Examination Terms & Conditions

(ABRSM & London College of Music – LCM)

These terms apply to all students entered for external music examinations through Piano Keys to Success. This includes, but is not limited to, ABRSM and London College of Music (LCM). By proceeding with exam preparation and/or exam entry, you agree to the following conditions.

1. Exam Boards & Governing Regulations

All graded music examinations are administered by independent awarding bodies, including:

  • Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM)
  • London College of Music (LCM / LCM Examinations)

All examinations are subject to the terms, regulations, procedures, and examiner allocation policies of the relevant examination board. Piano Keys to Success has no control over examiner assignment, marking, moderation, or results.

Students and parents are responsible for knowing the complete and up-to-date regulations. These are published on the official examination board websites.

2. Exam Entry & Fees

  • Examination fees are set by the examination boards, not by the teacher.
  • Once an exam has been entered with ABRSM or LCM, the fee is non-refundable.
  • If a candidate is unable to attend the exam for any reason, including illness, scheduling conflicts, or personal circumstances, they will forfeit the exam fee. This is in accordance with ABRSM and LCM policies.
  • Exam dates are allocated by the examination board. Specific dates or times cannot be guaranteed.

3. Examiner Allocation & Exam Scheduling

  • All exams are subject to examiner allocation and availability, determined solely by the examination board.
  • Examination dates, times, and formats may be changed by the board at short notice.
  • Piano Keys to Success cannot influence examiner assignment or rescheduling decisions.

4. Candidate Readiness & Practice Requirements

To ensure candidates are entered appropriately and in line with professional standards, the following minimum practice expectations apply:

  • Prep Test – Grade 5:
    Minimum 15 minutes per day, at least 5 days per week
  • Grades 5–6:
    Minimum 30–45 minutes per day
  • Grades 7–8:
    Minimum 60 minutes per day

Failure to maintain appropriate practice levels may result in:

  • Recommendation to delay exam entry
  • Withdrawal from an exam entry where readiness is not met

The teacher’s professional judgement regarding readiness is final.

5. Recorded / Performance-Based Exams

Where exams are offered in recorded or digital format, the following applies:

  • Recorded exams must fully comply with ABRSM or LCM recorded exam regulations, including (but not limited to):
    • Candidate’s face clearly visible at all times
    • Correct camera positioning and framing
    • No editing or audio manipulation
    • Correct programme order and announcements (where required)
  • Recorded exams may be transferred from in-person formats only where permitted by the examination board, and subject to their conditions.
  • Any recording that does not meet board standards may be rejected without refund.

Candidates and parents must review the most current recorded exam guidance on the relevant board’s website.

6. Venue, Room Hire & Additional Costs

  • Where exams are held at external venues, additional costs may apply, including:
    • Room hire
    • Venue administration fees
    • Accompanist or technical support fees (where relevant)
  • These costs are separate from examination board fees and must be paid in advance.

7. Teacher Role & Limitations

Piano Keys to Success provides:

  • Exam preparation
  • Professional guidance on readiness and syllabus requirements
  • Administrative support where agreed

However:

  • Final responsibility for compliance with exam regulations rests with the candidate and/or parent
  • The teacher is not liable for exam board decisions, examiner judgement, or result outcomes

8. Changes to Exam Board Policies

ABRSM and LCM may update their policies, formats, fees, and regulations at any time.
Any such changes automatically apply to candidates entered for examinations.

9. Governing Policies

For full and up-to-date examination regulations, please refer directly to:

Where there is any conflict between this page and an examination board’s published regulations, the examination board’s regulations take precedence.