Rockschool (RSL Awards) offers various exam formats, including Face-to-Face, Recorded Digital, Live Stream, and Music Theory. The booking process generally involves two main steps: Purchase/Payment, and then completing the exam details.

Key Concepts for Rockschool Exams:

• Applicant/Payee: The person making the booking and payment.

• Candidate: The student taking the exam.

• Graded Exam vs. Performance Certificate:

• Graded Exam: Includes performance pieces, technical exercises, sight-reading/improvisation, ear tests, and general musicianship questions.

• Performance Certificate: Focuses solely on performing pieces (typically 5 pieces).

• Learning Platform/Grade Book: It is mandatory to either purchase a Grade Book or have an active Student subscription for the RSL Learning Platform to take an RSL Graded Music Exam.

General Steps for Booking Rockschool Exams:

1. Access the RSL Awards Shop:
   
   

• Go to the RSL Awards website and navigate to their "Shop Graded Music Exams" section.

2. Select Your Exam Entry (Purchase/Payment):
   
   

• Country Selection: Ensure your country is correctly selected, as this affects currency and available options.

• Grade & Type: Select the desired Grade (e.g., Grade 3) and the Type of exam:

• Face-to-Face: Traditional in-person exam at a venue.

• Recorded Digital: Candidate records their performance and uploads the video.

• Live Stream: Candidate performs live for an examiner remotely via video call.

• Music Theory: Taken online (Grades 1-8).

• Music Production: Also available.

• Certificate Type: If offered for your country, choose between an e-certificate only or an additional paper certificate (may incur an extra charge).

• Add to Cart & Checkout: Add the selected exam to your cart. You can add multiple exams or books.

• Enter Details for Payment: Provide your email address (this will be linked to your RSL account), billing address, and payment card details.

• Note: If your email isn't linked to an existing RSL account, a new one will be created automatically.

3. Complete Exam Details (After Purchase):
   
   

• After successful payment, you'll receive a confirmation. You will then need to "Complete Exam Details" via your RSL Awards account (usually accessible via a link in the confirmation email or by logging into your account).

• Candidate Information:

• Candidate First Name and Surname (as it should appear on the certificate).

• Gender (optional).

• Date of birth (optional).

• Instrument/Discipline.

• Type of Exam (e.g., Graded Certificate or Performance Certificate).

• Teacher information (optional).

• Exam Adjustments: Tick if an application for Reasonable Adjustments will be made and provide details.

• Scheduling Notes: Add any additional scheduling notes, e.g., date/time preferences (though specific requests cannot always be guaranteed for fixed-date exams).

• Review Contact Details: Ensure your contact details and address for certificate delivery are correct.

• Venue/Period Selection (for Face-to-Face/Live Stream):

• Face-to-Face: Select your preferred centre and exam period (Rockschool typically has three exam periods per year: A, B, C). You may also mark dates the candidate is not available.

• Live Stream: Mark dates the candidate is not available.

• Confirm & Submit: Review all details carefully before confirming and submitting.

Specific Considerations by Exam Type:

• Face-to-Face Graded Exams (Practical):
  
  

• Scheduling: Exams are scheduled within specific exam periods (e.g., A, B, C terms in the UK). You typically choose a period, and the exact date/time at a public centre will be confirmed closer to the exam.

• Private Visits: Institutions or teachers with sufficient candidates can arrange a "Private Visit" for an examiner to come to their location.

• Components: Require performance pieces, technical exercises, sight-reading/quick study, ear tests, and general musicianship questions.

• Accompaniment: For instruments requiring it (e.g., vocals, some classical instruments), an accompanist will be needed for the exam.

• Recorded Digital Exams (Performance/Graded Certificates):
  
  

• Flexibility: "On-demand" booking. You purchase the exam, and then have up to 3 months (check current rules as this can vary) to upload the video.

• Video Requirements:

• Must be a single, continuous shot in real-time (no editing, stopping, or pausing).

• Candidate's face must be visible for identification.

• Candidates for Grades 6-8 must display valid photo ID (e.g., passport) for at least 10 seconds at the start of the video.

• Candidates should introduce themselves, their grade, and discipline, and introduce each piece.

• Must clearly show use of an appropriate RSL resource (physical book, digital equivalent, or Learning Platform subscription).

• For Graded Certificates (Recorded Digital): Requires pieces AND technical exercises.

• For Performance Certificates (Recorded Digital): Requires 5 pieces only (no technical exercises, sight-reading, or aural).

• Upload sheet music (and backing tracks if free choice pieces are used) alongside the video.

• Submission: Upload the video via your RSL Awards account.

• Live Stream Exams:
  
  

• Combines the live interaction of a face-to-face exam with the convenience of remote access. An examiner interacts with the candidate digitally in real-time.

• Online Music Theory Exams (Grades 1-8):
  
  

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

• Flexibility: "On-demand." Book anytime, take the exam within a set period (e.g., 28 days) from booking.

• Invigilation: Often remotely invigilated.

Important Notes for Teachers:

• Account Management: Teachers usually manage the booking for multiple students through their RSL Awards account.

• Syllabus Requirements: Always refer to the latest Rockschool syllabus for specific requirements for each grade and instrument, including repertoire, technical exercises, and supporting tests.

• Preparation: Ensure students are fully prepared for all exam components, including understanding the marking criteria for their chosen exam type.

• UCAS Points: Rockschool Grades 6, 7, and 8 carry UCAS points, which can be valuable for students applying to higher education.

• Results & Certificates: Results are typically released via your RSL account. Certificates are posted or provided digitally.