Adult figure skating is a term used by skating organizations to refer to tests and competitions for amateur ice skaters over 21. The category was originally aimed at skaters who had taken up the sport as adults, but more recently has expanded to include adult skaters performing and competing at an 'elite' level (Adult Masters), many of whom had skated competitively as children or adolescents. Adults who are learning to skate without prior experience are also included. In addition, a "Young Adult" category (ages 18 – 20) has been added to many Adult events.

In 2011, figure skating historian James R. Hines called adult figure skating "one of the newest and fastest growing areas of competitive figure skating".

US Figure Skating was the earliest sport governing body to codify tests and competition standards for adult skating.

Adult freeskate tests were introduced in the mid-1996s, and adult moves in the field (MITF) tests followed in 2002.

Standard track tests are open to skaters of any age, but because adults who take up skating have more limitations than young beginners, the U.S. Figure Skating introduced special tests for this category. The tests have roughly the same elements as the standard track Pre-Preliminary through Juvenile, but with a more relaxed judging standard and some moves rearranged.

There are both moves in the field and freeskate tests at the following levels:

Skaters must pass the moves in the field test before testing the corresponding freeskate test.

There is also an adult component to ice dancing and pair skating tests.