Overview | The Royal Conservatory of Music

Theory Exam Overview

Below is an overview of how Theory exams will be taking place.

Theory

Theory 5-8 Examinations are available:

In-Person

Write the exam in-person at chosen exam center. Level 5 Theory Exams receive 1 hour to write, and Level 6, 7, and 8 Theory Exams receive 2 hours to write.

To register, log into your MyRCM Account and proceed through the Exam Registration portal by clicking on “Register for Exam”.

Register Now
Online Exam Only

The Online Exam only option can be completed anywhere you have internet access, whenever you are ready. Candidates can write the exam online through Moodle within 120 days from date of purchase. The exam must be completed in one sitting when started and students receive one hour to complete.

To purchase, log into your MyRCM Account and proceed through the Exam Registration portal by clicking on “Register for Exam”. Once purchased, you will receive access via email within 24 hours of purchase. The exam will remain as "pending" in the MyRCM account under "My Exams and Results".

Buy Now
Online Study Guide with Exam

The Online Study Guide with Exam option can be completed anywhere you have internet access, whenever you are ready. Candidates will receive access to the Online Study Guide with Exam for one year from date of purchase to complete each unit, practice unit tests, unit tests, practice final exam, and the final exam. Candidates will receive 1 hour to complete the final exam once started.

To purchase, login to your MyRCM account and click the below button. Once purchased, you will receive your access information via email within 24 hours. You can also access the Online Study Guide directly under "My Courses Learning & Resources" in MyRCM.

Buy Now

	In-Person	Online Exam Only	Online Study Guide with Exam
Registration	Log into MyRCM and click on “Register for Exam”	Log into MyRCM and click on “Register for Exam”	To purchase, login to MyRCM and then click here
Exam Date/Time	View Exam Dates	Must be completed within 120 days of purchase date	Must be completed within 1 year of purchase date
Location	At an in-person Exam Center	Wherever you have internet access	Wherever you have internet access
Exam Length	1 hour for Level 5 Theory 2 hours for Level 6, 7, and 8 Theory	1 hour to complete Must be completed in one sitting	1 hour to complete Must be completed in one sitting
Feedback	Marked examinations are returned to students	Examinations are not returned to students. A breakdown showing marks earned for each section is provided.	Examinations are not returned to students. A breakdown showing marks earned for each section is provided.

History

History Examinations are available:

In-Person

Students will have the opportunity to write their Level 9, 10, and/or ARCT History examination 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.
Online Exam Only

The Online Exam only option can be completed anywhere you have internet access, whenever you are ready. Candidates can write the exam online through Moodle within 120 days from date of purchase. The exam must be completed in one sitting when started. Candidates will receive 70 minutes to complete the History 9 exam, 110 minutes to complete the History 10 exam, and 150 minutes to complete the History ARCT exam.

To purchase, log into your MyRCM Account and proceed through the Exam Registration portal by clicking on “Register for Exam”. Once purchased, you will receive access via email within 24 hours of purchase. The exam will remain as "pending" in the MyRCM account under "My Exams and Results".

Buy Now
Online Study Guide with Exam

The Online Course with Exam option can be completed anywhere you have internet access, whenever you are ready. Candidates will receive access to the Online Course with Exam for one year from date of purchase to complete the assignments, quizzes, and final exam. Candidates will receive 70 minutes to complete the History 9 exam, 110 minutes to complete the History 10 exam, and 90 minutes* to complete the History ARCT exam.

To purchase, login to your MyRCM account and click the below button. Once purchased, you will receive your access information via email within 24 hours. You can also access the Online Course directly under "My Courses Learning & Resources" in MyRCM.

Buy Now
* Part of the ARCT History exam is the completion of the Independent Study Unit. Click here to learn more.

Harmony

Harmony Examinations are available:

In-Person

Write the exam in-person at chosen exam center. Candidates will receive 3 hours to write the exam.

To register, log into your MyRCM Account and proceed through the Exam Registration portal by clicking on “Register for Exam”.

Register Now

Piano Pedagogy - Written

Piano Pedagogy - Written Examinations are available:

In-Person

Write the exam in-person at chosen exam center. Candidates will receive 3 hours to write the exam.

To register, log into your MyRCM Account and proceed through the Exam Registration portal by clicking on “Register for Exam”.

Register Now

Speech Arts

Speech Arts Examinations are available:

In-Person

Write the exam in-person at chosen exam center. Candidates will receive 3 hours to write the exam.

To register, log into your MyRCM Account and proceed through the Exam Registration portal by clicking on “Register for Exam”.

Register Now

* Note that those candidates who wish to be considered for 2022 academic credit, for Gold Medal consideration or for graduation must complete their exams no later than June 30, 2023.

** For Theory Levels 5 - 8 and History 9 - ARCT, in-person proctoring will be replaced during this period by online monitoring. Credits and certificates will be awarded following the normal procedures. If parents and students would still like to submit a proctor form, they can do so however this is optional and not a requirement for receiving credits and certificates.