Examinations

AMEB Music Theory exams

For Written Exams, please refer to the options outlined in the 2023 Exam Dates.

• Associate Musicianship
• Associate Musicology
• Associate Harmony & Counterpoint
• Associate Orchestration & Arrangement
• Licentiate Musicianship
• Licentiate Musicology
• Licentiate Harmony & Counterpoint
• Licentiate Orchestration & Arrangement

Regulations pertaining to AMEB Music exams are published in the current Manual of Syllabuses. 

They are also available on the Federal office website.

See also the Online Theory Exam Policy.

AMEB uses the following grades for written Grade exams:

• High Distinction - 95%
• Honours - 85%
• Credit - 75%
• Pass - 65%

AMEB uses the following grade for written Diploma exams:

• Pass - 75%

AMEB Speech & Drama practical exams

AMEB Speech & Performance Theory exams

Teachers should consult with parents and students to determine what what syllabus is the best fit for the student. The syllabuses are outlined below.

Speech & Performance Practical

(formerly Drama & Performance)

Develop secure vocal technique, integrated physical response, and the skill to present texts in an imaginative and insightful way.

This creative syllabus is designed to develop interpretative and performance skills across a broad spectrum of styles, genres and eras and are offered from Preliminary to Level 3 Diplomas for Teachers and Performers. Learning is encouraged through the exploration and interpretation of a diverse range of texts, and there is opportunity to demonstrate versatility by combining a number of performance skills in a single examination.

Candidates will achieve secure vocal technique, integrated physical response and imaginative and insightful presentation of texts. They will develop the skills required for interpreting to audiences in a variety of performance spaces.

Notes:

• A list of Suggested Texts for each grade is printed at the end of the syllabus. However, the choice of texts rests with the candidate in response to the requirements in each grade. 
• Time limits are stated for each exam requirement.
• Links, where required, are statements devised and spoken by the candidate to creatively and meaningfully ensure cohesion and unity of prepared programs.  
• Discussion with the examiner(s) is an essential part of all Speech and Performance exams.

Voice & Communication

Learn to read effectively, speak with clarity, and make presentations to a variety of audiences.

Voice and Communication exams are designed to develop voice and communication skills both for everyday life and the professional sector and are offered from Preliminary to Associate (APCA).

The exams begin at Preliminary for younger students who may wish to improve their English communication skills. More advanced grades cater for secondary and tertiary students or people working in the corporate sector or broader community. Advanced candidates benefit from completing the Certificate CVCA and the Associate Diploma in Professional Communication APCA, a recognised qualification in academic and industry spheres.  

Candidates are examined individually and receive their own report grading and certificate even though they may present for their exam with a group. Members of a group provide support for each other and act as a springboard for discussion. 

Drama & Communication

Spread your wings, get creative, improvise and perform with others.

Drama and Communication exams focus on the area of performing arts, and are offered from an Introductory grade through to Grade 6. The syllabus uses creative dynamics, which is an improvisational approach, and the exams are especially designed for ensemble work (groups of 2 or more), and should appeal to both classroom Drama teachers and Speech and Drama teachers working in a private studio.

The program emphasises listening, concentration and movement alongside the art of drama and entertainment.

Speech & Performance Theory

Consolidate your understanding of dramatic performance, oral interpretation and spoken interaction, in a variety of communication situations.

Speech and Performance Theory exams are an opportunity to show understanding of the functional framework of speech and performance and are offered from Grade 1 to Grade 7. The exams are designed to have relevance for a wide range of candidates, focusing on progressive consolidation of knowledge relating to dramatic performance, oral interpretation and spoken interaction in a variety of communication situations. 

Students focus on the theory and analyse the functional framework of English communication, and explore linguistic tools, vocal modulation, the use of phonetic tools and the study of theatre and communication theory.

Speech and Performance Theory students learn how to master communicating in the English language. Students focus on the theory and analyse the functional framework of English communication. Students explore linguistic tools, vocal modulation, the use of phonetic tools and the study of theatre and communication theory.

This syllabus supports learning undertaken in the practical Speech and Drama subjects. 

In higher grades, the syllabuses align as follows:

• Grade 6 Speech and Performance, Voice and Communication, Drama and Performance all align with Grade 4 Speech and Performance Theory
• Grade 7 Speech and Performance, Voice and Communication, Drama and Performance all align with Grade 5 Speech and Performance Theory
• Grade 8 Speech and Performance, Voice and Communication, Drama and Performance all align with Grade 6 Speech and Performance Theory
• CSPA, CVCA, CDPA practical certificates all align with Grade 7 Speech and Performance Theory

The following documents have been provided by the Federal office:

• APCA Folio Procedures
• LDPA & LSPA Dissertation Procedures

*The syllabus supporting these qualifications has been withdrawn. However, candidates who commenced their ADPA or LDPA prior to 2021 are able to complete their diploma within the time frames outlined in Regulation 18.

Regulations pertaining to AMEB Speech & Drama exams are published in the current Manual of Syllabuses. 

They are also available on the Federal office website.

The following criteria are to be used to measure a candidate achievement against the objectives for the level and the specific requirements for Preliminary to Certificate exams.

HIGH DISTINCTION (A+)
In addition to satisfying the criteria for the award of an A grading (below), the candidate demonstrates outstanding achievement in all areas of performance and preparation. For group exams the group demonstrates outstanding achievement in all areas of teamwork.

HONOURS (A)
The candidate demonstrates an overall superior level of achievement in terms of reading accuracy, rhythmic sense, stylistic insight, performing presence, audience awareness, and preparation of topics. For group exams the group demonstrates an overall superior level of achievement.

CREDIT WITH MERIT  (B+)
In addition to satisfying the criteria for the award of a B grading (below), the candidate demonstrates meritorious achievement against most criteria. For group reports, the group demonstrates meritorious achievement in group work.

CREDIT (B)
The candidate demonstrates an overall creditable level of achievement, with appropriate development of reading accuracy, rhythmic sense, stylistic insight, performing presence, audience awareness, and preparation of topics.  Some unevenness of achievement between these criteria, or different parts of the examination, may be apparent. For group reports, the group demonstrates an overall creditable level of achievement in group work.

PASS WITH MERIT  (C+)
In addition to satisfying the criterion for the award of a C grading (below), the candidate demonstrates more than adequate achievement against some of the criteria. For group reports, the group demonstrates more than adequate achievement in group work.

PASS (C)
The candidate demonstrates an overall adequate level of achievement in reading accuracy, rhythmic sense, stylistic insight, performing presence, audience awareness, and preparation of topics. Considerable unevenness in achievement between these criteria, or different parts of the examination, may be apparent. For group reports the group demonstrates an overall adequate level of achievement in group work.

NOT SATISFACTORY (D)
The candidate demonstrates an overall inadequate level of reading accuracy, rhythmic sense, stylistic insight, performing presence, audience awareness, and preparation of topics. Often this has resulted from deficiencies in preparation or a hesitant presentation evidencing technical errors and an inappropriate sense of style. In group exams, the group demonstrates an overall inadequate level of achievement in group work.

UNABLE TO ASSESS (UA)
Students receive this result when a significant or compulsory aspect of the grade and syllabus is not presented. The examiner is unable to provide a grading and a certificate cannot be issued.

Associate Diploma (ASPA, ADPA AND APCA)

AWARD WITH DISTINCTION
The candidate must fulfil the criteria for a pass award (below) and in addition demonstrate outstanding achievement in all areas of performance and preparation.

AWARD
The candidate demonstrates an overall superior level of achievement in terms of stylistic insight, performing presence, audience awareness, reading accuracy, rhythmic sense and preparation of topics.

NO AWARD
The candidate demonstrates an overall inadequate level of achievement in terms of stylistic insight, performing presence, audience awareness, reading accuracy, rhythmic sense and preparation of topics.

UNABLE TO ASSESS
Unable to Assess will also result in No Award. Students will generally receive this result if a significant requirement or compulsory aspect of the syllabus is not met.

Licentiate Diploma (LSPA and LDPA)

AWARD WITH DISTINCTION
The candidate must fulfil the criteria for a pass award (below) and in addition demonstrate outstanding achievement in all areas of performance and preparation.

AWARD
The candidate demonstrates an overall superior level of achievement in terms of stylistic insight, performing presence, audience awareness, reading accuracy, rhythmic sense and preparation of topics.

NO AWARD
The candidate demonstrates an overall inadequate level of achievement in terms of stylistic insight, performing presence, audience awareness, reading accuracy, rhythmic sense and preparation of topics.

UNABLE TO ASSESS
Unable to Assess will also result in No Award. Students will generally receive this result if a significant requirement or compulsory aspect of the syllabus is not met.

Rockschool music practical exams

Syllabuses are downloadable in PDF from the AMEB Rockschool website.

• Acoustic Guitar
• Electric Guitar
• Drums
• Bass
• Piano
• Keys
• Vocals
• Ukelele
• Level 4 Professional Diploma in Music and Performing Arts
• Level 6 Professional Diploma in Music and Performing Arts

Rockschool PAA

Rockschool has also released unique and industry-relevant qualifications in dance, acting, and musical theatre. Find out more.

Professional Diplomas

• DipRSL
• LRSL 

All Rockschool exams are marked out of 100

• 60% Pass
• 74% Merit (75% for Performance Exams)
• 90% Distinction

Rockschool PAA exam fees

PAA syllabuses are available to download for free from the AMEB Rockschool website.

ACTING

PAA Acting develops candidates of all ages and levels, assessing a range of communication, interpretative and technical skills through practical assessment. PAA Acting’s flexible delivery approach gives teachers complete creative freedom to compile scenes from plays or anthologies, adapted excerpts from novels, or even original scenes written by the candidates themselves. These can be performed in an exam as monologue(s), duologue(s) or scenes for three.

SCREEN ACTING

This unique and innovative syllabus will develop your screen acting skills grade-by-grade so you can perform with confidence no matter what acting scenario you find yourself in. You’ll gain a practical knowledge of key camera angles utilised in TV and film production, allowing you to hone your screen acting technique and the opportunity to bring your characters to life, all whilst working towards an internationally recognised qualification.

PUBLIC SPEAKING

PAA’s suite of graded examinations in Public Speaking are tailor-made to support and encourage learners of all abilities to communicate effectively. No matter the age, level or background of a candidate, PAA’s Public Speaking qualifications from Premiere to Grade 8 will positively influence the learner’s communication skills, confidence, and employability.