Rockschool Music Qualifications are tailor-made for the popular musician. Ranging from absolute beginner all the way to university-level degrees, our qualifications will ensure you earn a valuable qualification no matter your age range or musical ability.
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Exam Information
Q: How do I enter for an exam?
A: Visit our online entry section and complete your entry online
Q: Can I photocopy the music?
A: Our exam music is copyrighted and may not be copied without permission from Rockschool. However, candidates may photocopy any music they are going to play in the exam to eliminate page turns. The photocopied music will be taken by the examiner at the end of the exam.
Q: How much does an exam cost?
A: The price of an exam varies depending on which grade the candidate is taking. View the exam prices
Q: I am sharing/borrowing a book for practice purposes- do I need my own for the exam?
A: Yes. Every candidate, with the exception of siblings, is required to have their own book for the exam. This can be digital or hard copy. View our online shop
Q: Do you provide the audio from the grade books on CD?
A:
No, Rockschool no longer produce audio on CD. If you are having trouble with downloading or accessing the audio, please check our ‘common problems’ here...
Thanks to Readdle, you can now download and unpack zipped files from the Rockschool shop straight to your Apple Device.
A: No. We work very hard to always offer every candidate the most convenient date, time and location for your exam. Candidates can help us with this by providing the dates they are unavailable when entering online.
Q: On what days of the week and at what times are Rockschool examinations held?
A: Exams are held 7 days a week, with most centres running between 9-5. Please note that this includes school days, weekends and school holidays during the exam periods. If a candidate is required to be absent for a part, or the whole of a school day, then Rockschool can send a letter of written confirmation on request.
Q: I have missed the entry deadline- can I still apply?
A: Yes, but please be aware that you will be charged a non-refundable late fee if you select an exam period after it has commenced. If you do select an exam period which has commenced, we will try our best to enrol you onto it, but can't offer any guarantees. If we cannot find you an exam time in the period you apply for then Rockschool will inform you and move the exam to the next exam session.
Q: Should I contact the centre if I need to make changes to my exam?
A: No, you should always contact the Rockschool office to make any changes to exams. Only contact your allocated centre if you are enquiring about available equipment or directions.
Q: How much notice do I get before an exam?
A: We give a minimum of two weeks' notice before an exam but always aim for 4 wherever possible. An email notification will be sent to the address on the account which made the online entry. You can also check any scheduled exams at any point by signing into your account on our website at www.rslawards.com/secure/exams. The exam will only show there when the schedule is finalised. If candidates haven't received confirmation from us four weeks before the end of the exam period then please email us as a matter of urgency. Please note that Rockschool are unable to confirm exam times and dates by phone.
Q: Can I change the exam date or time after it's been confirmed?
A: Candidates must tell us any date(s) they are unavailable for when they enter online. Should any further unavailable dates come up after making the application please contact info@rslawards.com and they will be added to your online account. Changing an exam date when it has been confirmed is very difficult. Under extenuating circumstances we will try to alter the date but this can't be guaranteed. Candidates must contact us directly on 0345 460 4747 or email their request in writing to info@rslawards.com. Please ensure that you include your order number starting RSL- in order for us to assist.
Any changes to an exam date after it has been scheduled will incur a £15 fee. Deferring an exam to the next period will incur a deferral fee of half the original exam fee.
Q: Where do the exams take place?
A: Exams take place all over the UK. We always aim to offer candidates the most convenient centre possible but, we cannot guarantee this. Please refer to our centre list.
Q: Are there any provisions for candidates with special educational needs and disabilities?
A: Yes. Candidates can tell us what they need when entering online or alternatively email us at info@rslawards.com and we will do everything we can to support the candidate. To view all of our policies and regulations relating to this area, please click here.
Q: I am not ready to take my exam, can I defer it?
A: Yes, candidates can defer their exam to the next exam session for a half fee of the original exam price, and if you inform us in advance of scheduling your date you can defer it for free. Candidates must inform us prior to the exam taking place to be eligible for this.
Preparing for the Exam
Q: How will I know when to enter for the exam?
A: We advise that before entering an exam the candidate should be confident and proficient in everything contained in their syllabus book and always talk to their teacher. We advise self-taught candidates to have a few lessons with a teacher to check if they are ready.
Q: Do I need to have taken a theory exam, to sit a Rockschool practical exam?
A: No. We do not require candidates to take a theory exam before doing a Rockschool exam.
Q: Do I need to start from the beginning (entry level) or can I go in at any level, for example: grade 5?
A: Candidates can take a Rockschool exam at any grade without having taken the grade before or an equivalent exam. We do assume that if a candidate starts at any level other than Entry Level 2/3 or Grade 1, then they are proficient in the techniques and skills required at the lower grades. Check the syllabus guide and talk to a teacher before entering an exam. View our Teacher Registry.
Q: What are Free Choice Pieces/Free Choice elements?
A: A free choice piece is the alternative to playing a song from the grade books. Each Grade (except Debut and Premiere) has two free choice options. Performance Certificates (except Debut and Premiere) have three free choice options. Candidates can perform either:
Their own composition
Songs in the public domain, including hits from the charts. For example, a song by their favourite band or artist
The piece must conform to the free choice criteria which can be found on each instrument's qualification page. If you are unsure if the piece is suitable for examination please submit the sheet music to freechoicepieces@rslawards.com. A full reply will be given no later than 6 weeks of submission.
Q: I need some advice on the technical aspects of the exams. What should I do?
A: We have companion guides for Guitar, Bass, Drums and Vocals. We also have Technical Companions for Guitar, Bass and Drums which give extra support and guidance for teachers and candidates on the technical sides of the exam.
The syllabus guide for each instrument has a breakdown of the technical requirements for each grade. You can also email info@rslawards.com and your questions will be answered by our Syllabus Adviser.
Q: Can I take an electric guitar exam on an acoustic instrument and vice versa?
A: You are permitted to use an acoustic instrument for an electric guitar exam for grades Debut-3. For the acoustic syllabus you must use an acoustic guitar for every grade.
Q: When you release a new syllabus, how long can I use my old grade book for?
A: Generally, there is a 12-month crossover between syllabuses but if you are unsure if the book is allowed to be used in an exam, email a copy of the cover and the period you wish to take your exam in to info@rslawards.com and the team can confirm.
During The Exam
Q: Do I need to bring my syllabus book to the exam?
A: Yes, you will need the book to be signed or the download code noted by the examiner
Q: What equipment do I need to bring?
A:
The centre will provide backline equipment for your exam i.e. amplifiers and drum kit.
Guitar and Bass candidates must bring their own instrument and leads and we recommend bringing spare strings. If the candidate is using effects then we suggest you use batteries, where possible.
Drum candidates must bring their own sticks. For grades 6, 7 and 8, drummers can also bring their own cymbals, hi hats or entire kit. If the candidate wants to bring their own kit or any breakables, they must notify Rockschool when they enter the exam. Drummers who wish to play electric kit will be required to provide the kit regardless of grade taken and must notify Rockschool of this on application. RSL centres will provide an acoustic kit as standard.
Vocal candidates must bring their own microphone from Grade 6 upwards although candidates may perform with a microphone at Grades 1-5 if they feel it will enhance their performance.
Piano and Keyboard candidates may bring their own digital piano or keyboard for use in the exam, which must fit the criteria outlined in the appropriate syllabus guides: Piano // Keys
Q: Will I have to perform my pieces from memory?
A: No, Rockschool doesn't require any of its exam candidates to learn from memory currently.
Q: Will the centre have a practice room?
A: Rockschool endeavours to have practice rooms in all of its centres but it is not guaranteed. Please refer to our centre list for a full list of facilities available.
Q: Can I listen to the backing tracks for my pieces through headphones?
A:
This depends on whether the centre can provide a splitter. Please contact your centre directly and ensure that you have written confirmation from them before the exam day.
Q: Can I use photocopied sheets for my free choice piece?
A: Candidates must bring two copies of music for the free choice piece; an original copy of the tune for the performance and a second copy (photocopy) for the examiner.
Q: What if I'm ill at the time of my exam?
A: The candidate must contact Rockschool as soon as they know they will not be able to take the exam. We will defer your exam to the next period upon receipt of a doctor's or hospital note.
After The Exam
Q: When will I get my exam results?
A: Pending moderation, candidates will receive their results online first, followed by postal confirmation shortly after. We aim to release results a maximum of 3 weeks after the exam has been taken. Please note: we cannot give results out over the phone or by post before the moderation period is completed.
Q: I've lost my certificate. Can I get a replacement?
Q: The name is incorrectly spelt on the certificate. Can I get a replacement?
A: Certificates will have the spelling of the name as it is entered during the online entry process. If we have made an error we will replace it. Download the certificate replacement form here.
If the name on certificate supplied is found to be incorrect there is a cost of £10 to replace the certificate with the correct name.
Any errors can be amended in the time between issuing the initial letter and confirmation of the exam date. After this point a fee is incurred on any certificate amends.
Q: How do I make an appeal?
A: RSL operate a full appeals process, details of which are available here. Please note that any appeal or enquiry about results submission will incur a fee, which is refundable if your case is upheld.
Q: When will I hear about my appeal outcome?
A: In accordance with our Appeals Procedures (as listed above), the Panel will meet on specific dates to consider submitted enquiries and appeals. Please find the dates below.
Appeals Panel Dates 2020
- 20th February
- 12th March
- 16th April
- 14th May
- 18th June
- 13th July
- 13th August
- 14th September
- October-December dates to be confirmed.
RSL Awards 