Powerlifting Federations Guide: Where to Compete

Powerlifting has no single governing body. Dozens of federations operate worldwide, each with its own rulebook, drug testing policy, equipment standards, and competition calendar. Understanding the federation landscape is essential for anyone who wants to compete, because your federation determines which weight classes you use, what equipment is allowed, whether you are drug tested, how your results are scored, and whether your records qualify for international competition.

This guide covers the most active federations, what distinguishes them, and how to choose one that fits your goals.

The IPF is the largest and oldest international powerlifting federation, founded in 1972. It is recognised by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) and is considered by many as the most prestigious competitive path.

Drug testing: Rigorous, year-round testing. WADA code compliant. Athletes can be tested at any time, not just at competition.

Equipment: Raw (classic) and equipped (single-ply only) divisions. Specific approved equipment lists.

Weight classes: 8 men's and 8 women's classes following the updated 2019 structure.

Scoring: DOTS and IPF GL Points.

Affiliated national federations: USAPL (USA), CPU (Canada), PA (Australia), GPC-affiliated bodies, and national federations in nearly every country.

Best for: Lifters who value drug-tested competition, want a pathway to international competition, or want to be part of the most recognised federation globally.

USAPL is the US affiliate of the IPF and the largest drug-tested powerlifting federation in the United States. It follows IPF rules exactly, making it the clearest path to competing at the national and international level within the tested powerlifting world.

Drug testing: USADA administered, WADA compliant. Strict out-of-competition testing for national-level competitors.

Equipment: Follows IPF rules - raw (classic) and equipped (single-ply).

Scale: Hosts hundreds of sanctioned meets annually across all 50 states. Very accessible for beginners.

Scoring: DOTS and IPF GL Points.

Notable competitions: USAPL Raw Nationals, American Open, IPF World Championships pathway.

USPA is one of the largest non-IPF federations in the US. It is affiliated with the IPO (International Powerlifting Organization) rather than the IPF.

Drug testing: Offers both drug-tested (DT) and untested (non-drug tested, NDT) divisions at the same meet. Athletes choose their division at registration.

Equipment: Raw, single-ply, and multi-ply divisions.

Weight classes: Differs slightly from IPF, using older weight class structures alongside newer ones.

Scoring: Wilks is the primary coefficient; some meets also calculate DOTS.

Meets: Frequent, accessible, beginner-friendly. The NDT division attracts lifters who prefer not to be tested or who use performance-enhancing drugs openly.

Best for: Lifters who want flexibility on drug testing, or who want to compete in multi-ply equipped powerlifting.

WRPF (and its US affiliate, WRPF-US) has grown rapidly in recent years, particularly popular in online powerlifting communities.

Drug testing: Untested. No drug testing whatsoever.

Equipment: Raw and single-ply divisions.

Weight classes: Aligned with newer IPF-style weight classes, though variations exist.

Notable feature: WRPF hosts the Super Total, a combined competition across multiple lifts and events, and has attracted high-profile untested lifters who have built followings on YouTube and social media.

Best for: Lifters who are explicitly untested or who follow training approaches that preclude tested competition.

APF is one of the oldest American federations, affiliated with the WPC (World Powerlifting Congress). It is primarily an equipped federation but offers raw divisions.

Drug testing: Untested.

Equipment: Full spectrum - raw, single-ply, multi-ply. A stronghold of multiply equipped powerlifting.

Heritage: The APF/WPC has roots in the early days of equipped powerlifting and maintains traditions that predate the modern raw movement.

Best for: Equipped lifters, particularly those interested in multi-ply, who want access to a large network of meets and a deep competitive community.

100% RAW (and its affiliate organisations) caters to lifters who want minimal equipment competition - no belt, no sleeves, no wraps. Just a singlet and the barbell.

Drug testing: Tested.

Equipment: True raw - only singlet, knee sleeves are banned in the strictest divisions.

Appeal: For lifters who value the purest expression of strength with no supportive equipment, 100% RAW provides a tested, competitive environment.

Best for: Lifters philosophically opposed to belts and sleeves, or those curious what their lifts look like without any equipment support.

Decide on drug testing: If you want to compete in a tested environment - either because you are drug-free or because you want the credibility of tested competition - stick to IPF affiliates (USAPL, CPU, etc.) or 100% RAW. If you are indifferent to testing, the USPA, WRPF, and similar federations offer competitive meets with frequent scheduling.

Decide on equipment: If you are raw, most federations have a raw division. If you want to eventually try equipped lifting, consider whether single-ply or multi-ply interests you - different federations have different depths of equipment competition.

Consider your goals: Want to compete internationally? IPF is the only pathway that leads to the IPF World Championships. Happy competing locally and nationally? Almost any federation works.

Check local availability: The best federation is the one with meets close to you. Use our federation directory to find active organisations in your country and state, and search the meet finder for upcoming competitions.