US Examination Registration Guide
RCM Certificate Program examinations provide a national standard for students, parents and teachers to track and measure progress and achievements. Preparing for and successfully completing an examination builds self-confidence and helps students develop a sense of pride.
2024.25 In-Person Exam Dates
August 2024 Session
| Event | Date |
| Registration Opens | April 10, 2024 |
| Registration Deadline | May 15, 2024 |
| Theory Examinations | August 9 & 10, 2024 |
| Practical Examinations | August 2 - 8, 2024 |
November/December 2024 Session
| Event | Date |
| Registration Opens | September 4, 2024 |
| Registration Deadline | October 16, 2024 |
| Theory Examinations | December 13 & 14, 2024 |
| Practical Examinations | November 30 - December 12, 2024 |
May/June 2025 Session
| Event | Date |
| Registration Opens | January 5, 2025 |
| Registration Deadline | February 19, 2025 |
| Theory Examinations | May 9 & 10, 2025 |
| Practical Examinations | May 11 - June 1, 2025 |
2024.25 Theory Examination Dates
Theory Examinations take place only on the dates stated above and according to the following schedule:
| Subject | Day | Time |
| Level 9 Harmony | Saturday | 2:00 pm–5:00 pm |
| Level 10 Harmony & Counterpoint | Saturday | 9:30 am–12:30 pm |
| ARCT Harmony & Counterpoint | Saturday | 9:30 am–12:30 pm |
| ARCT Analysis | Saturday | 2:00–5:00 pm |
| Speech Arts Technical Theory Levels 1-4 (Winter & Spring sessions only) | Friday | 9:30 am–12:30 pm |
| Speech Arts History & Literature Theory Levels 1-3 (Winter & Spring sessions only) | Friday | 2:00–5:00 pm |
| ARCT Teacher's Written | Friday | 9:30 am–12:30 pm |
| Elementary Piano Pedagogy Written | Friday | 9:30 am–12:30 pm |
| Intermediate Piano Pedagogy Written | Friday | 9:30 am–12:30 pm |
| Advanced Piano Pedagogy Written | Friday | 9:30 am–12:30 pm |
| Keyboard Harmony | TBD | TBD |
Alternate Theory Examination Schedule
The following exams are offered at these alternate seatings to accommodate candidates who may have a conflict with the original date and time.
| Subject | Day | Time |
| Level 9 Harmony | Friday | 9:30–12:30 pm |
| Level 10 Harmony & Counterpoint | Friday | 9:30–12:30 pm |
| ARCT Harmony & Counterpoint | Friday | 9:30–12:30 pm |
| ARCT Analysis | Friday | 9:30–12:30 pm |
2025.26 In-Person Exam Dates
August 2025 Session
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | April 9, 2025 |
| Registration Deadline | May 14, 2025 |
| Theory Examinations | August 8 & 9, 2025 |
| Practical Examinations | August 1 - 7, 2025 |
November/December 2025 Session
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | September 3, 2025 |
| Registration Deadline | October 15, 2025 |
| Theory Examinations | December 12 & 13, 2025 |
| Practical Examinations | November 29 - December 11, 2025 |
May 2026 Session
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | January 6, 2026 |
| Registration Deadline | February 18, 2026 |
| Theory & History Examinations | May 8 & 9, 2026 |
| Practical Examinations | May 10 - 31, 2026 |
2025.26 Theory Examination Dates
Theory Examinations take place only on the dates stated above and according to the following schedule:
| Subject | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Theory | Friday & Saturday | Friday: 9:30 am Saturday: 2:00 pm |
| Level 6 Theory | Friday & Saturday | Friday: 9:30 am Saturday: 9:30AM |
| Level 7 Theory | Friday & Saturday | Friday: 9:30 am Saturday: 9:30AM |
| Level 8 Theory | Friday & Saturday | Friday: 9:30 am Saturday: 2:00 pm |
| Level 9 Harmony | Saturday | 2:00 pm–5:00 pm |
| Level 9 History | Friday & Saturday | TBD |
| Level 10 Harmony & Counterpoint | Saturday | 9:30 am–12:30 pm |
| Level 10 History | Friday & Saturday | TBD |
| ARCT Analysis | Saturday | 2:00–5:00 pm |
| ARCT Harmony & Counterpoint | Saturday | 9:30 am–12:30 pm |
| ARCT History | Friday & Saturday | TBD |
| Speech Arts Technical Theory Levels 1-4 (Winter & Spring sessions only) | Friday | 9:30 am–12:30 pm |
| Speech Arts History & Literature Theory Levels 1-3 (Winter & Spring sessions only) | Friday | 2:00–5:00 pm |
| ARCT Teacher's Written | Friday | 9:30 am–12:30 pm |
| Keyboard Harmony (available May in-person Session only) | May 10 - 31, 2026 | |
Alternate Theory Examination Schedule
The following exams are offered at these alternate seatings to accommodate candidates who may have a conflict with the original date and time.
| Subject | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Level 9 Harmony | Friday | 9:30–12:30 pm |
| Level 10 Harmony & Counterpoint | Friday | 9:30–12:30 pm |
| ARCT Harmony & Counterpoint | Friday | 9:30–12:30 pm |
| ARCT Analysis | Friday | 9:30–12:30 pm |
US Examination Centers