The NPC added the Figure division in 2001 as a contrast to women’s bodybuilding, which had become increasingly less feminine and more muscular. With figure, the ideal is a muscular, lean but feminine physique, far less extreme, with a small degree of muscularity with separation but no visible striations. Think of a toned, shapely body which is less lean than women’s bodybuilding.

Guidelines for the NPC Figure division are as follows:

Figure competition
• Competitors will compete in a two-piece suit.
• The bottom of the suit must be v-shaped.
• No thongs are permitted.
• Competitors can compete in an off the rack suit.
• All swimsuits must be in good taste.
• Figure will not have a routine round.
• Competitors must wear high heels.
• Competitors may wear jewelry

Height Classes
For National level contests that are Professional Qualifiers:
• Up to and including 5’1
• Over 5’1 up to and including 5’2
• Over 5’2 up to and including 5’4
• Over 5′4 up to and including 5’5
• Over 5’5 up to and including 5’7
• Over5’7
A promoter can choose to have fewer Height Classes for non national level contests as follows:
For all contests with Two (2) Height Classes:
• Up to and including 5’4”
• Over 5’4
For all contests with Three (3) Height Classes:
• Up to and including 5’4
• Over 5’4 and up to and including 56
• Over 5’6
For all contests with Four (4) Height Classes:
• Up to and including 5’2”
• Over 5’2” up to and including 5’4

Competition Judging
Presentation
Competitors will walk to the center of the stage alone and perform model turns, starting by facing the judges before moving into their model turns then proceed to the side of the stage.
Comparision Round
• Competitors will be judged wearing a two-piece swimsuit and high heels
• The competitors will be brought back out in a group and directed to do quarter turns
• Judges will have the opportunity to compare competitors against each other in quarter turns.
Scoring
• Judges will be scoring competitors using the following criteria:
• Small degree of muscularity with separation, no visible striations.
• Overall Muscle Tone with shapely lines, overall firmness and not excessively lean
• Full general assessment
• Healthy appearance
• Make-up
• Skin Tone