How to book exams at Private Visits
- Face-to-face instrumental and singing exams
- Paper-based Music Theory exams (Grades 6–8)
In some countries or regions it may be possible for exams to take place at a venue provided by a teacher, school or other organisation, rather than at one of our Public Venues. Only candidates of the Visit Organiser or their Permitted Applicants can take exams at a Private Visit.
Percussion, Organ and Harpsichord exams can only take place at a Private Visit as we are unable to offer them at our Public Venues.
To find out more about requesting a Private Visit and what’s involved, contact your local ABRSM representative or contact us directly.
Visit Organisers - book and run Private Visits. They may or may not be exam applicants. The Visit Organiser is responsible for applying for approval for their venue, requesting a Private Visit and for sharing their Venue Code with any Permitted Applicants.
If you are a Visit Organiser or are interested in becoming one, please check our Additional Information for Private Visits to find out more and to read our terms and conditions.
Permitted Applicants - have received permission from a Visit Organiser to book candidates at a Private Visit. The Visit Organiser will provide you with a venue code, which you will need to enter when you book candidates at the visit for the first time.
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Face-to-face instrumental and singing exams – Practical Grades, ARSM diploma, Prep Test, Performance Assessment and DipABRSM, LRSM and FRSM diplomas
- We require a minimum number of candidates – usually at least three hours of examining - unless candidates are taking Harpsichord, Organ or Percussion exams.
- For diploma visits – DipABRSM, LRSM and FRSM exams – you must have at least three hours of diploma exams.
- Check our exam timings to work out how much examining time you have and how many days you need. Each Private Visit day can include up to 6 hours 30 minutes of exams, plus lunch and breaks, with a start time of 9.00am or 9.30am.
Face-to-face Organ, Percussion, Harpsichord and Choral Singing exams
- Exams for these subjects must take place at a Private Visit as we are unable to hold them at our Public Venues.
- There is no minimum number of examining hours.
Paper-based Music Theory exams – Grades 6 to 8 only
- Private Visits for Grade 6 to 8 Music Theory exams can only take place at schools, colleges or other educational organisations, or the education department of a prison or hospital.
- Exams take place on set dates and there are set booking periods. There is no minimum number of candidates.
If you are interested in holding online Music Theory exams (Grades 1 to 5) for more than one candidates at a single venue, see our online Music Theory guidance.
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- Instrumental and singing exams – take place on a date within one of our exam sessions, agreed with us in advance.
Paper-based Music Theory exams (Grades 6 to 8) – take place on set dates and there are set booking periods. Check our dates and fees page for details.
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Booking periods are usually two weeks long. You can check dates here.
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You may be able to add extra candidates after booking has closed if space is available in the timetable. However, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to book exams at this stage.
We are unable to accept late bookings for Music Theory exams or DipABRSM, LRSM and FRSM diplomas.
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The Visit Organiser is responsible for contacting candidates and any Permitted Applicants to let them know the finalised exam times.
Step-by-step guides
For detailed booking guidance for Private Visits see our: