The Associated Board is the world's largest examining body for music. Each year over half a million candidates are examined in over eighty countries.
The Associated Board was established in 1889 to provide schools, private teachers of music and the general public with a scheme of music examinations of recognised authority.
The Associated Board practical examination programme starts with a Preparatory Test which is designed for pupils after approximately six to nine months tuition.
The graded examinations start with Grade 1 and are numbered progressively in order of difficulty to Grade 8. Each candidate is required to demonstrate proficiency in prepared pieces, scales and arpeggios, sight reading and aural tests.
There is a Performance Assessment for adults of any level which wish to have their musical skills assessed without taking an examination.
Beyond Grade 8 the student can progress to the Advanced Certificate examination. This covers all practical subjects and is a pre-entry requirement for the highest level examination offered by the Associated Board; the Licentiate Diploma (LRSM).
In 1995 the Associated Board launched a Professional Development Course. The CT ABRSM Course is now the central activity of the Associated Board's Professional Development department, which operates as a separate entity within the Associated Board. The aim of the course is to improve the quality of instrumental/singing teaching and the quality of learning for pupils. It is a one year part time course for instrumental and singing teachers and takes place at various regional locations. Students who successfully complete the course are awarded the Certificate of Teaching. This entitles them to use the letters: CT ABRSM after their names. The Certificate will exempt students from Part 2 of the LRSM diploma Branch C: Teaching (Instrumental or Voice).
