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In-person Written History Exams Available May 2025
Updated December 19, 2024
We are pleased to announce that in response to feedback from teachers and students, Levels 9, 10, and ARCT History will once again be offered as in-person written examinations.
Recognizing that students have diverse learning styles and require different methods for evaluating progress, the reinstatement of in-person history exams will provide an alternative to the online experience and another option in support of all students.
Starting in 2025, students will have the opportunity to write their History exams in person once each academic year during the May theory session.
The in-person written exams will take place on May 9 and 10, 2025 at exam centers in both Canada and the US. Registration opens January 14, 2025 (Canada) and January 5, 2025 (US) through your MyRCM account.
Students will still be able to complete a History exam anytime online; for more information on the Online History Exam, please click here.
Reminder of Accompaniment Policy
Updated January 17, 2024
Performing with a collaborative pianist is an important aspect of music-making for students and a valuable part of the examination experience. It has been noted that some students have not been performing their remote and in-person exams with accompaniment where required.
To encourage students to perform with accompaniment during examinations, effective 1 February 2024 a deduction of up to 10 marks may be applied for any examination not adhering to the stated policy.
This follows a modified accompaniment policy that was in place from March 2020 to March 2023 and a generous grace period from March 2023 to January 2024, where no deductions have been applied.
View details of the current Accompaniment Policy here.
Up to 10 marks may be deducted in the following situations:
- Preparatory–Level 4:
- The student performs without a collaborative pianist or recording.
- Levels 5 and up:
- The student performs without a collaborative pianist, or
- The student performs with a recorded accompaniment.
Remote Exams
Updated November 29, 2022
RCM Remote Exams are still available all year ‘round! They are a convenient and flexible way to support achievement. Students can complete their practical (instrumental) exams, on their own instrument at a time and place that is convenient for them! Theory (written) exams can be completed online at any time.
We encourage students to discuss with their teachers how a remote examination can help them achieve the next step in their musical journey.
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