The NTRP describes the general characteristics that tennis players exhibit in each of thirteen skill levels. Depending on your competitive ability and other factors, you may find that you actually play above or below the category that best describes your skill level. The category you choose is not meant to be permanent, but can be adjusted as your skills change or as your match play demonstrates the need for reclassification. Ultimately, your rating is based upon match results. With these caveats in mind, the following provides general guidelines for self-rating and then for checking the probable accuracy of your self-rating.

To place yourself in an NTRP skill level:
1. Begin with 1.0. Read the descriptions of all the general characteristics carefully and then decide which one best describes your present tennis-playing ability.
2. Assume you are competing against players of the same gender and ability level.
3. If in doubt, place yourself in the next highest level.

1.0 This player is just starting to play tennis.
1.5 This player has limited experience and is still working primarily on getting the ball into play.
2.0 This player needs on-court experience. This player has obvious stroke weaknesses but is familiar with basic positions for singles and doubles play.
2.5 This player is learning to judge where the ball is going, although court coverage is weak. Can sustain a short rally of slow pacewith other players of the same ability.
3.0 This player is fairly consistent when hitting medium-paced shots, but is not comfortable with all strokes and lacks execution when trying for directional control, depth, or power. Most common doubles formation is one up, one back.
3.5 This player has achieved improved stroke dependability with directional control on moderate shots, but still lacks depth and variety. This player exhibits more aggressive net play, has improved court coverage, and is developing teamwork in doubles.
4.0 This player has dependable strokes, including directional control and depth on both forehand and backhand sides on moderate shots, plus the ability touse lobs, overheads, approach shots, and volleys with some success. This player occasionally forces errors when serving. Rallies may be lost due to impatience. Teamwork in doubles is evident.
4.5 This player has begun to master the use of power and spins and is beginning to handle pace, has sound footwork, can control depth of shots, and is beginning to vary game plan according to opponents. This player can hit first serves with power and accuracy and place the second serve. This player tends to overhit on difficult shots. Aggressive net play is common in doubles.
5.0 This player has good shot anticipation and frequently has an outstanding shot or attribute around which a game may be structured. This player can regularly hit winners or force errors off of short balls and can put away volleys, can successfully execute lobs, drop shots, half volleys, overhead smashes, and has good depth and spin on most second serves.
5.5 This player has developed power and/or consistency as a major weapon. This player can vary strategies and styles of play in a competitive situation and hits dependable shots in a stress situation.
6.0 to 7.0 The 6.0 player typically has had intensive training for national tournament competition at the junior and collegiate levels and has obtained a sectional and/or national ranking. The 6.5 and 7.0 are world-class players.

Here’s a verification chart describing forehand, backhand, serve/return of serve, volley, special shots, and playing style for each level:
NTRP (National Tennis Rating Program) Verification Chart