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How Do I Become a Professional Umpire?



The job of a professional baseball umpire requires quick thinking, common sense, and confidence. When the ball is in play, the umpire sees the action, assesses the situation and makes the call—all in a matter of seconds. The successful umpire has a thorough knowledge of the rule book, is even-tempered, and is mentally strong enough to handle situations under stressful conditions. He is expected to hustle, be alert, be in excellent physical condition, and have a neat appearance.

Each year PBUC recommends new candidates to serve as umpires for Minor League Baseball. These candidates have good training, strong ability as umpires, and a keen desire to succeed.

Umpires seeking a job in professional baseball must meet some basic requirements. Each applicant must have:

High School diploma or G.E.D.

Reasonable body weight

20/20 vision (with or without glasses or contact lenses)

Good communication skills

Quick reflexes and good coordination

Some athletic ability

Required preliminary training for the job (i.e., professional umpire school)


The first step to pursuing a career as a professional umpire is to attend one of the two approved professional umpire training schools. These schools run for a period of five weeks during January and February each year. At the end of the training, the school and the PBUC staff members then select its top graduates for participation in the Umpire Evaluation Course, sponsored by the PBUC. These umpire training schools are privately owned, independently operated, and are not affiliated with the PBUC or Minor League Baseball.


Find out more about the schools.


During the Evaluation Course, each umpire's performance and abilities are evaluated by the PBUC staff. At the conclusion of the course the students are ranked, based on performance, and recommendations are then made to the Minor League Presidents regarding additions to their umpire staffs.


Those selected from the Evaluation Course start their careers in either a Rookie or Short-A Minor League. While progressing from Class A to Class AA to Class AAA leagues, the umpire receives valuable training and experience which may provide an opportunity to become a Major League umpire. It usually takes seven to eight years of umpiring professional baseball at the Minor League level before the umpire is considered for positions at the Major League level.