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 Score | BU Player Level | Traditional Player Level | Traditional A-D Rating |
| 180-200 | pro | touring pro (pro) | A+++ |
| 160-179 | semi pro | semi pro (master) | A++ (AAA) |
| 140-159 | advanced-3 | tournament player (expert) | A+ (AA) / A |
| 125-139 | advanced-2 | upper advanced | A-/B+ |
| 110-124 | advanced-1 | lower advanced | B/B- |
| 95-109 | intermediate-3 | upper intermediate | B-/C+ |
| 70-94 | intermediate-2 | mid intermediate | C+/C |
| 55-69 | intermediate-1 | lower intermediate | C |
| 40-54 | beginner-3 | upper beginner | C- |
| 30-39 | beginner-2 | mid beginner | D+ |
| 20-29 | beginner-1 | lower beginner | D |
| 0-19 | beginner-0 | absolute novice | D- |
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 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 Score | 55-84 | 85-99 | 100-124 | 125-139 | 140-179 | 180-200 |
| Diploma Earned | Bachelors | Bachelors with Honors | Masters | Master with Honors | Doctorate | Doctorate with Honors |
If you qualify for a diploma, you can apply online and be officially recognized by the BU.