Exam Dates and Deadlines

All RCM exams are currently being held online. Please consult with your teacher before registering for exams.

Exam Registration

Exams occur four times in the year: January, April, June, and August. In addition, exams may be taken on the remaining months at the RCM Conservatory location downtown. Please plan to register as early as possible. Online exam registration normally begins 3 to 4 months before the exam date. If you miss the exam registration deadline, you can still register through letter, though you will incur a late fee.

How to Register: Please register at the RCM website using my teacher number: 65111. You may choose the location that is closest to you and the time and date that is most convenient for you (suggested time is after school, around 4pm). Note that theory exams normally happen one month before the practical exams (Ex. May theory, June practical). If you have trouble with the registration, please contact the teacher.

Registration tutorial: exam-registration-tutorial.pdf

Certificate Requirements

Students that complete the corresponding practical and theory exams for each level are eligible for an RCM certificate. See the chart below for prerequisite exams.

Level Practical Exams Required Theory Exams Required
Preparatory A Piano Preparatory A Practical None
Preparatory B Piano Preparatory B Practical None
Level 1 Piano Level 1 Practical None
Level 2 Piano Level 2 Practical None
Level 3 Piano Level 3 Practical None
Level 4 Piano Level 4 Practical None
Level 5 Piano Level 5 Practical Level 5 Theory
Level 6 Piano Level 6 Practical Level 6 Theory
Level 7 Piano Level 7 Practical Level 7 Theory
Level 8 Piano Level 8 Practical Level 8 Theory
Level 9 Piano Level 9 Practical Level 8 Theory
Level 9 History
Level 9 Harmony OR Keyboard Harmony
Level 10 Piano Level 10 Practical Level 8 Theory
Level 9 History
Level 9 Harmony OR Keyboard Harmony
Level 10 History
Level 10 Harmony & Counterpoint OR Level 10 Keyboard Harmony
ARCT Performer's Level 10 Practical
ARCT Performer's Practical		 Level 8 Theory
Level 9 History
Level 9 Harmony OR Keyboard Harmony
Level 10 History
Level 10 Harmony & Counterpoint OR Level 10 Keyboard Harmony
ARCT History
ARCT Harmony & Counterpoint OR Keyboard Harmony
ARCT Analysis

Secondary School Accreditation

Students can receive a secondary school credit for completing level 7 or level 8 piano:

RCM Exams Required Credit Received Mark Calculation
Level 7 Practical + Level 6 OR Level 7 Theory Grade 11 Average of Practical and Theory Exams
Level 8 Practical + Level 8 Theory Grade 12 Average of Practical and Theory Exams
Source: http://edu.gov.on.ca/eng/policyfunding/memos/oct2011/appendix4.pdf

Theory

Level 5 to Level 8 theory instruction is offered. Normally an extra 30-minute theory class is added to each weekly practical lesson. For level 9 theory or higher, you can enroll in one of various group classes offered at local music schools. Suggested schools include: Pro-Music and The Esch Music Academy.

Students who pass the required theory exams for each level will receive an RCM certificate based on the following chart:

Level Theory Exams Required
Level 5 Theory Level 5 Theory
Level 6 Theory Level 6 Theory
Level 7 Theory Level 7 Theory
Level 8 Theory Level 8 Theory
Level 9 Theory Level 9 History
Level 9 Harmony OR Keyboard Harmony
Level 10 Theory Level 10 History
Level 10 Harmony & Counterpoint OR Level 10 Keyboard Harmony
ARCT Theory ARCT History
ARCT Harmony & Counterpoint OR Keyboard Harmony
ARCT Analysis

Recordings

RCM pieces from the repertoire and etude books have been recorded by RCM artists. To request the recording links, please fill in the contact form.

Cadences

Cadences are required for RCM levels 5 and up. They are to be played at the end of tonic triads or four-note chord exercises. Below are cadences for each level, either with or without key signatures. The charts are freely distributable for personal use only. Any alterations thereof are not permitted.

Level Cadence with Key Signature Cadence with Accidentals
Level 5 Level 5 Cadences with Key Signatures Level 5 Cadences with Accidentals
Level 6 Level 6 Cadences with Key Signatures Level 6 Cadences with Accidentals
Level 7 Level 7 Cadences with Key Signatures Level 7 Cadences with Accidentals
Level 8 Level 8 Cadences with Key Signatures Level 8 Cadences with Accidentals
Level 9 Level 9 Cadences with Key Signatures Level 9 Cadences with Accidentals
Level 10 Level 10 Cadences with Key Signatures Level 10 Cadences with Accidentals

Technical Charts

Coming Soon.

Technical Tests Books

Coming Soon.