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Supported Exam Boards and Grades

Clefora supports seven internationally recognised music exam boards. When you create an exam entry for a student, you select the board and grade from the lists below.

BoardFull NameHeadquartersGrades
ABRSMAssociated Board of the Royal Schools of MusicUnited KingdomPrep Test, Initial, 1–8, ARSM, DipABRSM, LRSM, FRSM
TrinityTrinity College LondonUnited KingdomInitial, 1–8, ATCL, LTCL, FTCL
RSLRSL Awards (Rockschool)United KingdomInitial, 1–8
RCMRoyal Conservatory of MusicCanadaPreparatory, 1–10, ARCT
LCMLondon College of MusicUnited KingdomInitial, 1–8, DipLCM, ALCM, LLCM, FLCM
MTBMusic Teachers’ BoardUnited Kingdom1–8
AMEBAustralian Music Examinations BoardAustraliaPreliminary, 1–8, CT, LMusA, AMusA, FMusA

The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music is one of the largest music exam providers globally, operating in over 90 countries.

  • Grade structure: Prep Test (introductory, no pass/fail) → Initial Grade → Grades 1–8 → Performance diplomas (ARSM, DipABRSM, LRSM, FRSM)
  • Exam components: Pieces (usually three), scales and arpeggios, sight-reading, aural tests
  • Available for: All instruments supported in Clefora
  • Website: abrsm.org

Trinity offers graded exams, diplomas, and certificate programmes in music performance and theory.

  • Grade structure: Initial → Grades 1–8 → Diplomas (ATCL, LTCL, FTCL)
  • Exam components: Pieces (usually three), technical work, supporting tests (sight-reading, aural, improvisation, or musical knowledge)
  • Available for: All instruments supported in Clefora
  • Website: trinitycollege.com

RSL specialises in contemporary music styles including rock, pop, jazz, and electronic music.

  • Grade structure: Initial → Grades 1–8
  • Exam components: Pieces (usually three), technical exercises, supporting tests (sight-reading, ear tests, general musicianship questions)
  • Available for: Guitar, Bass, Drums/Percussion, Keyboard, Voice/Singing, Ukulele
  • Website: rslawards.com

Canada’s premier music education institution, with exams recognised across North America.

  • Grade structure: Preparatory → Grades 1–10 → ARCT (Associate diploma)
  • Exam components: Repertoire, technical requirements, ear tests, sight-reading
  • Available for: All instruments supported in Clefora
  • Website: rcmusic.com

Part of the University of West London, LCM offers graded exams and diplomas.

  • Grade structure: Initial → Grades 1–8 → Diplomas (DipLCM, ALCM, LLCM, FLCM)
  • Exam components: Pieces, technical work, aural and sight-reading tests
  • Available for: All instruments supported in Clefora
  • Website: uwl.ac.uk/lcm

A newer board offering a modern, flexible approach to graded music exams.

  • Grade structure: Grades 1–8
  • Exam components: Pieces, technical work, musicianship tests
  • Available for: Piano, Guitar, Violin, Voice/Singing, Drums/Percussion
  • Website: mtb.org.uk

The Australian Music Examinations Board serves Australia and has reciprocal recognition in several countries.

  • Grade structure: Preliminary → Grades 1–8 → CT (Certificate of Teaching) → Diplomas (AMusA, LMusA, FMusA)
  • Exam components: Pieces (usually three or four), technical work, sight-reading, aural tests
  • Available for: All instruments supported in Clefora
  • Website: ameb.edu.au