Operational / Administrative:
Q: How do I book an exam date?
A: Email us at
paa@rslawards.com with your proposed date, and we will look into availability and get back to you as soon as possible.
Q: How do I enter my candidates for an exam?
A: Once you have booked a date via email you need to complete on online application form which will be sent to you.
Q: Is there a deadline for submitting late entries?
A: We allow any changes to the schedule (late entries, omissions, grade changes) up to 7 days before.
Q: Will the exams fit with my usual timetable?
A: We can start the exam day at your chosen time and can adapt to your timings accordingly.
Q: I’ve already completed my entries via the online form. Can I add additional candidates?
A: Yes, as long as this is done no later than seven days before the exam day. No entries can be added on the day.
Q: How can I apply for Reasonable Adjustments on behalf of a candidate?
A: Please visit our
policies and regulations page for regulatory information, and to download a Reasonable Adjustments or Special Considerations form.
Q: If a candidate has been entered for the wrong grade can it be changed on the day?
A: Yes, but you will need to email
paa@rslawards.com as soon as possible after the exam day.
Q: Will the examiner contact me before the exam?
A: For UK face-to-face exams the examiner will telephone the principal or the school’s representative 2-3 days before the scheduled exam, to introduce themselves and confirm details relevant to the exam (eg the schedule, arrival time etc).
Q: How do examiners identify candidates?
A: Candidates being assessed must wear a number on their front and back. Numbers must be provided by the school/venue and are not provided by RSL.
Q: For face-to-face exams, what time will the examiners arrive on the day of the examination, and will there be a discussion with them before we start?
A: Examiners will arrive 30 minutes before the first scheduled exam. Principals / venue representatives are required to meet with the examiner and go through an ‘arrival check-list’ with them. This is to ensure the smooth running of the exam day.
Q: Are examiners DBS checked?
A: All RSL examiners are DBS checked (or international equivalent where the examiner is resident outside the UK). RSL takes the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults extremely seriously and has put in place as many preventative measures as possible within its assessment structure and processes. An outline of these is
provided on the website here... Q: Is there an emergency contact number for Head Office, which could be used if the exam was on a weekend?
A: Yes. When the examiner contacts the principal / venue representative prior to the exam (see question 8 above) they will give an emergency contact number which can be used at the weekend if necessary.
Q: What should be provided for the examiner?
A: Schools/venues must provide examiners with an adequate table, chair, lighting and refreshments. Examiners must not sit in close proximity to the audience at any time.
Q: Does a member of staff have to be present throughout the exam?
A: A member of staff must be present for the Group Performance, and any component of the exam that requires the operation of music equipment (or a starting note/clapped rhythm). A member of staff must be on hand to support the organisation of candidates and to chaperone candidates when waiting outside of the room for the Technical Skills/Understanding & reflection components.
Q: What happens if a Dance candidate can't dance on the day due to injury?
A: We can defer the exam or issue a refund with written medical evidence.
Q: What happens if a Musical Theatre candidate can’t perform an element of the exam (eg. dance) on the day due to injury?
A: The candidate can choose not to take the exam and we can issue a refund with written medical evidence. If the candidate chooses to complete other components of the exam (eg. they decide to do the acting and singing but not the dancing) the examiner will not be able to assess the element they have missed and this would be reflected in their mark. Note that the school/venue may apply for Special Considerations as per the RSL policy, which can be
found here... Q: Will the examiner contact me before the exam?
A: Yes. For UK Face-to-Face exams, the examiner will contact the principal or venue representative two working days before the exam date, to introduce themselves and confirm arrival details. For live video exams (UK and International), this contact will be by email approximately 7 days before the exam.
The examiner will not contact the school/venue prior to Recorded Video Exams, unless there are Acting candidates at Level 2 when an unseen element of the technical work needs to be provided.
Q: How long does it take to get the results?
A: Usually, exam results will be sent by email within seven days and the certificates will follow no later than six weeks after the exam date.
Q: My candidate has lost their certificate. Can I get a replacement?
A: Yes. Please email us at
paa@rslawards.com giving full details and we can arrange a replacement for you. Replacement certificates cost £10.
RSL Awards 