Latest exam updates
Practical Session 2 Update - USA
We appreciate how much the cancellation of our exams has affected learners And we are working hard on solutions to ensure learners can gain their qualifications at the earliest opportunity.
However, on the basis of official and local advice we will be cancelling Session 2 Practical exams scheduled for October-December. Our Representatives will provide further guidance in due course. We are very sorry for the impact on teachers and candidates and we will continue to monitor the situation. Thank you for your loyalty and support while these restrictions remain in place.
We will be gradually rolling out remotely-assessed Performance Grades https://gb.abrsm.org/en/performancegrades/ internationally starting before the end of 2020 and will share exam dates and booking periods soon.
Music Theory November Update - USA
We are still in the process of confirming with our Representatives whether Music Theory exams can take place in every area, based on local official advice. However, we can confirm that the Theory exams in the following areas below have been cancelled. All other areas are currently scheduled to hold a Music Theory exam, however we are monitoring the situation closely and will be in touch if anything changes.
Arizona
California
Colorado
Illinois
Maryland
North Carolina
Ohio
Oregon
Seattle
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin
Checks or credit cards should be used to pay exam fees. Fees should be sent with the entry forms to your local representative.
All exam fees in the US will be processed by Peters ABRSM Agency in New York City, several weeks after entries close.
Download a credit card voucher.
Please note that retake fees apply only to candidates applying for a partial retake (2.2 or 2.1 and 2.2, etc.). If candidates are retaking the complete exam, the full fee is payable.
These dates are for guidance only and the information is based on previous exam sessions. Exams may take place any time between the main session dates.
| State | Region | 1st session | 2nd session |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Mesa | April | N/A |
| Tucson | April | N/A | |
| California | Los Angeles & San Diego | April to May | October to November |
| Monterey | April | October | |
| Fremont | April to June | October to December | |
| Hayward | April to June | October to December | |
| Mountain View | April to June | October to December | |
| Newark | April to June | October to December | |
| San Francisco | April to June | October to December | |
| Colorado | Colorado Springs | April | N/A |
| Denver | April | N/A | |
| Fort Collins | April | N/A | |
| Connecticut | Hartford | May | N/A |
| Georgia | Atlanta | May | November to December |
| Illinois | Chicago | April to June | October to December |
| Inverness | April to June | October to December | |
| Kentucky | Louisville | May | November |
| Massachusetts | Boston | May to June | November |
| New Hampshire | May to June | November | |
| Worcester | May to June | November | |
| New Jersey | Bridgewater | May to June | October to November |
| Cherry Hill | May to June | October to November | |
| East Brunswick | May to June | October to November | |
| Edgewater | May to June | October to November | |
| Edison | May to June | October to November | |
| Greenbrook | May to June | October to November | |
| Matawan | May to June | October to November | |
| Morganville | May to June | October to November | |
| Princeton | May to June | October to November | |
| Tenafly | May to June | October to November | |
| New York | Albany | April to May | October to November |
| Brooklyn | April to May | October to November | |
| Elmhurst | April to May | October to November | |
| Flushing | April to May | October to November | |
| Manhattan | April to May | October to November | |
| New York | April to May | October to November | |
| Utica | April to May | October to November | |
| Ohio | Cincinnati | May | N/A |
| Solon | May | N/A | |
| Oregon | Portland | May | November |
| Pennsylvania | West Chester | May | November |
| Tennessee | Nashville | April | November |
| Texas | Austin | May | November |
| Dallas | May | November | |
| Houston | May to June | November to December | |
| Virginia | Annandale | June | November to December |
| Washington | Kirkland | May | October to December |
| Seattle | May | October to December | |
| Wisconsin | Madison | April to June | October to December |
Candidates for Practical exams Grades 6–8 must already have passed one of the following qualifications: ABRSM Grade 5 (or above) in Music Theory, Practical Musicianship, or a solo Jazz subject. A copy of the certificate or mark form must be supplied at the time of entry.
| Exam taken after 1993 | Exam taken from 1977 to 1993 | Exam taken before 1977 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Confirmation of marks | free of charge | £42.00 | £53.00 |
| Duplicate certificate | £11.50 (diplomas £18.50) | £11.50 (diplomas £18.50) | £11.50 (diplomas £18.50) |
| Practical | Theory | |
|---|---|---|
| Appeal investigation | No fee | Half of the entry fee |
| Independent review | £60.00 per candidate | £60.00 per candidate |
Fees should be paid directly to ABRSM's office in London by sterling draft presentable in the UK or by credit card (Visa or MasterCard). Sterling drafts should be payable to ‘The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music’.
If you wish to pay locally please contact your local representative, who will advise you of the local fee and method of payment.
