RCM vs ABRSM: how the two music exam systems compare

RCM and ABRSM are two of the largest graded music exam systems. RCM is The Royal Conservatory of Music, based in Toronto, and its exams are used across Canada and the United States. ABRSM is based in the United Kingdom, and its exams are taken in many countries. Both set a ladder of levels, and both test pieces and musicianship. For most families, the choice comes down to where they live and which system the teacher uses.

The ladders

	RCM	ABRSM
Before the main ladder	Preparatory A and B	Prep Test and Initial Grade
Main ladder	Levels 1 to 10	Grades 1 to 8
After the ladder	ARCT diploma	Diplomas

The two ladders do not match step for step. RCM has ten levels before its diploma, and ABRSM has eight grades. A teacher who knows both can say where a student would fit in the other system.

The marks

	RCM	ABRSM
Marked out of	100	150
Pass	60	100
Next standing	Honors, 70	Merit, 120
Higher	First Class Honors, 80	Distinction, 130
Highest	First Class Honors with Distinction, 90

What happens in the exam

RCM practical exam. The student plays pieces from set lists, plus etudes from Level 1 up. Then come technical tests such as scales and chords, ear tests, and sight reading. In piano exams up to Level 8, some of the marks are for playing the pieces from memory.

ABRSM Practical Grade. The student plays three pieces. Then come scales and arpeggios, sight-reading, and aural tests, which are listening tests.

ABRSM Performance Grade. The student records a program of pieces on video and sends it in. There are no scales, sight-reading, or aural tests.

RCM also offers remote practical exams by video call.

How the marks are shared out

In the RCM Level 1 piano exam, the pieces carry 56 marks out of 100, technical work carries 24, ear tests 10, and sight reading 10.

In an ABRSM Practical Grade, the three pieces carry 90 marks out of 150, scales and arpeggios 21, sight-reading 21, and aural tests 18.

In both systems, the pieces are worth a little over half.

The theory rules

RCM. Written theory exams start to count at Level 5. From there, a student needs the matching theory exam to earn the full certificate for each level. Levels 9 and 10 add harmony and history. See RCM theory requirements by level.

ABRSM. A student can take Grades 1 to 5 with no theory exam. Before entering Grade 6, 7, or 8, a student must pass Grade 5 in Music Theory or in one of two other listed subjects. See ABRSM grades explained.

The words differ

RCM uses North American note names: whole note, half note, quarter note. ABRSM uses British names: semibreve, minim, crotchet. A child who moves from one system to the other needs a little time to learn the new words. Note values explained lists both sets.

School credit

In Canada, RCM results can count toward high school credit in most provinces. RCM high school credits by province has the list. Ask your school what it accepts from any other exam system.

How to choose

Follow the teacher. A teacher who knows one system well will prepare a student better in that system.

Follow the map. In Canada and the United States, RCM exam centers and teachers are easier to find. In the United Kingdom and many other countries, ABRSM is the common choice.

Think about a move. Families who expect to move abroad may prefer the system used where they are going.

Think about the child. A child who dislikes scales and listening tests may prefer an ABRSM Performance Grade. A child who needs all-round skills is well served by a full practical exam in either system.

Can a student switch?

Yes. Neither system requires a pass at one level before the next, apart from the theory rules above. A student can enter at the level that fits.

Other systems

Trinity College London, Conservatory Canada, and several state programs in the United States run graded exams too. California has Certificate of Merit, and New York has the NYSSMA festivals. The guide to music exams gives an overview, and should my child take music exams helps with the first question.