Examination Information for Intermediate Theory, Levels 5–8: Digital Courses with Exam

The Level 5-8 Theory requirements are now available for study as a digital course with online exam, providing a complete digital learning experience.  Students working in the digital environment are offered unlimited practice opportunities which provides them with an opportunity to become familiar with both the content and question types before attempting either the unit tests or final examination.

The course includes eight graded unit tests worth a total of 40% of the overall mark and one final exam worth 60% of the overall mark.  All unit tests and the final exam are available on demand. They can be attempted by students at any time, and in any place that has a reliable internet connection but unit tests must be completed in sequence prior to the final exam. For the final exam, it is strongly recommended:

  1. That the online final exam be proctored in case the exam is ever submitted for secondary school credit and due to shifting guidelines;
  2. That students confirm with their school that a proctored online exam will be accepted for secondary school credit.

Note that to ensure the academic integrity of the exam, the Proctor SHOULD NOT be a relative (e.g. mother, father, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, cousin, etc) NOR should the Proctor be the personal music teacher of the exam candidate.

Music Theory Online Examination — Proctor Confirmation Form

To ensure that the Royal Conservatory can confirm that the candidate’s examination was proctored, please complete and submit this form. The RCM does not need to approve the proctor, but will conduct validations from time to time to confirm the proctor's identity and relationship to the exam candidate.

CLICK HERE
Features of the Digital Unit Tests and Final Exams

  • A variety of question types are included to validate students’ understanding of level-specific theory concepts in formats including: multiple choice, drop-down, drag and drop, and select the missing word

  • In this exam format, students are not required to notate music. A variety of questions are used to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the concepts listed in the Theory Syllabus, 2016 Edition. Students are offered ample opportunities to interact with the digital staff that lies at the heart of the accompanying theory apps

  • Exam questions are selected randomly from an extensive databank. As a result, each exam is unique.

Comparison of the Online Examination to the Written Examination

  • Both online and written exams test students’ knowledge of Intermediate level theory concepts, as outlined in the Theory Syllabus, 2016 Edition.

  • Both online and written examinations serve as co-requisites for RCM practical examination certificates. 

  • Both online and written examinations provide opportunities for students to demonstrate their familiarity with and understanding of the following categories of information:

    • Notation and Transposition

    • Rhythm and Meter

    • Scales and Key Signatures

    • Intervals

    • Chords and Harmony

    • Melody Writing, Form, and Analysis

    • Music History

    • Music Terms and Signs

  • Both online and written examinations provide a variety of question types to validate understanding of all the above concepts>

  • The online final examinations are worth 60% of the student’s total mark, with unit tests comprising the remaining 40%. The unit tests are a series of incremental assessments that allow students to demonstrate their knowledge at strategic points in their learning. This is not available in the traditional written exam setting. The written examination constitutes 100% of the student’s total mark.

  • The online examination is timed and lasts 45 minutes while the written examinations last one or two hours, depending on the level. Each online unit test is ten minutes long.

  • Online tests and exams are not returned to candidates. Students will be able to review their unit test scores immediately upon completion and final grades will be available within two weeks of completing the final exam. Written examinations are returned to the candidate after marking. Final grades for written exams are available 4 – 5 weeks after completion of the exam.

  • Online exams are available on demand, subject to the completion of course work and unit tests. Written exams are available in three designated examinations sessions in May, August, and December of each year. Click here to view examination sessions.

  • When deciding if the digital course and exam are appropriate for your student/child, factors to consider might include age, learning style, and temperament.

How is the Online Exam administered?

  • By nature, online exams are different than paper-based exams. They require less writing. Therefore, responses to questions can be entered faster.

  • There is a 45 minute time limit for all online Intermediate theory exams, as compared to the one or two hours allotted for paper-based written exams.  This reduced time limit also ensures that we are assessing each student’s first-hand knowledge of the material and not their ability to find the answers elsewhere.

  • We strongly recommend that you have the final exam proctored in the event that you would like to submit the exam for secondary school credit at some point in the future (due to shifting guidelines).  Proctored exams will be noted on official transcripts as well as in your account. We are in the process of establishing a proctoring process - please continue to check this webpage for further details.

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