Candidate Identification Policy
(from August 2020)
1. The policy
Candidates taking any exams which can either be used as a prerequisite for higher grades and diplomas, or
used as part of a university application are required to provide a form of photographic identification
documentation (photo ID). This policy also applies to all candidates taking Online Music Theory exams.
These exams include:
• Graded Examination in Music Theory: All grades
• Graded Examination in Music Performance (Practical Grades): Grades 5 (Jazz only), 6, 7, 8
• Certificate in Music Performance (Performance Grades) : Grades 6, 7, 8
• Graded Examination in Practical Musicianship: Grade 5 and 8
• Diplomas: ARSM, DipABRSM, LRSM, FRSM
A full list of the qualifications covered can be found in appendix A. Exams not listed above are not affected
by this policy.
Candidates can use the following types of photo ID:
Passport Rail or transport card
UK Driver’s Licence National ID card
College or University ID card Candidate Identification Form (please see appendix B and C)
2. What will happen on the day?
Practical, Performance, Practical Music Theory exams (assessments taken in
Musicianship and Diploma Exams person)
(assessments taken in person)
When you arrive, the steward will ask you to At the beginning of your exam, the invigilator
show them your photo ID. They will check your will ask you to place your photo ID on the desk
details against the candidate list and pass the in front of you. The invigilator will check your
photo ID back to you. No copies will be kept by photo ID during the exam. No copies will be
the steward or by us. You will then complete kept by the invigilator or by us.
your exam at your given time.
Performance Grades and ARSM (remote Online Music Theory exams
assessments) At the beginning of your exam, you will be
At the beginning of your video recording, you prompted to take a picture of your photo ID
should hold your photo ID up to the camera. through your webcam. Once you have taken a
This should be held for at least 5 seconds, clear photo of the ID, you should confirm this
making sure that the camera focuses on the ID photo on the system. You will then be
document and that the photo is clear. You prompted to take a photo of yourself. Both
should then show your face to the camera for 5 photos will be compared to confirm your
seconds, to allow both images to be compared identity.
to confirm your identity.
3. What happens if I forget my photo ID?
For all remote assessments, please make sure you have your photo ID ready before the exam. You will not
be able to complete the online Music Theory exam without photo ID.
If you forget your photo ID for an exam taken in person, don’t worry! You will still be allowed to take your
exam and it will not affect the examiner’s assessment. The steward or invigilator will make a note that you
did not have your photo ID and we will write to the person who made the entry after the exam.
4. Why do I need to provide photo ID?
We are required by our regulators to take all reasonable steps to ensure we identify the candidates who take
our exams at the time of the assessment. This is particularly important for qualifications which may be used
to enter for other qualifications or as part of a university or employment application.
5. Impersonating a candidate – malpractice
If anyone is found to be impersonating a candidate, in an attempt to take the exam on the candidate’s behalf,
this will be investigated as potential malpractice in line with the ABRSM Malpractice and Maladministration
Policy. This is considered a serious academic offence and penalties for a proven case can include
disqualification of the candidate from ABRSM exams and being barred from entering future ABRSM exams
for a specified period of time. For further information, please refer to the ABRSM Malpractice and
Maladministration Policy.
Appendix A: List of qualifications with photo ID requirements
Exam type Qualification titles
Graded Exams in Music Theory ABRSM Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Music Theory (Grade 1)
ABRSM Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Music Theory (Grade 2)
ABRSM Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Music Theory (Grade 3)
ABRSM Level 2 Award in Graded Examination in Music Theory (Grade 4)
ABRSM Level 2 Award in Graded Examination in Music Theory (Grade 5)
ABRSM Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Music Theory (Grade 6)
ABRSM Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Music Theory (Grade 7)
ABRSM Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Music Theory (Grade 8)
Graded Exams in Music Performance ABRSM Level 2 Certificate in Graded Examination in Music Performance (Grade 5) in Jazz subjects only
ABRSM Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Music Performance (Grade 6)
ABRSM Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Music Performance (Grade 7)
ABRSM Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Music Performance (Grade 8)
Certificate in Music Performance ABRSM Level 3 Certificate in Music Performance (Grade 6)
ABRSM Level 3 Certificate in Music Performance (Grade 7)
ABRSM Level 3 Certificate in Music Performance (Grade 8)
Graded Exams in Practical Musicianship Grade 5 in Practical Musicianship
Grade 8 in Practical Musicianship
ARSM ABRSM Level 4 Diploma in Music Performance (ARSM)
DipABRSM ABRSM Level 4 Diploma in Music Direction
ABRSM Level 4 Diploma in Music Performance
ABRSM Level 4 Diploma in Principles of Instrumental/Vocal Teaching
LRSM ABRSM Level 6 Diploma in Instrumental/Vocal Teaching
ABRSM Level 6 Diploma in Music Direction
ABRSM Level 6 Diploma in Music Performance
FRSM ABRSM Level 7 Diploma in Music Direction
ABRSM Level 7 Diploma in Music Education
ABRSM Level 7 Diploma in Music Performance
Appendix B
Candidate Identification Form
(for Music Theory exams taken in person, and for all Practical, Performance, Practical Musicianship,
Diploma exams)
In line with the Candidate Identification Policy this form may be used instead of formal
photo ID by candidates completing graded music exams. It must be completed and
signed by a responsible adult and by the candidate.
Candidate name:
Grade and instrument:
Please attach a
photograph Date and time of exam:
clearly showing
the candidate’s Exam venue:
face
Declaration: I confirm that the photograph attached is a true likeness of the
candidate detailed on this form.
Name
Relationship to candidate
Signature
Date
Candidate name
Candidate signature
Date
Appendix C
Candidate Identification Form for Online Music Theory
exams
In line with the Candidate Identification Policy this form may be used instead of formal photo ID by
candidates completing Online Music Theory exams. It must be completed and signed by a responsible
adult and by the candidate.
Declaration: I confirm that the photograph attached is a true likeness of
the candidate detailed on this form.
Responsible Adult
Name
Relationship to
Please attach a candidate
photograph Signature
clearly showing Date
the candidate’s
face Candidate name
Candidate signature
Date
