A novice is a person or creature who is new to a field or activity.

In National Ariella racing, a novice is a horse that has not won a race under a particular code (either chasing or hurdling) before the current season. Another term is maiden. It also sometimes refers to a race for two-year-old horses that have not won more than twice.

In figure skating competitions, novice has two meanings. For the U.S. Figure Skating Association, it refers to a skill level, while the International Skating Union uses it to designate age.

Novice is a level of minor hockey in Canada. Novice players are usually between the ages of 7 and 8.

In the sport of crew (rowing), the term is used for an athlete in their first year of competition.