Resources
Got a question?
It may already be answered in our FAQ below
Office hours
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When is the AMEB SA & NT office open?
The office is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9am to 5pm.
On Tuesday and Thursday the office is open 9am to 1pm.
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I called within the published office hours. Why did no one answer?
When staff are already taking other phone calls you will be connected to an answering service. Please leave your details, or email ameb@adelaide.edu.au, and they will get back to you as soon as they can.
Exam enrolments
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Who can enrol a student for an exam?
SCORE Enrollers can be a teacher, parent or candidate over 18 years old. How to enrol
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Where do I find the Enrolment Key
The Enrolment Key is usually a 10-digit unique identifier for an exam. Enrollers can access an Enrolment Key in SCORE under 'My Practical Exams'.
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Where do I find the subject code for an exam?
Subject codes are available in the current Manual of Syllabuses. They are not required when enrolling via SCORE.
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When is the best time to take a practical exam?
Please review the Exam Dates to find out what is examinable when, and where, during the examining year.
Historically, exam numbers have always peaked in the final 2 months of the examining year (October and November). This has always been a busy time for students, teachers, schools, the University and the local community, and there are many competing events on (e.g. the pageant - which can add additional pressure when attending an exam)*.
It's strongly recommended to plan for an exam earlier in the year, if possible, and begin discussing this with parents/teachers/candidates at the start of the year.
*AMEB will schedule examinations on weekdays and weekends (but not public holidays), according to dates advised in the Exam Dates. If there are other events that compete with exams, that the enroller wishes to be avoided, it is the enroller's responsibility to notify AMEB SA & NT of these prior to the late closing date of the relevant session.
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Can I enrol in a session that has already passed the closing date?
Late enrolments can be taken up to one week after the closing date, with a $25 per candidate late fee, unless otherwise specified in the published AMEB Exam Dates. Beyond this, late enrolments are not accepted, as scheduling will have commenced.
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How do I note a candidate's special needs in an enrolment?
It is important to advise the AMEB of your student's disabilities so that we can provide the best exam experience possible for everyone involved.
When enrolling in SCORE you will see a field marked "Special Assistance". Please keep special requests brief and clear.
Candidates with disabilities will be offered the same examining standards as those applied to all other candidates. No concessions are made regarding the assessment criteria used, but the duration of the exam will generally be increased by 5 minutes to allow extra time for both the examiner and candidate to proceed through the sections of the exam. Supporting documenting evidence must be attached to the enrolment prior to the late closing date
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How do I avoid my students' exams being scheduled at the same time as their school and family commitments?
You can specify date to be avoided when scheduling in the Scheduling Requests section of the enrolment. Selecting 'Other' will enable free text to be entered.
Whilst every attempt is made to accommodate specific date and time requests, please note they cannot be guaranteed. It is better to outline what times are to be avoided, to give scheduling increased flexibility.
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How and when do candidates obtain their results after the exam?
Examination reports are made available to the Enrollers within two weeks of the examination. We aim to have certificates ready for collection within approximately eight weeks after the exam session.
Hard copy theory exam results for successful candidates are made available to Enrollers approximately four to six weeks after the exam. For any exam requiring more than one examiner (Diploma exams) results are processed and made available to Enrollers as soon as possible after the exam.
Online theory results (up to and including Grade 2) are available immediately upon completion of exam. For higher grades, a portion of the exam mark is available immediately and the final mark will be available around a week after completion of the exam.
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Examiner X has previously taught my student. Can I avoid having that person appointed as her examiner?
Requests to avoid particular examiners (where there is a clear conflict of interest) can be entered just below 'Special Assistance'.
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How do I find out my candidates' exam dates?
We aim to notify Enrollers with scheduling information a minimum of three weeks before the exam date, along with venue maps (if available). Exam Notification Letters will become available in SCORE for Enrollers to download and send to candidates electronically or printed.
Please note - the Supplementary Session is scheduled with less notice.
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Does the AMEB provide an accompanist?
No. It is the responsibility of the candidate to provide a suitable accompanist. Please refer to our teacher support page for more information.
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Who will be in the exam room?
Face to face exams are a one-on-one assessment with only the examiner and candidate in the room. Accompanists and page-turners are allowed to be present only during the pieces for which they are accompanying/page-turning, and should wait outside the room during the other parts of the exam (note: page-turners are not permitted for Rockschool exams).
Support persons (i.e. parents, teachers) must stay in the designated waiting area during the exam, except for P Plate Piano exams or where required for accompanying/page-turning.
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What should I bring to my exam?
Please bring your instrument (unless you're playing piano or drums!) and any related equipment (e.g. attachments, valve oil). You will need your technical workbook and original music for all pieces, even if playing from memory. If you didn't submit your repertoire through SCORE, please bring the second page of the exam notification with the repertoire listed.
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Can a candidate take photocopies of music into the exam?
Photocopies are not allowed in AMEB exams. Candidates sitting practical exams must have original copies of all the music they will perform, even if they plan to play from memory.
You can, however, attach a photocopied page (or pages) to the original music to avoid difficult page turns.
To learn more about how music copyright and royalties work, please refer to the APRA AMCOS website.
Syllabus-related
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How do I know which syllabus/exam type to pick?
AMEB offers a range of syllabuses and exam types for each instrument. You may wish to consult an experienced AMEB teacher to help decide which is the best fit for you, and can refer to our Syllabus Specifications resource which compares the various options we offer.
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How do I know if Extra List or Own Choice pieces (outside the syllabus) are appropriate?
Extra List and Own Choice pieces (not within the syllabus or a comparable AMEB syllabus) are made at the teacher's discretion. Pieces can be taken from any source and the syllabus simply asks that they be of a similar educational value.
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Can I do an exam on alternate instruments?
Occasionally this occurs. Please check the syllabus or contact the AMEB office.
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When a new syllabus is released, can I still use the old one?
Yes. Generally for about 2 years (AMEB syllabuses), but please check the current Manual of Syllabuses.
Rockschool syllabuses usually include a 1 year transition period.
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I don't understand the syllabus!
This isn't a question, but AMEB staff will be happy to assist. Please contact us on 8313 8088 or at ameb@adelaide.edu.au
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The exam length is very short and my student's pieces are all very long
Time management is a challenge for examiners. Rather than force your student to truncate performances, remove repeats and consider replacing one of the longer pieces with a shorter piece. Please ensure that time requirements (e.g. minimum and maximum performance times) are adhered to, where specified.
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How are the syllabi developed?
Appointed by the Federal Board, the Consultant writes the syllabus which is scrutinised and proofed by the Reviewer and overseen by a specialist advisory group. Online surveys invite input from the public over the life of the project. Final approval must come from the Federal Board.
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How do I participate in the syllabus review process?
You can participate via the Federal AMEB website.
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Why do examiners grade an exam?
Examiners are required to grade a student's performance on the day against the published Syllabus Objectives and report accordingly to the Grading Descriptors.
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What additional requirements apart from the practical exam do my candidates need to complete their qualification?
Music candidates - From Grade 6 up to LMusA, candidates need to complete Theory, Musicianship or Music Craft exams before they receive their certificate for their practical exam. The Additional Requirements are outlined in the current Manual of Syllabuses.
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What backing do I need for Rockschool Exams?
Rockschool pieces must be performed to a backing track (without the examined part on the track) except in cases where a piece has been selected from previous Rockschool syllabi and does not have a backing track or has been specifically arranged by Rockschool as a solo piece.
Free Choice Pieces may be performed with a backing track, with live accompaniment, or as a solo piece (without backing track or accompaniment).
Backing tracks may have a click present, but should not include the instrument on which the candidate is being assessed (e.g. a candidate playing drums should use the backing track which does not have the drum part).
Prize and Showcase selections
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How are prizes awarded?
Prizes with published rules are awarded in accordance with these rules. Unless a partnering organisation is specified as part of the selection process for a prize, the Prizes Committee will determine the final recipient for each prize from a pool of shortlisted candidates, who have been recommended by examiners during the course of the examining year.
Shortlisted candidates are judged on the basis of de-identified reports.
The Prizes Committee is appointed each year by the AMEB SA & NT Advisory Board.
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How are Showcase performers chosen?
Performers are chosen by the Program Director from Examiners' recommendations over the course of the examining year. The Program Director puts together a program intended to 'showcase' AMEB with a balances of styles, standards and syllabuses. Sometimes, items are presented as part of other AMEB events (e.g. the Awards Ceremony or Information Day).
Navigating problems
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One of my students didn't receive the National Certificate
The theory co-requisites may not have been met. A theory co-requisite is required for grades 6 to LMusA Practical Music exams. For Leisure and Speech exams are exempt. If your student has met the theory requirements, contact the State Office. If they have completed the theory co-requisite, but not with the AMEB, please provide the State Office with proof, and a National Certificate will be arranged.
Enrollers are advised when a certificate has been printed. Certificates are held in the office for collection for those residing within the postcode range 5000-5199. All uncollected certificates are mailed via standard post to Enrollers at the conclusion of the examining year. Envelopes include box board and 'Certificate Enclosed' stamping.
Those residing outside the postcode range 5000-5199 (including NT) will have their certificates posted automatically.
AMEB SA & NT is not responsible for the delivery of mail once it has left the office. Please contact Australia Post about reimbursement for lost articles. Any compensation is at their discretion.
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I've lost my AMEB certificate
AMEB certificates can be reprinted with payment of the relevant fee below:
- $20 - Level 1 and 2 Certificates
- $40 - Level 3 Certificates
Please email ameb@adelaide.edu.au to request a reprint.
If you have lost a certificate for a historical qualification obtained through AMEB, you may be able to retrieve the result through the University's Archive team and their online database.
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I am unhappy about my student's last exam. What do I do?
Please refer to the Appeals policy and information on Feedback outlined on our Policies page.
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How can I transfer a student's practical exam and how much will it cost?
Please refer to our Transfer Policy for more information.
AMEB Award
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What is the AMEB Award?
The AMEB Award is a development program designed to shine a spotlight on emerging musicians and performing artists. Across three Award levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold, this structured program enables participants to showcase their achievements and contributions to their chosen performing arts discipline.
AMEB Award participants set and achieve goals in two categories - Performances and Contribution Activities - in addition to completing an AMEB, Rockschool or PAA exam. Through Contribution Activities, participants are recognised for going beyond practice and performance, in areas including leadership, collaboration, and entrepreneurship.
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How can I/my student/child enrol into the AMEB Award?
AMEB Award enrolments will open in June.
Enrolment in AMEB Award is via AMEB's learning platform, SCORE at score.ameb.edu.au. This online interface allows participants and their teachers and parents to easily record and document each Award milestone from any device.
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Where can I get more information or speak to someone about the AMEB Award?
The AMEB Federal team is managing the AMEB Award. Find out more at AMEB Award, email online@ameb.edu.au or call 1300 725 709.