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Taking ABRSM Online Music Theory Exams
The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) has transitioned its Music Theory exams for Grades 1 to 5 to a convenient, on-demand online format, permanently replacing the traditional paper-based exams. This guide provides aspiring musicians with everything they need to register, prepare, and sit for the ABRSM online music theory exam from the comfort of their home.
Technical Requirements (System Check)
The exam is remotely invigilated, requiring specific hardware and system checks:
Computer: A Windows (10/11 64bit) or Mac (OS 11, 12, or 13) computer with a minimum of 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended). You must have admin rights to download and install the required PSI RPNow software.
Internet Connection: A stable connection is essential. You should use the PSI RPNow System Check and Twilio Video Diagnostics App beforehand.
Webcam and Microphone: A functional webcam (min. 640 x 480 resolution) and microphone (in-built or external) are required. The webcam must allow for a 360-degree room scan during setup, though you can use a phone/camera recording played back to the webcam if a continuous 360 scan isn’t possible directly.
Monitor: Only one monitor is allowed.
How to Register for the Exam
The ABRSM online theory exam is available on-demand, meaning candidates can take it at any time and place within 28 days of their booking date.
Create an ABRSM Account: The exam must be booked by an applicant who is 18 years or older. This could be the candidate, a parent, or a teacher. If you don’t have one, register an account on the ABRSM website.
Book the Exam:
Log in to your account and click ‘Public Venue Booking’ (or similar option).
Select ‘Music Theory exams’ and ‘Assessment Type – Online’.
Choose the required Grade (1-5) and select an exam region/date (even though it’s on-demand, you must choose a date/time to secure the entry).
Provide Candidate Details: Enter the candidate’s information, including date of birth and an accurate email address. The candidate’s email is crucial for receiving the exam login details.
Confirm and Pay: Review the summary and proceed to payment (usually via card or PayPal). You will receive an email confirmation shortly after.
How to Sit for the Exam (The Examination Day)
The process of taking the online theory exam involves mandatory pre-exam setup, the exam itself, and post-exam formalities.
1. Pre-Exam Setup
You have three hours from clicking ‘start Music Theory exam’ to complete the pre-exam checks and the exam.
Launch Software: Log in to your ABRSM account and click ‘start Music Theory exam’ to launch and install the RPNow exam software.
Pre-Exam Checks: Follow the on-screen prompts for ID verification, checking your internet connection, and ensuring your environment is suitable.
The Room Scan: Use your webcam (or recorded playback shown to your webcam) to perform a 360-degree scan of the exam room. The room must be clear of any musical notation, books, or devices other than the exam computer.
Permitted Items: You can have clear, transparent container of water/drinks. A single sheet of blank, plain paper for rough work is generally allowed, but you must be prepared to show it to the camera before and after the exam.
2. During the Exam
The exam duration is 1.5 hours (90 minutes) for Grades 1-5.
A timer will show the time remaining.
The exam is multiple-choice and interactive. Avoid guessing, and ensure you read the full question, checking for specific requirements (e.g., ascending/descending scales, use of accidentals/key signatures).
Toilet Break: You are allowed one five-minute toilet break. You must verbally announce “I am taking a toilet break” to the camera before leaving.
Stay Focused: Do not access the internet or communicate with anyone other than the responsible adult for technical help; attempting to do so will result in the system shutting down.
3. Post-Exam
Once finished, you must tear up any rough paper used in front of the camera before closing the exam window.
Results are typically released 28 days after the exam.
If you’re still unsure of the steps outlined above, we are happy to provide the services to register the exam for you, after which you’ll be invited to sit for the exam at our premise where the computer will be setup for you as well.
Reach out to us if you need help.