There are various levels of senior referee awards:

• Area: Can referee at Area gradings and competitions up to BJA '2 Star' level;
• National 'C': Can referee at all Area gradings and competitions up to BJA '3 Star' level;
• National 'B': Can referee at all events up to BJA '4 Star' level, excluding finals;
• National 'A': Can referee at all events up to BJA '4 Star' level, including finals.

At each level there is a minimum grading requirement ranging from 3rd Kyu to 1st Kyu. Candidates must pass both theoretical and practical examinations.