Your BU score is the sum of the two BU exam scores (Exam I + Exam II). The total score determines your rating and playing-ability level according to the following ranges:

BU ScoreBU Player LevelTraditional Player LevelTraditional A-D Rating
180-200protouring pro (pro)A+++
160-179semi prosemi pro (master)A++ (AAA)
140-159advanced-3tournament player (expert)A+ (AA) / A
125-139advanced-2upper advancedA-/B+
110-124advanced-1lower advancedB/B-
95-109intermediate-3upper intermediateB-/C+
70-94intermediate-2mid intermediateC+/C
55-69intermediate-1lower intermediateC
40-54beginner-3upper beginnerC-
30-39beginner-2mid beginnerD+
20-29beginner-1lower beginnerD
0-19beginner-0absolute noviceD-

The BU rating comparison chart below compares BU ratings to other rating and handicapping systems. Unlike league handicap systems and other match-statistics-based rating systems, the BU scoring and rating system is independent of league ability level, which can vary significantly from one league to the next and from one region to the next.  The BU rating offers the significant advantage that it is based solely on individual performance and not on the performance of others.  Therefore, the ratings are meaningful across all regions and internationally. For more information, see the BU Assessment Philosophy page.

BU Rating Comparisons

BU scores can be adjusted based on table difficulty if you want to put your score in perspective or roughly compare scores on different tables. The details for how to do this are covered in the Table Difficulty Factor (TDF) document, and an Excel TDF calculator spreadsheet will convert your table measurements into a TDF. An online mobile-friendly tool is also available. For more information, see the TDF resource page.

The BU Exams do a good job rating player ability the first few times the exams are taken; but with lots of practice, many of the drills become a test of execution skills rather than a measure of overall playing ability. However, it still takes skill to score high on the exams.

Diploma

Your BU exam score also determines if you have earned a pool diploma according to the following ranges:

BU Score55-8485-99100-124125-139140-179180-200
Diploma
Earned
BachelorsBachelors
with Honors
MastersMaster
with Honors
DoctorateDoctorate
with Honors

If you qualify for a diploma, you can apply online and be officially recognized by the BU.