Skip Navigation
The Royal Conservatory Navigate to homepage
Search Event Calendar

Latest Exams News

Latest Exams News

We are committed to completing all exams

The goals of the RCM since the virus outbreak have been to support teachers and to enable tens of thousands of registered students to complete their exams as planned. We have addressed these goals by making online teacher resources available and by offering online testing. Remote examinations offer a viable solution to a very difficult problem. 

These pages contain the official and most up-to-date information regarding RCM Certificate Program examinations.

Remote Exams Overview

We encourage you to visit this page on our website regularly. This site will continue to be updated and will have the most up-to-date information regarding Remote Exams. Please bookmark this page for easy access.

Please note, our Candidate Services team does not have any additional information regarding exams.
 

August 2022

Updated April 13, 2022

Online registration for the August in-person examination session is open for all levels. Please review the following information about how exams for the August session will take place.

In-Person Practical Exam Health and Safety Policies

Updated March 21, 2022

The health and safety of the RCM community continues to be our number-one priority as we transition back to in-person exams.​  To provide an enhanced environment for both students and examiners, please note the following: 

  • We ask students to be accompanied by only one parent or guardian, except for voice and instrumental exams where both one parent and the collaborative pianist are allowed.
  • Individuals will make a personal decision regarding the use of masks, and it is important that everyone respects the choice made by others. We recommend face coverings; however, they are not required. 
  • Students must wash or sanitize their hands prior to their exam.
  • Wipes will be available for keyboard sanitization between exams

Modification to Accompanist Requirement for COVID-19

Updated March 1, 2022

Due to the ongoing restrictions and lockdowns currently in place, the modified policy regarding performance of examination repertoire with accompaniment has been further extended to accommodate Levels 9, 10 and ARCT, as outlined below.

The modified policy is intended to accommodate those who are unable to safely work with a collaborative pianist. Students are strongly encouraged to continue to perform with collaborative pianists whenever possible.

Please click here to view the modified policy.

These temporary modifications to the requirements outlined in the syllabi will remain in place through July 29, 2022.
 

May/June 2022

Updated January 12, 2022

Almost two years have passed since public health measures aimed at restricting the transmission of COVID-19 were implemented across Canada. During this time, music teachers across the country have displayed remarkable determination in ensuring that students continued to progress in their studies.

As you know, we initiated online practical exams for the first time in our history as a means of supporting teachers and providing motivation for students to continue their studies. More than 45,000 students participated, and we congratulate all of these candidates, their parents, and their teachers for their outstanding resilience. This new format offered several advantages and, for many, has proven to be the preferred choice. We are aware that some share our enthusiasm for a return to in-person practical exams.

For the majority of candidates this May/June session, remote exams will continue to be the choice method of assessment and candidates at all levels and in every location will continue to have access to the remote exams process.

Additionally, we are pleased to share our plans to progressively begin the return to the in-person format. Starting with the May/June exams session, The RCM Certificate Program will open a very limited number of exam centers for in-person practical examinations.