The RCM Level 8 piano exam asks for four pieces, two etudes, scales and arpeggios over four octaves, ear tests, and sight reading. It is the last intermediate level. The fourth piece and the four-octave technique are the big steps up from Level 7. The comprehensive certificate also needs Level 8 Theory. The pass mark is 60 out of 100.
The marks
| Part of the exam | Marks |
|---|---|
| Repertoire: List A | 12 |
| Repertoire: List B | 14 |
| Repertoire: List C | 12 |
| Repertoire: List D | 12 |
| Repertoire: memory | 6 |
| Etudes | 12 |
| Technical tests | 12 |
| Ear tests | 10 |
| Sight reading | 10 |
| Total | 100 |
A mark of 60 passes, 70 earns Honors, and 80 earns First Class Honors. See RCM exam marks explained.
The pieces
The student plays four pieces, one from each list. Here are a few of the choices.
List A: Baroque
- Bach, Invention No. 13 in A Minor
- Bach, Invention No. 14 in B-flat Major
- Scarlatti, Sonata in F Minor, K. 185
List B: Classical
- Mozart, Sonata in C Major, K. 545, first movement
- Beethoven, Sonata in G Minor, Op. 49, No. 1, first movement
List C: Romantic
- Chopin, Waltz in B Minor, Op. 69, No. 2
- Schumann, “Knecht Ruprecht”
- Mendelssohn, Song without Words, Op. 38, No. 4
List D: Post-Romantic, 20th-century, and 21st-century
- Debussy, “The Little Shepherd”
- Sibelius, “The Spruce”
- Harry T. Burleigh, “Through Moanin’ Pines”
Mozart listed his Sonata in C Major, K. 545, as a sonata for beginners. Read Mozart for kids.
Each piece played from memory earns 1.5 marks, for a total of 6.
Canadian composers on Level 8 List D include Oscar Peterson, Larysa Kuzmenko, Alexina Louie, Ann Southam, and Jean Coulthard.
RCM prints a repertoire book and an etudes book for each level in its Celebration Series. The syllabus marks the pieces that are in those books and lists others that a teacher may choose.
The etudes
Two etudes that train different skills. Examples on the list are “The Storm” by Burgmüller and “Village Joke” by Bartók. A student may replace one etude with a piece from RCM’s Popular Selection List.
The technical tests
The examiner asks for a selection of these, from memory.
- Scales in C, D, E, B-flat, E-flat, and G-flat major and in C, D, E, B-flat, E-flat, and F-sharp minor, hands together, over four octaves.
- Formula patterns over four octaves.
- Chromatic scales, hands together, two octaves.
- Four-note chords, broken, hands together.
- Dominant 7th and diminished 7th chords, hands together, broken and solid.
- Arpeggios of the tonic triad, the dominant 7th, and the diminished 7th, hands together, over four octaves.
The syllabus sets a metronome speed for each pattern. Ask the teacher for the speeds.
The ear tests
- Intervals. All of the Level 7 intervals, plus the augmented 4th, which is also called the diminished 5th.
- Chords. Major, minor, and augmented triads, the dominant 7th, and the diminished 7th.
- Chord progressions. Four chords in a major or a minor key. The examiner plays them twice and pauses on each chord the second time, and the student names each one.
- Playback. A tune of up to eleven notes.
The 10 marks are split like this: intervals 2, chords 2, chord progressions 2, playback 4. See RCM ear tests explained.
Sight reading
- Rhythm. A four-measure rhythm.
- Playing. A passage of eight to twelve measures, about as hard as a Level 5 piece, with up to four sharps or flats.
Rhythm is worth 3 marks, and playing is worth 7. See how to practice sight reading at home.
Theory
Level 8 Theory, for the comprehensive certificate. This exam is also needed later for Levels 9 and 10.
What is new since Level 7
- A fourth piece
- Lists for four periods of music
- Scales and arpeggios over four octaves
- Twelve keys
- Four-chord progressions in the ear tests
How a parent can help
- Ask the teacher how many months the program will take, and plan the year around it
- Check high school credit rules. In many provinces, Level 8 with Level 8 Theory counts for a Grade 12 credit
- Arrange two or three chances to play the whole program for listeners
- Watch the total practice time. See how long kids should practice each day
Before you register
RCM can change its requirements. Confirm the pieces, the keys, and the dates with your child’s teacher. For the weeks before the exam, read how to prepare for an RCM practical exam. For the day itself, read RCM exam day: what to expect.
Other levels
Read about Level 7 and Level 9. For the whole ladder, see RCM levels explained and the RCM certificate requirements tool.
Sources
Checked in November 2026.
- The Royal Conservatory. Piano Syllabus, 2022 Edition.
- Joy Morin, Color in My Piano. Technical requirements charts for the 2022 syllabus, used to cross-check the keys.
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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.