WCA Inspection Rules Explained
Reviewed by CuberPal Editorial Team · Updated 2026-07-07 · Competition ready learning path
Quick answer
In WCA 3x3 solves, you get up to 15 seconds of inspection before starting the timer. Starting after 15 seconds but before 17 seconds gives a +2 penalty; starting after 17 seconds is a DNF. During inspection you may look at the cube and plan, but you cannot make moves.
Inspection is part of the solve, even though the timer has not started. Used well, it gives you a planned cross and sometimes your first F2L pair. Used poorly, it becomes a rushed countdown before an improvised start.
Here are the practical WCA inspection rules and how to train them at home.
The rule in plain English
For most speedsolving events, the judge starts inspection and calls time warnings. You may pick up and examine the puzzle, but you cannot turn layers or intentionally change the puzzle state.
You must start the solve within 15 seconds to avoid penalty. If you start from 15.00 to under 17.00 seconds, the result gets a +2. At 17.00 seconds or more, it is a DNF.
What to do during inspection
For 3x3 CFOP, your first job is cross planning. Locate all four cross edges, choose an efficient order, and rehearse the moves before starting. If that becomes easy, track your first F2L pair through the cross.
For beginners, simply finding the cross pieces before starting is enough. The point is to enter the solve with a decision already made.
Practice inspection like competition
If you never use inspection at home, competition inspection will feel stressful. Turn on a 15-second countdown in your timer, practice starting calmly before the warning becomes urgent, and do not give yourself unlimited planning time.
Also practice failed inspections: if the full cross is not planned by 12 seconds, commit to the best partial plan and start. Freezing costs more than an imperfect cross.
Practicing WCA inspection with CuberPal
CuberPal includes competition-style timing so inspection becomes part of normal practice:
- 1Enable WCA inspection on the timer and practice with the same 15-second rhythm every solve.
- 2Use scramble previews to verify the scramble before inspection starts.
- 3Track ao5 and ao12 with inspection enabled so your averages reflect competition-style solves.
- 4Record solves and compare cross times when you planned well versus when you rushed.
- 5Ask Cubey for cross-planning drills if inspection pressure keeps causing bad starts.
Frequently asked questions
Can you turn the cube during WCA inspection?▾
You can rotate and look at the cube, but you cannot make puzzle moves that change the scrambled state. Inspection is for planning, not solving.
What happens if inspection takes too long?▾
Starting after 15 seconds but before 17 seconds adds a +2 penalty. Starting at 17 seconds or later is a DNF.
Should I always use inspection when practicing?▾
If you care about competition or realistic averages, yes. Practicing with inspection teaches cross planning and makes your home results comparable to WCA-style solves.