Exam Overview

RSL Awards offers flexible exam formats so candidates and centres can choose what works best for them, while keeping the same standards across Rockschool, RSL Classical and Stageschool.

In Singapore, RSL Event Center currently supports two exam delivery formats:

Face-to-Face Exams

The original exam experience

Candidates take their exam in person at an approved venue in Singapore, observed live by a member of RSL Awards' trained examiner panel.

Subjects & Availability

Face-to-face exams are available across Rockschool and RSL Classical graded music exams (e.g. Piano, Guitar, Drums, Vocals) as well as Stageschool performing arts grades such as Street & Commercial Dance, Jazz Dance and Musical Theatre.

Exam Format & Components

For graded music, candidates normally choose between:

  • Graded Exam – performance pieces plus technical work and supporting tests
  • Performance Certificate – performance-only route

For Stageschool, candidates or groups present the material required at their grade level, assessed on performance, technique and communication in line with the subject specification.

Face-to-face exams suit candidates who want the experience of performing live in the room for an examiner, managing nerves, responding in the moment and delivering their full programme as one real-time performance.

Recorded Digital Exams

pre-record and upload your performance to - Record, upload & submit. Assess digitally

Recorded Digital Exams let candidates pre-record their exam and upload it to RSL's submissions portal, where it is marked by an official examiner to the same graded criteria used worldwide.

Subjects & Availability

Available for Rockschool and RSL Classical graded music exams and Stageschool performing arts grades. This format is especially useful for centres with tight schedules, candidates with heavy school commitments, or groups who prefer to record in their own studio, school or CCA environment.

Exam Format & Options

For graded music, RSL accepts two types of exam via Recorded Digital:

Graded Certificate – performance pieces plus technical work, but no unseen tests (ear tests, sight reading or improvisation)
Performance Certificate – performance-only route with a longer set of pieces and no technical or unseen tests

For Stageschool, Recorded Digital Exams follow the same grade expectations as face-to-face: candidates or groups perform their full programme on video, assessed on the same criteria as live exams.

Recorded Digital Exams give centres and candidates more flexibility while keeping the same RSL standards of fairness, consistency and global recognition.

RSL Awards graded exams follow a clear structure so candidates know what is assessed and how to prepare, across Rockschool, RSL Classical and Stageschool. This is a quick overview. Full details are in each syllabus specification.

Graded Music Exams (Rockschool & RSL Classical)

For Rockschool and RSL Classical instruments (for example Piano, Guitar, Drums, Vocals), practical graded exams normally include three core components:

Performance Pieces

Candidates prepare a set number of pieces from the current Rockschool or RSL Classical grade book, with options for approved Free Choice Pieces where the syllabus allows.

Pieces are marked for accuracy, style, expression and overall musicality.

Technical Work

Scales, arpeggios, technical exercises or studies linked to the grade.

This work supports the pieces and builds core techniques such as tone, control, coordination and fluency.

Unseen Tests

Depending on grade and subject this may include:

  • Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation
  • Quick Study Piece (Grade 6-8)
  • Ear Tests
  • General Musicianship Questions about the pieces, notation and instrument
Together, these elements develop and assess real musicianship, not just the ability to memorise pieces.

Exam Routes for Graded Music

Within this structure, RSL offers several exam routes so candidates can focus on the mix of performance, technique and tests that suits their goals. All routes lead to regulated RSL graded qualifications; the best choice depends on each candidate's learning aims and preferred exam experience.

Graded Exam

Face-to-Face

3 performance pieces
Technical work
Unseen tests: Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation, Quick Study Piece (Grade 6-8), Ear Tests & General Musicianship Questions as set out in each syllabus
This is the most complete assessment of performance, technique and musicianship at each grade.

Performance Certificate

Face-to-Face or Recorded Digital

5 Performance Pieces only (up to 3 Free Choice Pieces)
No technical work or unseen tests
Ideal for candidates who want to focus on building performance programmes and stagecraft.

Graded Certificate

Recorded Digital

3 Performance Pieces (up to 2 Free Choice Pieces)
All required technical work
No unseen tests (no Ear Tests, Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation)
Useful for candidates who want the full performance + technique package in a digital format, without on-the-day unseen tests.

Stageschool Performing Arts Grades

Stageschool graded examinations in Street & Commercial Dance, Jazz Dance and Musical Theatre are group-based performing arts grades, assessed on performance, technique and communication.

At each grade, candidates typically present:

Prepared Performance Material

Choreographed routines, scenes or musical-theatre numbers appropriate to the grade, assessed on timing, musicality, expression, use of space, character and ensemble work.

Technical and Stylistic Work

Core vocabulary and stylistic elements (for example foundations, lines, turns, leaps, stylistic details) embedded in choreography or shown through structured exercises, as specified in each subject syllabus.

Communication and Performance Quality

Focus on storytelling, stage presence, connection with audience and ability to work as part of a group or cast.

Performances are often taken as groups or ensembles, but each candidate receives an individual result based on their contribution within the performance.

Stageschool Entry Format

Depending on the subject and centre, candidates can be entered as:

Solo

One performer assessed on their own performance.

Duo / Trio

Two or three performers assessed together on blend, interaction and shared storytelling.

Ensemble (4+)

Larger groups assessed on overall staging, teamwork and performance energy, with individual results awarded to each candidate.

All formats follow the same grade content and assessment criteria; the entry format simply reflects how candidates train and perform in class, CCAs and productions.

Grade Levels and Progression

Across Rockschool, RSL Classical and Stageschool, exams follow a consistent graded pathway:

Premiere / Debut / Entry Levels

First steps into the exam system, building confidence and basic skills.

Grades 1–5

Solid technique, repertoire and musical / performance literacy.

Grades 6–8

Advanced work that prepares candidates for higher education, auditions and more intensive training, with UCAS tariff points available for many Level 3 graded exams.

Marking schemes, pass bands and unit structures (including guided learning hours and credit values) are explained in each syllabus specification and in the Credits section.

One of the biggest advantages of Rockschool and RSL Classical graded music exams is the option to use Free Choice Pieces (FCPs) – music outside the current grade book that still meets RSL's criteria. This lets candidates bring in songs and pieces they already love, while earning a fully regulated qualification.

What are Free Choice Pieces?

In graded music exams, every performance piece falls into one of four categories:

1

Benchmarked Repertoire

Set pieces from the grade book

2

Adapted Repertoire

Grade-book pieces performed with a different (but comparable) arrangement or backing

3

Accredited Free Choice Pieces

Pre-approved pieces from RSL's wider repertoire lists or other recognised sources

4

Non-accredited Free Choice Pieces

Other suitable pieces chosen by the teacher or candidate (including original compositions), checked for level in the exam itself

How many Free Choice Pieces can I use?

The exact allowance depends on exam type and subject, but in most syllabuses:

Graded Exams / Graded Certificates – up to 2 Free Choice Pieces (with at least one piece from the current grade book)
Performance Certificates – up to 3 Free Choice Pieces, with a minimum number from the grade book
Full details and any subject-specific differences are listed in each syllabus specification.

What can count as a Free Choice Piece?

Subject to the syllabus rules and level, Free Choice Pieces may be drawn from:

  • Pieces from earlier RSL syllabuses
  • Pieces from other regulated exam boards at a comparable or higher grade
  • Suitable repertoire from commercial songbooks or play-along books
  • Original compositions
Important: All Free Choice Pieces must be comparable in technical and musical demand to the set-grade pieces. If a piece is too easy, it may limit the mark that can be awarded.

Accompaniment, Sheet Music and Backing Tracks

For graded music exams (face-to-face and Recorded Digital):

Sheet Music: Candidates must provide fully notated sheet music for each Free Choice Piece, plus a copy for the examiner where required.
Performance Options: Free Choice Pieces may be performed to a backing track (without the examined part included), with live accompaniment, or as a solo (where appropriate to the style).
Submission: Backing tracks and sheet music are uploaded or brought to the exam according to the exam format guidelines.

Guidance Downloads

Download the Free Choice Piece guidance for your instrument:

RSL Classical Piano Free Choice Piece Guidance RSL Classical Violin Free Choice Piece Guidance RSL Classical Guitar Free Choice Piece Guidance Rockschool Piano & Keys Free Choice Piece Guidance Rockschool Acoustic Guitar Free Choice Piece Guidance Rockschool Electric Guitar Free Choice Piece Guidance Rockschool Ukulele Free Choice Piece Guidance Rockschool Drums Free Choice Piece Guidance Rockschool Vocals Free Choice Piece Guidance Rockschool Bass Free Choice Piece Guidance

UCAS Tariff Points

RSL Awards' qualifications aid progression into Higher Education. This page explains what UCAS is, what UCAS points are, and the UCAS points available at Level 3 (Grades 6–8) across graded music and performing arts.

What is UCAS?

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UCAS (Universities & Colleges Admissions Service) is the service for applications to almost all full-time undergraduate degree programmes at UK universities and colleges.

What are UCAS Tariff points?

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UCAS tariff points translate qualifications and grades into a numerical value that some universities use in entry requirements. Universities set their own requirements and may decide how they apply tariff points.

Graded Music (Rockschool & RSL Classical) — UCAS points

UCAS points are available at Grades 6–8 (Level 3) for Rockschool and RSL Classical subjects (e.g. Guitar, Drums, Vocals, Piano/Keys, Ukulele, Music Production, Music Theory; and RSL Classical Piano/Violin/Guitar).

Instrument Music Grades (including Music Production)

Applies to Grade Exam, Graded Certificate & Performance Certificate.

Rockschool / RSL Classical

Grade Pass Merit Distinction
Grade 6 8 points 10 points 12 points
Grade 7 12 points 14 points 16 points
Grade 8 18 points 24 points 30 points

Music Theory

Grade Pass Merit Distinction
Grade 6 4 points 5 points 6 points
Grade 7 6 points 7 points 8 points
Grade 8 8 points 9 points 10 points

Important note (multiple exams)

Where a candidate has taken more than one exam in one instrument, they can only put forward the exam which gave them the highest number of points. Where points are awarded for graded exams in different instruments, these can be accumulated, but it is the decision of the university or college whether they accept both sets of points.

Stageschool Performing Arts Grades — UCAS points (Grades 6–8)

Stageschool Level 3 (Grades 6–8) examinations carry UCAS points.

Musical Theatre / Acting / Screen Acting / Public Speaking

Grade Pass Merit Distinction
Grade 6 8 points 10 points 12 points
Grade 7 12 points 14 points 16 points
Grade 8 24 points 27 points 30 points

Dance Exams

Grade Pass Merit Distinction
Grade 6 8 points 10 points 12 points
Grade 7 12 points 14 points 16 points
Grade 8 16 points 18 points 20 points

Important note (multiple exams)

Where a candidate has taken more than one exam, they can only put forward the exam which gave them the highest number of points.

Singapore note

UCAS points are most relevant for candidates applying to UK pathways. Always check each course's entry requirements and how that provider uses the UCAS Tariff.