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JUDGE CERTIFICATION
NOF JUDGE ACADEMY
Our goal at NOF is to make forensics more accessible. Whether you are a parent supporting your child or a returning judge, this free course walks you through everything you need to judge with confidence.
Course FAQ
Short answers to what judges ask most. If yours is not here, message us and we will add it.
What is the Judge Certification Course?+
The course trains you in judging procedures for NOF's online speech and debate tournaments. When you finish, you receive a certificate, and certified judges are prioritized for hire at NOF tournaments.
Can I judge if I am not certified?+
No. Certification is required to judge at NOF tournaments.
Do I need to pay to review the course content?+
No. The course is free, and you can rewatch any lesson as many times as you like, including during a tournament.
How long is the certification valid for?+
Certification is valid for the full year it was earned in. Rules and software change between seasons, so judges recertify each year.
How long does the whole course take?+
About 30 minutes. Every video is under three minutes, and the quizzes are only a few questions each. You can stop and pick it back up later.
What if I get stuck during a real round?+
You can go to the help room and the judges' room to speak with tournament staff. You can also open your ballot, click Need Help, then open the Judge Chat. Your question goes straight to NOF staff and they answer right there. Every event also has a one page cheat sheet you can keep open while you judge.
Still have a question?
Send me an email! Anika@nationalonlineforensics.org