ABRSM Exam Dates & Fees 2026

ABRSM examinations are available throughout the year and include Practical examinations, Performance Grade examinations and Music Theory examinations. ABRSM offers several different examination pathways.

Examination dates, booking periods and examination formats vary according to the type of examination being taken as follows:

Chelsea Quavers offer a service to manage the entire ABRSM booking for a one-off administrative fee of £20

ABRSM Performance Grade Exams

ABRSM Practical Exams

ABRSM Theory Exams

ABRSM Performance Grade Exams

  • Four pieces submitted in video format.
  • Digital Performance Grade examinations are available on demand. There are no booking periods or examination sessions. Candidates submit their examination video whenever they are ready at any time within 28 days of booking.
  • Your child’s Tutor will advise when he/she is ready to sit the examination.
ExaminationFee
Initial£50
Grade 1£55
Grade 2£64
Grade 3£72
Grade 4£79
Grade 5£87
Grade 6£100
Grade 7£108
Grade 8£127

ABRSM Practical Exams

Practical examinations are conducted in person and assess performance, technical work, sight reading and aural skills.

Practical examinations take place during designated examination sessions.

Three pieces, scales, sight reading and aural tests.

Session/Term 2026Online Booking Period 2026UK Practical Exam Period 2026
February Session (1a) London Wall Place06 Jan–12 Jan 202602 Feb–14 Feb 2026
Spring Session (1) England13 Jan–26 Jan 202623 Feb–28 Mar 2026
May Session (2a) London Wall Place23 Mar–30 Mar 202605 May–22 May 2026
Summer Session (2) England21 Apr–05 May 202608 Jun–11 Jul 2026
October Session (3a) London Wall Place01 Sep–07 Sep 202605 Oct–24 Oct 2026
Autumn Session (3) England24 Sep–07 Oct 202604 Nov–05 Dec 2026
ExaminationFee
Prep Test£55
Initial£55
Grade 1£62
Grade 2£70
Grade 3£82
Grade 4£89
Grade 5£96
Grade 6£112
Grade 7£121
Grade 8£143

ABRSM Theory Exams

Music Theory examinations are available on specific examination dates published by ABRSM.

Candidates may choose when to take an online Music Theory examination for Grades 1–5.

Once the examination has been booked, candidates have 28 days in which to sit the examination and may choose any date and time during this period.

Your child’s Tutor will advise when he/she is ready to sit the examination.

Session/Term 2026Booking Period 2026In-Person Exam Date 2026
Session 1 Spring13 Jan–26 Jan 20265:00pm 11 Mar 2026
Session 2 Summer21 Apr–05 May 202610:00am 13 Jun 2026
Session 3 Autumn24 Sep–07 Oct 20265:00pm 10 Nov 2026
ExaminationFee
Grade 1£43
Grade 2£46
Grade 3£50
Grade 4£55
Grade 5£60
ExaminationFee
Grade 6£65
Grade 7£68
Grade 8£71

ABRSM Exam Booking Service

  • Advice regarding examination readiness
  • Selection of the appropriate examination option
  • Examination entry and booking
  • Management of examination administration
  • Communication regarding examination dates and deadlines
  • Post-examination support