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We have a lot of frequently asked questions so we've categorised them to help you find your answer faster:
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 you 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. When do the exams take place?
A. The exams are held over three sessions per year. View the exam periods and closing dates.
Q. Can I arrange my own exam date?
A. No. We work very hard to always offer the candidate the most convenient date, time and location for your exam. Candidates can help us with this by providing the dates they are unavailable which can be entered when entering online.
Q. On what days of the week and at what times are Rockschool examinations held?
A. Exams are held between 9am and 6.30pm, 7 days a week. Please note that this includes school days, weekends and school holidays.
Q. How much notice do I get before an exam?
A. We give a minimum of 4 weeks' notice before an exam. If a candidate haven't received confirmation from us and the exam is due, email us urgently.
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 when they enter online. 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.
Any changes to an exam date or time after it has been scheduled will incur a sliding scale of fees: More than one month to the exam - £10; within fourteen days of the exam - £20.
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 can't guarantee this. Check where we have exam centres.
Q. Are there any provisions for candidates with special educational needs?
A. Yes. Candidates can tell us what they need when entering online and/or give us a call and we will do everything we can to support the candidate.
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Q. How do I know if I am ready for my exam?
A. We advise that before entering an exam the candidate should be confident and proficient in everything contained in the grade 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 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 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.
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) has one free choice option. Performance Certificates have two free choice elements, except Entry Level (Debut).
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
- Solos or studies from other exam boards
The piece must conform to the free choice criteria which can be found on each instrument's qualification page.
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,
Band Based Keys and
Vocals.
We also have a
Guitar Tech Companion
which gives extra support and guidance for teachers and candidates on the technical sides of the exam, all the scales, arpeggios and the unseen tests for guitar.
The syllabus guide for each instrument has a breakdown of the technical requirements for each grade.
If you are still unsure, call us on 0845 460 4747 or send us an email and we will do our best to help you.
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Q. Do I need to bring my syllabus book to the exam?
A. Yes, you will need the book and CD to play the pieces.
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 FX 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, they must notify Rockschool when they enter.
Vocal candidates must bring their own microphones but only from Grade 4 upwards.
Q. Do I need to play to the CD in the exam?
A. Yes, the candidate will perform to the backing tracks on the CD and will need the grade book to play from. If the candidate is sitting a Popular Piano exam, only the book is needed.
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 (photo copy) 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 or hospital note.
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Q. When will I get my exam results?
A. Candidates will receive their results a maximum of 3 weeks after an exam, if it has been over three weeks and the candidate hasn't received their results, contact us.
Q. I've lost my certificate. Can I get a replacement?
A. Yes. Download and fill in our Certificate Replacement Form section and follow the instructions within. Replacement certificates cost £6 each will be marked with the words "Replacement Certificate".
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.
If the name on certificate supplied is found to be incorrect there is a cost of £6 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. Candidates can check our Appeal process. If the candidate feels their case fits the criteria,
download the Appeal Request form and send it to us.
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Q. How do we become a Rockschool exam centre?
A. Contact us and we will see if we need a new centre in your area before asking you to complete an application form.
Q. I am a teacher. Can I arrange a private day of exams for my students?
A. Yes. Teachers need at least 17 candidates or £650 worth of exams. Enter online and remember to specify details of the venue, and the proposed date, and we will contact you to arrange it.
Q. How do I apply to be a Rockschool examiner?
A. Fill in a examiner application form online. Examiner interviews are held several times a year, so do not be discouraged if you do not hear back immediately. All applications will be considered.
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