How do I enter for an exam?

Download the relevant entry form and send it to your local AMEB state office.

Can I photocopy the music?

Our exam music is copyrighted and may not be copied without permission from Rockschool. However, candidates may photocopy any music you are going to play in the exam to eliminate page turns. The photocopied music will be taken by the examiner at the end of the exam.

How much does an exam cost?

The price of an exam varies depending on which grade the candidate is taking. View the exam prices.

I am sharing/borrowing a book for practice purposes- do I need my own for the exam?

Yes. Every candidate is required to have their own book for the exam. This can be digital or hard copy. View our online shop.

When do the exams take place?

The exams are held over three sessions per year. View the exam periods and closing dates.

Can I arrange my own exam date?

No. We work very hard to always offer every candidate the most convenient date, time and location for your exam. Candidates can help us with this by providing the dates they are unavailable which can be input when entering online.

On what days of the week and at what times are Rockschool examinations held?

Exams are held 7 days a week. Please note that this includes school days, weekends and school holidays during the exam periods.

I have missed the entry deadline- can I still apply?

Yes, but please be aware that you may be charged a non-refundable late entry fee you select an exam period after it has commenced. If you do select an exam period which has commenced we will try our best to enrol you onto it, but can’t offer any guarantees.

Who should I contact if I need to make changes to my exam?

You should always contact your local AMEB state office to make any changes to exams. Changes to exam dates may incur a fee.

How much notice do I get before an exam?

We aim to give a minimum of four weeks’ notice before an exam. If candidates haven’t received confirmation from us four weeks before the end of the exam period then please email your local AMEB state office as a matter of urgency.

Can I change the exam date or time after it’s been confirmed?

Candidates must tell us any date(s) they are unavailable for when they enter online. Changing an exam date when it has been confirmed is very difficult and may incur a fee. Under extenuating circumstances we will try to alter the date but this can’t be guaranteed. Candidates must contact their AMEB state office directly.

Any changes to an exam date or time after it has been scheduled may incur a sliding scale of fees.

Deferring an exam to the next period may incur a fee.

Where do the exams take place?

Exams take place at a venue organised by your local AMEB state office.

Are there any provisions for candidates with special educational needs?

Yes. Candidates can contact their local AMEB state office for special exam provisions. We will do everything we can to support the candidate.

I am not ready to take my exam, can I defer it?

Yes, candidates can defer their exam to the next exam session for a fee, and if you inform us in advance of scheduling your date you can defer it for free. Candidates must inform their state office prior to the exam taking place to be eligible for this.

How do I know if I am ready for my exam?

We advise that before entering an exam the candidate should be confident and proficient in everything contained in their syllabus book and always talk to their teacher. We advise self taught candidates to have a few lessons with a teacher to check if they are ready.

Do I need to have taken a theory exam, to sit a Rockschool practical exam?

No. We do not require candidates to take a theory exam before doing a Rockschool exam.

Do I need to start from the beginning (entry level) or can I go in at any level, for example: grade 5?

Candidates can take a Rockschool exam at any grade without having taken the grade before or an equivalent exam. We do assume that if a candidate starts at any level other than Entry Level 2/3 or Grade 1, then they are proficient in the techniques and skills required at the lower grades. Check the syllabus guide and talk to a teacher before entering an exam.

What are Free Choice pieces/Free Choice elements?

A free choice piece is the alternative to playing a song from the grade books. Each Grade (except Debut and Premiere) has two free choice options. Performance Certificates (except Debut and Premiere) have three free choice options. Candidates can perform either:

• their own composition
• songs in the public domain, including hits from the charts. For example, a song by their favourite band or artist.
• pieces from other accredited exam boards
• a piece from our Hot Rock series

The piece must conform to the free choice criteria which can be found here. Free Choice Pieces do not have to be approved in advance for any instrument, but if you are unsure about the eligibility of your piece please email a copy of the score complete with your notated part to rockschool@ameb.edu.au.

Please note: all Free Choice Pieces must be performed with a backing track that doesn’t include your instrument’s part.

I need some advice on the technical aspects of the exams. What should I do?

We have companion guides for Guitar, Bass, Drums, Band Based Keys and Vocals. We also have Technical Companions for Guitar, Bass and Drums which give extra support and guidance for teachers and candidates on the technical sides of the exam. These publications are available as digital downloads here.

The syllabus guide for each instrument has a breakdown of the technical requirements for each grade. You can also email rockschool@ameb.edu.au and your questions will be answered by our Syllabus Adviser.

Do I need to bring my syllabus book to the exam?

Yes, you will need the book to be signed or the download code noted by the examiner.

What equipment do I need to bring?

The centre will provide backline equipment for your exam i.e. amplifiers and drum kit.

• Guitar and Bass candidates must bring their own instrument and leads and we recommend bringing spare strings. If the candidate is using effects then we suggest you use batteries, where possible.
• Drum candidates must bring their own sticks. For grades 6, 7 and 8, drummers can also bring their own cymbals, hi hats or entire kit. If the candidate wants to bring their own kit, they must notify Rockschool when they enter the exam. Drummers who wish to play electric kit will be required to provide the kit regardless of grade taken. Exam centres will provide an acoustic kit as standard.
• Vocal candidates must bring their own microphones from Grade 4 upwards.

Will I have to perform my pieces from memory?

No, Rockschool doesn’t require any of its exam candidates to learn from memory currently.

Will the centre have a practice room?

Rockschool endeavours to have practice rooms in all of its centres but it is not guaranteed. Please refer to our centre list for a full list of facilities available.

Can I use photocopied sheets for my free choice piece?

Candidates must bring two copies of music for the free choice piece; an original copy of the tune for the performance and a second copy (photocopy) for the examiner.

What if I’m ill at the time of my exam?

The candidate must contact Rockschool as soon as they know they will not be able to take the exam. We will defer your exam to the next period upon receipt of a doctor’s or hospital note.

When will I get my exam results and certificate?

Typically, you should expect to see your exam results within 1-2 weeks of sitting your exam.

Certificates are subject to approval by the regulatory body Ofqual in the UK, which happens once each month, so can take a little longer. Enrollers and teachers can now expect to receive their students’ certificates 5-7 weeks after the exam date.

If you haven’t received a result or certificate beyond these timeframes, please contact your state office for more information.

I’ve lost my certificate. Can I get a replacement?

Yes. Please contact your state office to request a replacement certificate. Replacement certificates may incur a fee.

The name is incorrectly spelt on the certificate. Can I get a replacement?

Certificates will have the spelling of the name as it is entered during the online entry process. If we have made an error we will replace it.

If the name on certificate supplied is found to be incorrect please contact your state office.

Any errors can be amended in the time between issuing the initial letter and confirmation of the exam date.

How do I make an appeal?

RSL/AMEB operate a full appeals process. Contact your state office should you wish to make an appeal.