officials Dashboard tile
  3. Select the Licensed Officials Application tile
  4. Click the “Start New Checklist” button
  5. Your eligibility requirements will be confirmed by USEF and/or the respective Affiliate
  6. Once your eligibility requirements are confirmed, check back on the status of your application by following steps 1-3
Would you like to become an FEI Licensed Official?

Please review the FEI Licensing Information document for detailed licensing requirements before starting any application requirements.

Apprentice evaluation forms, exam rubrics, and other licensing forms are located below under the "Forms and Publications" section. You can filter the relevant documents by selecting the Category drop down and selecting the type of license you are interested in.

View aplication information for FEI Permitted Equine Therapists here. 

FEI License Applications

Please note that for FEI licensing:

  • Effective June 1, 2019, applicants for FEI Driving, Endurance, Eventing, or Veterinarian licenses may attend an FEI course at any time throughout the application process. Applicants for FEI Dressage, Jumping, and Vaulting licenses must attend the FEI course as the last step. Please contact the Licensed Officials Department at [email protected] if you are interested in attending a course.
Grants

Please see the following list for grants available to licensed officials or applicants. 

 

Past Editions of Policies and Procedures & FEI Licensing Information 

Click here to view past editions of the LO P&P document and the FEI Licensing Information document. 

 

 

If you have any questions, please contact the Licensed Officials Department at [email protected].

 

Forms and Publications

Licensed Official Application Process

A PowerPoint showing how to apply for a license through the online application portal.

Licensed Officials Introduction

A Learning Center video that provides an overview of the different types of licenses US Equestrian offers and licensing process.

Licensed Officials Waiver Policy

An outline of the waiver process for licensed official applicants.

Apprenticing Guidelines

Guidelines to assist applicants with scheduling and preparing for apprenticeships.

Andalusian-Lusitano Judge Apprentice Evaluation

Apprentice evaluation form for 'r' applicants in these divisions.

Arabian Judge Apprentice Evaluation

Apprentice evaluation form for 'r' applicants in this division.

Arabian Licensing Handbook

Additional information for 'r' and 'R' Arabian Judge applicants.

Carriage Pleasure Driving Judge Apprentice Evaluation Form

Apprentice evaluation form for applicants pursuing their 'R' Carriage Pleasure Driving Judge license.

Carriage Pleasure Driving Technical Delegate Apprentice Evaluation Form

Apprentice evaluation form for applicants pursuing their 'R' Carriage Pleasure Driving Technical Delegate license.

Category 1 & Category 2 Steward Documentation of Experience Form

Form to verify experience at USEF competitions to begin working towards 'r' requirements for C1 & C2 Steward. Not required to verify riding experience, or if you are the listed trainer or owner.