Certifications & Upgrades

This page contains info on recertification, advanced certifications, and additional certifications.

Referee Match Pyramid

Practical Evaluation Fees

The MDCVSRP has moved to a flat fee structure for formal referee evaluations. It is no
longer tied to the match fee. The evaluation fees are currently set as follows:

Regional Referee Upgrade and Maintenance – $100

National Referee Upgrade and Maintenance – $200

Evaluations must be completed by June 30 to meet requirements for the following year’s certification.  This means that evaluations for your 2027 badge must be completed by June 30, 2026.

Top Division 1 and Above Leagues For Referee Evaluations

The following MDCVSA adult leagues/divisions, United Soccer Leagues (USL), and have been designated as “Top Division 1 Leagues” and or “Professional Leagues” for evaluation of referees attempting to upgrade to or maintain a National or Regional Referee license.

League
 Division
 Evaluation Level
USL Premier
 Men’s Professional (D1)
 National
USL Championship
 Men’s Professional (D2)
 National
Gainbridge Super League
 Women’s Professional (D1)
 National
USL League 1
 Men’s Professional (D3)
 National
NISA
 Men’s Professional (D3)
 National
MLS Next Pro
 Men’s Professional (D2)
 National
USL League 2
 Men’s Pre-professional
 National/Regional
USL W League
 Women’s Pre-professional
 National/Regional
CCL Pro-23
 Men’s Semi-professional
 National/Regional
American Premier Soccer League (APSL)
 Men’s Semi-professional
 National/Regional
United Premier Soccer League (UPSL)
 Men’s Semi-professional
 National/Regional
National Premier Soccer League (NPSL)
 USASA Tier 1
 National/Regional
American Premier League (APL)
 Men’s Top Amateur (D1)
 National/Regional
Virginia Super Soccer League (VSSL)
 Men’s Top Amateur (D1)
 National/Regional
Maryland Super Soccer League (MSSL)
 Men’s Top Amateur (D1)
 National/Regional
US Open Cup
 N/A
 National/Regional
DC Premier League (DCPL)
 Men’s Top Amateur (Premier only)
 Regional
Central Virginia Soccer Association (CVSA)
 Men’s Top Amateur (Premier only)
 Regional
Northern Virginia Soccer League (NVSL)
 Men’s Amateur (D1 only)
 Regional

Career Development

Welcome to our guide on advancing your career as a soccer referee! This page outlines the steps and resources needed to progress from grassroots officiating to the professional level. Whether you’re starting out or enhancing your skills, we provide valuable insights to support your development.
Referee Upgrade to Regional Referee

2026 August Regional Referee Camp

“I wanted to take a moment to thank you for inviting a group from Michigan and hosting them. They truly appreciated the opportunity. I hope this is going to be just a start of collaboration between us!!”

– State Director of Referee Development, Michigan Referee Program

Contact Me

Why Become a Referee?

Beyond the love of the game, becoming a soccer referee offers significant personal and professional benefits. You'll stay active and fit, develop invaluable leadership skills, and earn money for your hard work. Most importantly, you'll play a vital role in the youth soccer community by ensuring fair play and a positive experience for all.