A hydration test is a test that determines a wrestlers hydration level as part of a minimum competitive weight certification process. The test is required to determine the athletes hydration level, which is important to provide an accurate measurement of body fat percentage. The test is usually done in three steps:

1. Urinalysis: The first step of the testing is a urinalysis, which is required to determine the athletes hydration level. The specific gravity of a hydrated individual will be 1.025 or lower. Dehydration will concentrate urine and thereby increase the urines specific gravity. Accurate determination of minimum wrestling weight from total body fat requires the wrestler to be properly hydrated.

2. Digital refractometer: In prior years, assessors used a strip that changed color when the urine was tested. This year, a machine called a digital refractometer is used. The urine is placed on the machine, and the machine displays a number. If the number is within a certain range, the wrestler is not hydrated and cannot continue.

3. Physical examination: The wrestlers weight and body composition are also assessed. The primary purpose of a body composition testing program is to determine the lowest certifiable, safe, and healthy weight for each wrestler to provide a safe wrestling experience for all high school wrestlers.

To pass the hydration test, wrestlers should drink plenty of water leading up to the certification, eat smaller, more frequent meals, and avoid foods high in fat and salt. Wrestlers should also avoid drinks containing caffeine, such as iced tea, caffeinated pop, and coffee, and eat foods high in fiber to help eliminate excess waste from the body. Wrestlers should discontinue the use of vitamins and other supplements, unless prescribed by a doctor, as they may cause the urine to be darker than normal. On the day of the test, wrestlers should not exercise before the assessment, drink water when they first get out of bed, and avoid eating within several hours of the assessment.