Want to Test Your Music Knowledge?
Applause offers exam prep for multiple different exams and instruments.
Certificate of Merit (CM)
The Certificate of Merit is a statewide, standardized music evaluation that allows students to demonstrate their progress through performance, technique, and musicianship skills. Students earn official certificates and recognition for each level they complete. Students are tested on repertoire, technique, sight reading, theory, and aural skills.
Who it’s for:
Students of all ages (typically intermediate through advanced) studying instruments such as piano, voice, strings, guitar, winds, and more. We recommend at least two years of music education before starting the process.
Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM)
The ABRSM is an internationally recognized music assessment that helps students track their musical progress through structured performance and musicianship evaluations. Students are tested on repertoire, scales & arpeggios, sight reading, and aural skills.
Who it’s for:
Available for students of all ages (typically intermediate through advanced) and are offered for a wide range of instruments, including, piano, voice, strings, winds, brass, guitar, and music theory. Students may participate when their teacher determines they are ready. We recommend at least two years of music education before starting the process.
Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM)
The RCM is a widely respected, internationally recognized music assessment system designed to support students’ musical growth through structured, progressive levels. It provides a clear, long-term progression for serious music study. Students are tested on repertoire, technical requirements, sight reading, aural skills, and theory.
Who it’s for:
Students of all ages (typically intermediate through advanced) and cover a wide range of instruments, including, piano, voice, strings, guitar, winds, brass and theory. We recommend at least two years of music education before starting the process.
Faber Piano Adventures Exams
The Faber Piano Adventures Achievement Exams are designed to support and assess a student’s progress within the Faber Piano Adventures curriculum. Exams align directly with the Piano Adventures levels, from Primer through Level 5, allowing students to progress step-by-step alongside their regular lesson material.
Who it’s for:
Ideal for beginning and intermediate piano students, especially younger learners who are working through the Piano Adventures method books.
Interested in taking exams?
Email us for further info and so we can help guide you to the exam that best matches your goals and skills
