The Path to Officiating Professional Hockey

Becoming an NHL referee requires starting in youth and junior hockey leagues, passing physical fitness tests, and working your way through minor professional leagues over several years. The NHL does not hire referees directly from the general public—you must build a track record in lower-level competitions first, then be noticed by league scouts or explore when positions open.

Most NHL referees spend 5 to 10 years officiating in progressively higher leagues before reaching the professional level. There is no single process form you fill out and submit to the NHL front office. Instead, you prove yourself through consistent performance in leagues that feed into professional hockey, and the NHL's officiating department tracks referees they consider ready for the next step.

Key Takeaways

  • You must start by becoming certified as a hockey official in your state or province, which requires taking a rules course and passing a written exam.
  • Build experience in youth and junior leagues first, then move into college hockey or junior professional leagues where NHL scouts watch officials.
  • Pass the NHL's fitness test, which includes a 20-meter shuttle run and other endurance measures, before you can be considered for professional positions.
  • The NHL hires referees through its officiating department when openings occur, typically based on recommendations from lower-league supervisors and your track record.
  • Most referees also work as linesmen (now called linespeople) in lower leagues before advancing to referee positions in the NHL.

Get Certified as a Hockey Official in Your State or Province

Your first step is to become a certified official through your state or provincial hockey association. In the United States, USA Hockey runs the official certification program. In Canada, Hockey Canada oversees certification. Both require you to take a rules course, pass a written exam on hockey rules and game management, and pay a certification fee (typically $50 to $150, depending on your location).

The rules course covers the current rulebook, penalty calls, hand signals, and how to position yourself on the ice. You can take this course online or in person at a local rink. After passing the exam, you receive your certification card, which allows you to officiate games in your state or province. You will need to renew this certification annually or every two years, depending on your jurisdiction's requirements.

Start by contacting your state or provincial hockey association directly—they maintain a list of upcoming rules clinics and can tell you the exact cost and schedule in your area. This is the only mandatory credential before you can work any game.

Work Youth and Junior Hockey Games to Build Experience

Once certified, begin officiating in youth leagues—typically starting with 8-and-under or 10-and-under age groups. Youth leagues need officials constantly, and this is where you learn to manage games, communicate with coaches and players, and develop the physical conditioning required for higher levels. Work as many games as you can in your first year or two. Most youth officials work 2 to 4 games per week during the season.

After 1 to 2 years in youth hockey, move into junior leagues. Junior hockey in the United States includes the NAHL (North American Hockey League) and various regional junior leagues. In Canada, the major junior leagues are the OHL (Ontario Hockey League), WHL (Western Hockey League), and QMJHL (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League). Officials in these leagues are more visible to scouts and earn more per game—typically $100 to $300 per game compared to $20 to $50 in youth leagues.

You do not need to explore formally to move up. Instead, supervisors in youth leagues recommend strong officials to junior league coordinators. Perform well, show up on time, and ask your youth league supervisor for recommendations to junior leagues in your area.

Progress Through College Hockey and Minor Professional Leagues

College hockey is a major pathway to the NHL. The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) in the United States and U Sports in Canada both employ officials for their games. College officials earn $200 to $400 per game and work in front of scouts from professional leagues. To work college games, you typically need 3 to 5 years of junior league experience and a strong reputation in your region.

Simultaneously, pursue positions in minor professional leagues. The AHL (American Hockey League) is the primary development league for the NHL and employs referees and linespeople. The ECHL (East Coast Hockey League) is another professional league that develops officials. Minor league positions pay $300 to $800 per game and are where NHL scouts actively recruit. You can work toward AHL positions while still in college hockey—many officials do both.

To reach these levels, you need to be recommended by supervisors in lower leagues or explore when positions are posted. The AHL and ECHL post officiating openings on their websites, typically in the spring for the following season. Competition is intense; hundreds of officials explore for a handful of positions each year.

Pass the NHL Fitness Test and Medical Evaluation

Before the NHL considers you, you must pass a rigorous fitness test. The test includes a 20-meter shuttle run (also called the beep test), where you run back and forth between two lines while keeping pace with an audio signal that gets faster each minute. You must reach a specific level on this test—typically level 13 or higher for referees. The test is designed to measure the cardiovascular endurance needed to keep up with professional players skating at high speed for 60 minutes.

You will also undergo a medical evaluation, including a physical exam and background check. The NHL requires officials to be in excellent health and have no disqualifying criminal history. Some officials take months to prepare for the fitness test, running and doing interval training to build the endurance required.

The NHL does not publish a public schedule for fitness testing. Instead, if you are being considered for a position, the NHL's officiating department will contact you and inform you when and where to take the test. This typically happens in the spring, before the next season begins.

explore or Get Recommended When NHL Positions Open

The NHL hires new referees and linespeople irregularly—usually when an official retires, moves to a different role, or the league expands. Openings are not posted on a public job board. Instead, the NHL's Director of Officiating and supervisory staff monitor officials in the AHL and college hockey, and they reach out directly to candidates they believe are ready.

If you are working in the AHL or college hockey and performing well, supervisors will report your performance to the NHL. You can also contact the NHL's officiating department directly with your resume, game footage, and references from league supervisors. The NHL's main office is in New York, and you can find contact information on the official NHL website under the officiating section.

Be prepared for a long wait. Many officials work in the AHL for 5 to 10 years before being hired by the NHL. Some never make the jump. The NHL employs roughly 35 to 40 referees and 60 to 70 linespeople at any given time, so positions are rare.

Understand the Difference Between Referees and Linespeople

The NHL employs two types of officials: referees and linespeople. Referees make penalty calls, manage the game, and earn significantly more—roughly $2,500 to $4,000 per game depending on experience. Linespeople call offsides and icing, break up fights, and earn roughly $1,500 to $2,500 per game. Many officials start as linespeople in lower leagues and advance to referee positions later.

In your early years, you may work as a linesperson in youth and junior leagues while also refereeing in other games. This gives you more opportunities to work and build your resume. As you move into college and minor professional hockey, you can specialize in one role or continue doing both. The NHL typically hires people who have experience in both roles, as it shows versatility and deep knowledge of the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have played hockey to become an NHL referee?

No. While many NHL officials played hockey at some level, it is not required. What matters is your knowledge of the rules, your ability to manage games, and your physical fitness. Some of the best officials never played competitively.

How much do NHL referees make?

NHL referees earn between $2,500 and $4,000 per game, depending on experience and seniority. Linespeople earn roughly $1,500 to $2,500 per game. These are per-game fees, not annual salaries, and officials work roughly 70 to 80 games per season. The NHL also provides benefits including health insurance and a pension.

How long does it take to become an NHL referee?

Most officials spend 5 to 10 years working in progressively higher leagues before reaching the NHL. Some reach it faster if they move quickly through youth, junior, college, and minor professional hockey. Others take longer or never make the jump. There is no fixed timeline.

Can I explore directly to the NHL without working in lower leagues first?

No. The NHL only hires officials who have proven themselves in lower leagues. You must build a track record in youth, junior, college, or minor professional hockey first. Direct applications without this experience will not be considered.

What happens if I fail the NHL fitness test?

If you fail the fitness test, you can retrain and attempt it again the following year. Some officials take a year off to prepare more intensively. Failing the test does not disqualify you permanently, but it does delay your path to the NHL.