How to book exams at Public Venues
We offer regular opportunities for candidates to take exams at venues organised by us. Anyone can book exams at one of our Public Venues.
What exams can candidates take at Public Venues?
Face-to-face instrumental and singing exams:
- Practical Grades
- ARSM diploma
- Prep Test
- Performance Assessment
Instrumental and singing exams take place on dates in our exam sessions usually between 09.00 and 17.35. You can choose your venue and date (but not time) from a list of options. The number of dates and venues available depends on the location. We confirm exam times after the booking period and when timetables have been finalised.
Percussion, Organ and Harpsichord exams can only take place at a Private Visit as we are unable to offer them at our Public Venues. Find out more about Private Visits.
We have different booking arrangements for the following Public Venue exams:
Paper-based Music Theory exams:
- Grades 6 to 8 only
For Music Theory exams you can choose your venue but not the date as these exams take place on dates set by us.
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Booking periods are usually two weeks long. For the widest choice of dates and venues you need to book early.
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We email applicants (and candidates with an account) to let them know when they can log in to view confirmed exam appointments, including the time for instrumental and singing exams. This usually happens around two weeks after the booking period has closed.
At this point applicants (and candidates with an account) can log in to reschedule an instrumental or singing exam within the same session, if space is available. You can change an appointment up to 48 hours before the exam date.
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Once the booking period has closed and we’ve confirmed the timetables, you may be able to make late bookings for instrumental or singing exams if space is available. However, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to book an exam once the booking period has closed.
We are unable to accept late bookings for Music Theory, Ensemble and Choral Singing exams, and DipABRSM, LRSM and FRSM diplomas.
Step-by-step guide
For detailed booking guidance see our step-by-step guide to booking at Public Venues.