The NASDA Judge Advancement & Apprenticeship course provides judges and apprentice judges with a clear understanding of the NASDA judge development process, including the responsibilities and expectations associated with each stage of advancement.

Participants will learn the differences between Shadow Apprentice, Supervised Apprentice, Provisional, and Licensed Judge status, including how judging responsibilities and independence increase throughout the advancement process. The course also explains the responsibilities of Judges of Record who are approved to supervise apprentices and how practical assignments, continuing education, feedback, and NASDA review contribute to advancement decisions.

Special emphasis is placed on the distinction between completing required assignments and demonstrating readiness for advancement. Required runs provide essential practical experience, but advancement is based on overall readiness for increased judging responsibility and independence.

By the end of this course, participants should understand their role at each stage of the Judge Advancement Program, how to make apprentice assignments meaningful educational experiences, and the responsibilities that come with both learning from and mentoring other NASDA judges.

Estimated completion time: 15–20 minutes

Course Curriculum