Belts and ranks
Taekwondo Black Belt Ranks: 1st to 9th Dan, Poom and Waiting Times
How black belt ranks work, how long you wait between them, and what changes for students under 15.
Reviewed by Daniel Reyes, 4th dan Kukkiwon, 18 years teaching | Last checked: October 19, 2026Black belt ranks run from 1st to 9th dan, and 10th dan is honorary. Under Kukkiwon rules the minimum wait is 1 year from 1st to 2nd dan, 2 years to 3rd, 3 years to 4th and 4 years to 5th, and each step has a minimum age. Students under 15 usually hold a poom belt first.
The ranks at a glance
- 1st to 9th dan are the active black belt ranks.
- 10th dan is honorary.
- Poom ranks (1st to 4th) are the junior black belt for students under 15. The belt is half red and half black.
A black belt is the start of serious study, not the end. Most instructors say the real learning begins at 1st dan.
Waiting times and minimum ages
This table shows the minimum time between certificates and the minimum age, from the UK Kukkiwon Office guide to Kukkiwon rules.
| Step | Minimum wait | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|
| 1st dan to 2nd dan | 1 year | 16 (15 if you came from poom) |
| 2nd dan to 3rd dan | 2 years | 18 (15 if you came from poom) |
| 3rd dan to 4th dan | 3 years | 21 (18 if you came from poom) |
| 4th dan to 5th dan | 4 years | 25 (22 if you came from poom) |
| 1st poom to 2nd poom | 1 year | Up to and including age 15 |
| 2nd poom to 3rd poom | 2 years | Up to and including age 15 |
| 3rd poom to 4th poom | 3 years | Up to and including age 18 |
Waits are minimums. Higher dan ranks have longer waits, which Kukkiwon sets in its own regulations. Check the rules of your national body, because they can change.
Poom and the switch to dan
A student who earns a black belt before age 15 receives a poom certificate. A 1st poom can convert to 1st dan at age 15. Conversion is not automatic. The holder applies, and some national bodies require six months of recent training before they accept the application.
ITF and ATA black belts
ITF and ATA run their own dan systems. ATA says a 1st degree must train at least a year before 2nd degree, and a 2nd degree must wait 2 years for 3rd. ITF organizations set their own times, so ask your association.
What a black belt test involves
Tests differ by school. Most include forms (poomsae or tul), basics, sparring, board breaking and a short written or oral section. Ask your instructor for the written criteria before you commit to a date.
What a black belt test costs
Fees run from about $150 to $600, and some schools charge $1,000 or more when Kukkiwon registration is included. See the cost guide for the full breakdown.
Kukkiwon registration
Kukkiwon issues the international black belt certificate. Not every school registers its black belts. Ask whether yours does, because some events and schools outside your country want Kukkiwon-registered ranks.
Frequently asked questions
Is black belt the highest rank in taekwondo?
No. Black belt is 1st dan. The ranks continue to 9th dan, and 10th dan is honorary.
How long does it take to get a black belt?
Many schools list 3 to 5 years of steady training. The time depends on the school and how often you train.
How long between dan ranks?
Under Kukkiwon rules, at least 1 year from 1st to 2nd, 2 years to 3rd, 3 years to 4th and 4 years to 5th dan, plus minimum ages.
What is the difference between poom and dan?
Poom is the junior black belt for students under 15, with a half red and half black belt. Dan is the adult black belt. Poom converts to dan from age 15.
Can a child get a black belt?
Yes, as a poom belt. Under 15 the rank is poom, not dan.
Does every black belt have a Kukkiwon certificate?
No. Ask your school whether it registers black belts with Kukkiwon.
Sources
- UK Kukkiwon Office: Dan grading process guide (PDF) – waiting times and minimum ages
- Singapore Taekwondo Federation: Conversion from poom to dan – poom conversion at 15
- Tae Kwon Do Nation: ATA belt order – secondary source for the ATA order
- NB TKD Academy: belts – one example of a WT-style belt order and poom ranks
- Tae Kwon Do Nation: taekwondo lesson costs – blog estimates, not a survey
Last checked October 19, 2026. Found something out of date? Tell us.