ABRSM Exam Booking Process Guide

General Steps for Booking ABRSM Exams:

1. Create/Login to an ABRSM Account:
   
   

• Anyone aged 18 or over can book exams. The person booking is called the 'applicant'.

• If you don't have one, you'll need to create an account on the ABRSM website.

• If you've booked before, you'll log in. Candidates who have taken an ABRSM exam previously will have an ABRSM Contact ID, which is helpful to link their records.

2. Gather Candidate Information:
   
   

• Full name (as it should appear on the mark form and certificate, matching ID if required).

• Date of birth.

• ABRSM Contact ID (if they have one).

• Subject and grade/level of the exam.

• Any specific access requirements or reasonable adjustments needed.

• Any alternative 'presented by' name (e.g., if a school is presenting the candidate).

• Email address for the candidate (or parent/carer), especially crucial for digital exams.

3. Choose the Exam Type and Format:
   
   

• Practical Grades (Face-to-Face):
  
  

• These are in-person exams with an examiner.

• They have set booking periods and exam sessions throughout the year (e.g., Spring, Summer, Autumn sessions in the UK).

• You typically select a public venue and preferred dates during the booking window. Specific times are confirmed later.

• Require scales, sight-reading, and aural tests in addition to pieces.

• Accompaniment is generally required for instrumental and singing exams unless stated otherwise in the syllabus.

• Performance Grades (Digital):
  
  

• Candidates record their performance of four pieces (three from the syllabus, one own-choice) and submit the video online.

• These are "on-demand" – there are no set booking periods or exam dates. You can book at any time and have 28 days to submit the video.

• Don't include scales, sight-reading, or aural tests.

• Online Music Theory (Grades 1-5):
  
  

• Taken on a laptop or desktop computer with a webcam and internet connection.

• "On-demand" – book anytime, take the exam within 28 days.

• Mostly multiple-choice format.

• Paper-based Music Theory (Grades 6-8):
  
  

• These are traditional in-person written exams.

• Have specific dates and venues.

4. Select Territory and Exam Details:
   
   

• Specify the country/territory where the exam will take place.

• Choose the specific exam (e.g., Piano Grade 5 Practical, Flute Grade 3 Performance, Grade 2 Music Theory).

• Enter any access requirements or reasonable adjustments.

5. Enter Candidate Details:
   
   

• Use the candidate's existing ABRSM Contact ID if they have one, or enter details for new candidates.

6. Review and Pay:
   
   

• Check your booking summary carefully for accuracy.

• Pay the exam fees. ABRSM sends an email confirmation of the booking and payment.

• Fees vary by grade and exam type.

Important Considerations for Teachers:

• Applicant vs. Candidate: Teachers often act as the 'applicant' for multiple students (the 'candidates'). All correspondence from ABRSM regarding the exam goes to the applicant.

• Private Visits vs. Public Venues: Teachers or institutions can arrange "Private Visits" if they have enough candidates to justify an examiner coming to their location. Otherwise, candidates book into "Public Venues."

• Bulk Uploads: For multiple candidates, ABRSM's online service may offer a bulk upload function to streamline the process.

• Exam Discount Schemes: Some music services or organizations may have discount schemes, which involve a separate process for requesting and redeeming codes.

• Communication with Parents/Guardians: Teachers typically manage the booking and communication with parents regarding exam dates, times, requirements, and results.

• Preparation: Teachers play a crucial role in advising when a student is ready for an exam, guiding them through the syllabus requirements, and helping them prepare for all components (pieces, scales, sight-reading, aural tests, or recording for performance grades).

Logistics for Practical Exams: For face-to-face exams, teachers often help with arranging accompanists, ensuring students have their music and ID ready, and advising on arrival times and warm-up procedures.