FAQ
Remote Practical Exams FAQ
Please review the following answers to some frequently asked questions about remote practical exams.
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I am having issues immediately prior to/during my exam.
If something goes wrong at the start of the exam or during the exam, please submit this form and a team member will get back to you within one business day.
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Why are my exam times different - which is the right time?
Unfortunately, some students experience a technical issue where the Confirmation Email or Program Form sometimes show different times vs what is in your account. The time in your account is correct - please use this time to prepare for and enter your exam room. We are working to correct this issue and apologize for the inconvenience.
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How do I submit my Program Form?
Your Program Form is available in your MyRCM account. Please click on the link and complete and submit the Program Form online no later than 24 hours prior to your exam.
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I can’t take my exam remotely, what should I do?
This page indicates the General and Specific Conditions for each practical discipline in which a remote examination is available.
If you do not meet all of these conditions or your discipline is not available as a Remote Exam, please register for an in-person examination at the next available exam session.
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I received an email saying a second adjudicator might be present for my examination. Why?
A second adjudicator may be present during your examination for quality assurance and training purposes. Your exam will still be evaluated by your assigned examiner.
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What is the policy regarding collaborative pianists?
The collaborative pianist requirement varies depending upon your discipline and/or level. Please review the Accompaniment Policy.
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What are the guidelines for recorded accompaniment?
For Levels Prep to 4 only, there are two accompaniment options:
- On-site Collaborative pianist
- Recorded accompaniment
Students must provide their own collaborative pianist or the device on which the accompaniment is to be played. For Levels 5 and up, recorded accompaniment is not permitted; students must provide their own collaborative pianist.
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How does the YouTube upload work?
For students in the Advanced Levels who will be required to upload their repertoire and etudes via YouTube for evaluation, please review the information found here.
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Does the YouTube upload need to be done in a continuous take?
To reflect the expectations of an in-person examination experience, Level 9, 10 and ARCT candidates must record their Repertoire and Etudes as one continuous performance, and submit them as one complete video and one YouTube link.
However, for brass & woodwinds examinations, in view of concerns related to stamina and embouchure, these candidates may record their exam programs in several successive sessions, but must submit them as a single video and one YouTube link.
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I am not receiving the emails, what should I do?
Please follow these steps to ensure that your mail provider is not blocking emails from the RCM Certificate Program. The majority of the information being emailed is also online with the exception of credit notices and exam date/time confirmations.
- Check your Spam or Junk Mail Folder - often times, emails from The Royal Conservatory and/or RCM Certificate Program end up there due to filter settings by many email providers.
- Add [email protected] to your Safe Sender list.
- Verify that the email addresses for yourself and your child(ren) are correct:
- Login to MyRCM
- To review your email address, please click on “My Account Details” and confirm that your email is correct. If it is not, please update the email address and your new email address will receive relevant communications from the RCM.
- To review your child’s email address, please click on “My Family”, select the name of your child and confirm that their email address is correct. If it is not, please update the email address to receive relevant communications from the RCM.
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I emailed Candidate/Account Services and haven’t heard back yet?
The Candidate/Account Services team is currently experiencing an extraordinarily high volume of calls and emails. Because of the volume of inquiries, we are currently unable to respond to as many messages as we normally would each day. If your situation is urgent and cannot be resolved by reviewing the information on this webpage, please call us but note that your phone wait times will be elevated as well.
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I have an electronic piano/keyboard, how do I know if it has weighted keys?
The specific condition to take a Piano practical examination remotely is “an acoustic piano OR a 76- or 88-key weighted electronic keyboard as a substitute for an acoustic piano” for Piano Level Prep to 8 only.
When keys on a digital keyboard are weighted, they feel more like playing real piano keys. Weighted keys are a feature that help electronic pianos/keyboards feel more like the action of an acoustic piano. If you are still unsure, please search online for the brand/model of your keyboard and review the manufacturer’s description.
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Can I record my exam?
All Remote Exams are recorded by the RCM Certificate Program for quality assurance and safety reasons. These videos will remain confidential and will not be published. By registering for an exam, candidates consent to this recording. Candidates and their families are not permitted to record the online component of their practical examination as this compromises the academic integrity of the Program. Recording this exam may result in the Certificate being annulled and cancellation of the candidate's future participation in the RCM Certificate Program.
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I have not received my exam confirmation email?
Please check your MyRCM account to see if your exam has been scheduled. If so, your Program Form and your Sight Reading will all be available from your MyRCM account. Your confirmation email is simply a courtesy note to inform you when your exam has been scheduled. You can also check your Spam/Junk folder, check the email address associated with your account for typos, and add [email protected] to your safe sender list.
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Where can I find my Program Form link?
Your Program Form is available in your MyRCM account. Please click on the link and complete and submit the Program Form online no later than 24 hours prior to your exam.
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I have not received my Sight Reading.
This will be available no later than 22 hours prior to the exam in your MyRCM account. You can print it and begin preparing it immediately upon receipt.
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When can I expect my exam results?
Practical examination results, which include a copy of the examination form, are generally available four to six weeks after the examination has taken place.
For instructions on where to find your mark in your My RCM account, click here.
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How are accessibility issues being addressed?
If you have accessibility or special needs that need to be accommodated, please complete
this form.
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My Teacher has booked my or my child’s exam, but we would like a refund. Who will receive the refund?
Approved refunds will be processed to the original payee via the original method of payment.
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Can I record my remote exam?
Candidates and their families are not permitted to record the online component of their practical examination as this compromises the academic integrity of the Program. Recording this exam may result in the Certificate being annulled and cancellation of the candidate’s future participation in the RCM Certificate Program.