If you took a Music Theory exam in early March, we are working hard to make sure there is no delay to the dispatch of certificates in line with published deadlines. However, please bear with us as we process the exam papers.
A message from our Chief Executive: COVID-19
On the basis of official and local advice, we have decided to suspend all Practical and Music Theory exams outside the UK and Ireland from now until 1 July 2020, and our Representative will contact applicants with further guidance. We will update specific territories in due course in relation to exams after that date. We are sorry for any inconvenience and thank you for your loyal support during this challenging time.
Exam dates and fees 2020
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.
Checks
- Checks should be made payable to Peters ABRSM Agency
- Please send one check for Practical entries and a separate check for Music Theory entries
Credit cards
Download a credit card voucher.
- For payment, we accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover Card
- Please submit one voucher for Practical entries and a separate voucher for Music Theory entries
Diploma retake fees
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.
Additional information
Practical exam timings by state/region
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 |
Prerequisites
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.
Other fees and charges (2019)
| 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.