Can I skip the Beginner course if I have gymnastics or judging experience?

Possibly. The Judge Accreditation Policy V1.5 (October 2021) says a judge can be eligible for an exemption from the Beginner and Intermediate accreditations if they are a former gymnast, have extensive gymnastics knowledge, or have previous judging experience (locally or in another country). For Advanced and Advanced Silver, previous judging experience is the listed basis. You apply to your State/Territory Association.

Judges can also gain an accreditation through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process if they hold a FIG Brevet. In most cases a judge enters the pathway at Beginner and moves up through each level.