About Testing

Certification. Certification is formal recognition by an authorized body that a student has attained a certain level of knowledge and competence. Anyone may buy a black belt, but an authorized belt certificate from a national organization if difficult to attain. They are earned by successful completion of best requirements at a testing. The certification is prized for a lifetime as proof of belt status even when the skills have faded. 

Standards. Standards are what separate many Taekwondo organizations. Standards are debated within organizations and between organizations. Any organization that strives for excellence and respect from peers, must have strict and tough standards. Testing helps set and maintain standards. However, standards without precise documentation are too subjective. Too often, standards are debated without clearly defining which standards are at issue. Individual instructor standards vary but ultimately, the minimum standard is what is specified by the certifying organization. For example, most instructors neglect some area of Taekwondo training for one reason or another. By a strict standard at testing, these deficient areas may be identified. Should the need arise to compare results from one testing to another, strict standards enforced at all testings help make the comparison more accurate. This is especially important when comparing testing across national borders.

Selection.Where demand exceeds supply, selection is required to determine who gets the resources. There is no limit on the number of black belts that may be awarded; however, too many blacks belts dilute the status of the back belt. Strict testing on belts leading up to black belt, as well as for the black belt itself, help ensure that only the most deserving students receive a black belt.