In most Canadian provinces, a student can earn high school music credit for RCM exams. The usual pattern for piano, strings, voice, and guitar is Level 6 with Level 6 Theory for Grade 10, Level 7 with Level 7 Theory for Grade 11, and Level 8 with Level 8 Theory for Grade 12. Ontario starts at Level 7. A few provinces use a challenge process in place of a fixed list.
This page follows the list The Royal Conservatory publishes. RCM says the rules can change and that each province’s education ministry has the final word. Confirm with your school before you count on a credit.
The list for piano, strings, voice, and guitar
Each entry needs both the practical exam and the theory exam named.
| Province or territory | Grade 10 | Grade 11 | Grade 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Level 6 and Level 6 Theory | Level 7 and Level 7 Theory | Level 8 and Level 8 Theory |
| British Columbia | Level 6 and Level 6 Theory | Level 7 and Level 7 Theory | Level 8 and Level 8 Theory |
| Manitoba | Level 6 and Level 6 Theory | Level 7 and Level 7 Theory | Level 8 and Level 8 Theory |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Level 6 and Level 6 or 7 Theory | Level 8 and Level 8 Theory | |
| Nova Scotia | Level 6 and Level 6 Theory | Level 7 and Level 7 Theory | Level 8 and Level 8 Theory |
| Ontario | Level 7 and Level 7 Theory | Level 8 and Level 8 Theory | |
| Prince Edward Island | Level 6 and Level 6 Theory | Level 7 and Level 7 Theory | Level 8 and Level 8 Theory |
| Saskatchewan | Level 6 and Level 6 Theory | Level 7 and Level 7 Theory | Level 8 and Level 8 Theory |
| Yukon | Level 6 and Level 6 Theory | Level 7 and Level 7 Theory | Level 8 and Level 8 Theory |
Notes by province
Alberta. Woodwind, brass, percussion, recorder, and harp students qualify at lower practical levels: Level 4 with Level 6 Theory for Grade 10, and Level 6 with Level 6 Theory for Grade 11. RCM marks appear in the private music section of the transcript.
British Columbia and Yukon. Level 9 with Level 9 Harmony, and Level 10 with Level 10 Harmony and Counterpoint, each count for a Grade 12 credit as well. A second credit at each grade is possible on an instrument from a different category.
Manitoba. Level 5 with Level 5 Theory counts for a Grade 9 credit. Woodwind, brass, percussion, recorder, and harp students qualify at lower practical levels.
New Brunswick. There is no fixed list. A student with a strong music background can apply to challenge a Grade 11 or Grade 12 music course for credit. The limit is two challenge credits. The student applies in writing to the principal.
Nova Scotia. RCM results are used in the challenge for credit process. The student talks to the school guidance counsellor.
Ontario. Level 7 with Level 7 Theory counts for one Grade 11 music credit at most. Level 8 with Level 8 Theory counts for one Grade 12 music credit at most. Both go toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan. Brass, woodwind, and percussion students qualify at lower practical levels for Grades 10 and 11.
Quebec. The level is flexible. Students receive credit for completed practical and theory exams in Secondary IV or Secondary V.
Northwest Territories and Nunavut. RCM’s page lists Level 6, 7, and 8 Theory for Grades 10, 11, and 12. Ask the school how the practical exam is counted.
How to claim the credit
- Tell the school counsellor early, a year ahead if possible.
- Ask which exams the school accepts and what proof it needs.
- Take both the practical exam and the theory exam. One without the other does not count on this list.
- Give the school the official RCM results.
What this means for planning
The theory exam is the part families miss. A student who passes Level 8 piano in Grade 11 and has not written Level 8 Theory has no Grade 12 credit yet. RCM theory requirements by level shows which theory exam goes with each level.
Work back from the grade. A student who wants the Grade 12 credit needs Level 8 and Level 8 Theory done in time for the school’s deadline.
Students in the United States
RCM says school systems in the United States may consider its exams for credit, and it offers a support document for school officials. Ask your school or district. For the rest of the picture, read RCM in the United States.
To see what each level asks for, use the RCM certificate requirements tool. For the whole ladder, read RCM levels explained.
Sources: The Royal Conservatory, High School Credits, Canada and High School Credits, US, checked in November 2026.
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Use it with your kids
Print a listening page, a practice chart, or a composer fact sheet. Or try a tool, such as the composer timeline or the piece picker.