Frequently asked

An MTB exam can be recorded by either the teacher/centre or the candidate/candidate’s parents in any location.

The easiest way to record and submit an exam is with our app which allows you to record and submit an exam with just a phone or tablet.

You must ensure that the recording device is in the room with the candidate. Therefore, if the exam is being conducted with a teacher remotely over webcam, then the candidate/candidate’s parents should download the app and record the exam.

An MTB exam can be recorded via our new 2021 app without requiring a login, all you will need to record and submit an exam is the exam reference (received when entering and purchasing an exam) and the candidate’s date of birth.

You can enter a free practice exam from the make an entry page, under the category ‘other’ if you would like to practise using the app for an exam.

With the MTB app recording the exam in the room with the candidate on their (or their parents) device, losing the connection with the teacher for a short period or poor connectivity during an exam is not an issue.  We advise that you tell the candidate to keep the recording running and wait until you have resolved the connection issue and then continue the exam.  Please add a note in the ‘additional notes’ submission field on the app if this has occurred.

Once you have made your entry the exam will appear in your exam portal.  If you entered the centre number of a registered centre during entry then the centre (teacher/school) will also have a copy of your exam in their portal. On the exam there is a button with ‘front cover’ which if pressed will allow you to download your front cover.

Whether your exam is assigned as audio or video will depend on the information selected when making an exam entry.

All performance grade exams are videoed regardless of the options selected at entry or the centre conducting the exam.

For practical grades whether the exam is in audio or video depends on the below questions in the exam entry process:

• Is this candidate studying with an MTB registered teacher or organisation (centre)?
  • Selecting ‘Yes’ will display a box where you will need to enter the centre number* of the teacher/organisation you are studying with.
  • Selecting ‘No’ means the exam is being taken by a self-learner with no centre associated with it.
• Is this teacher/ organisation going to be present during the exam either in person or remotely?
  • Selecting ‘Yes’ means your teacher/centre representative will be present during the recording of the exam, either in person or remotely to verify your identity.
  • Selecting ‘No’ means your teacher/centre representative will not be present during the recording of the exam.
• Exam Format: Selecting ‘No’ to either of the above questions will mean you are assigned you a video exam as there will be no centre overseeing the exam to verify the candidate’s identity. If ‘Yes’ is selected for both questions then your exam format depends on whether you are taking the exam with an audio or video approved centre. The exam entry page lists what exam format is assigned based on your answers.

UK centres are assigned as audio centres when signing up and International centres are set to video.  International centres can apply to become an audio centre by completing the below forms:

Individual teacher audio verification form

Organisation audio verification form

Do not panic, most problems can be resolved by contacting MTB customer services who will advise you.

Candidates wishing to submit pieces containing Jazz improvisation may do so as part of the free choice recital section of an MTB exam. Exams containing 2 or more pieces with Jazz improvisation will be marked by a Jazz specialist who will normally specialise in that section of instruments (i.e. Wind, Brass etc).

Please ensure to select the Jazz improvisation option during the exam entry and make a note in submission note that this exam contains Jazz improvisation.

No, you do not need a printed front cover for the exam, although it is important that you have a way to electronically view the front cover during the exam as this provides important guidance and the required verbal verification statements.

Yes, all of our resources for both practical and performance exams are able to be taken with or without a teacher and the exam can also be conducted with or without a teacher present. The below questions on the make an entry page show the options that can be selected.

• Is this candidate studying with an MTB registered teacher or organisation (centre)?
  • Selecting ‘Yes’ will display a box where you will need to enter the centre number* of the teacher/organisation you are studying with.
  • Selecting ‘No’ means the exam is being taken by a self-learner with no centre associated with it.
• Is this teacher/ organisation going to be present during the exam either in person or remotely?
  • Selecting ‘Yes’ means your teacher/centre representative will be present during the recording of the exam, either in person or remotely to verify your identity.
  • Selecting ‘No’ means your teacher/centre representative will not be present during the recording of the exam.

Repeats are optional for MTB Exams, however, they are encouraged as they can offer opportunities to display greater dynamic and expressive variation.

Yes, pieces from previous syllabuses can be selected as part of our free choice option unless they have been moved to a different grade on a more recent syllabus.

If the candidate does not have any viable ID they can complete the downloadable Alternative Candidate Identification Form.

For more information on ID’s please see our Photo & ID Guidance Page

Yes, MTB exams can be taken anywhere in the world.  There is an additional charge for the delivery of the certificate outside of the UK.

Classical Practical Grades:

• Accompaniments/backing tracks are optional for recital repertoire from Pre-Grade to Grade 5.
• Grades 6-8 must be performed with accompaniments/backing tracks unless the work is composed as a solo.

Contemporary Practical Grades, Performance Grades & Diplomas:

• Any piece composed with an accompaniment/backing track must be performed with that accompaniment/backing track.

Please Note:

• Accompaniments may be live or recorded.
• Backing tracks must not include the solo part.
• Although it is not a requirement and candidates would not be penalised, MTB recommends that for relevant instruments, by Grades 4-5, exams should include at least one accompanied piece to develop the candidate’s musicianship skills in preparation for higher grades.

Yes, this is acceptable and we have produced a number of recorded accompaniments which are available to download on the duet pages.

MTB Practical & Performance Grades 6-8 are eligible for UCAS points which are equivalent in value to the other Ofqual regulated music boards.

MTB graded exams are carried out by the teacher in their usual environment and there are no unprepared elements in the exam.  Many SEN candidates therefore can be supported by preparing in their own time using their own proven learning methods. For any reasonable adjustment requests around SEN, please let us know by emailing a completed Application form to request a Reasonable Adjustment to enquiries@mtbexams.com, providing the following information:

• Name of candidate, instrument & grade.
• Reason for requesting a reasonable adjustment (e.g. dyslexia).
• How this affects their ability to take the qualification as it stands.
• Reasonable adjustment they would like to request that would potentially solve/assist with this.
• Please provide any further information and supporting documentation such as an official medical or similar letter confirming a diagnosis.

All applications should be made before planned submission of the examination. We will then reply to confirm whether we have been able to approve the reasonable adjustment request or if we need any further information.

Please see our Advice for candidates with Special or different learning needs (SEND) document for more information and guidance with your application.

Yes, as long as it is of the appropriate grade standard this is acceptable.  Be sure to include plenty of written phrasing and dynamics.

If you feel a candidate has been unfairly marked you may request an exam remark.  Please note that there is a charge for this although the fee is refundable if the grade boundary (blue, pass, merit, distinction) is altered. Please view our appealing an assessment result policy to learn more.

Award categories:

Total possible marks: 100

Certificates are awarded for candidates achieving pass/merit/distinction. Candidates achieving Blue or white will receive a marksheet only.

We ask that teachers/centres not conduct exams for their immediate family members, in this instance on entry you should select that no teacher will be present during the exam and then the exam will be set to video.  However, the parent/teacher can still be present during the exam as a third party.

No, the teacher does not need to introduce Performance Grades. The candidate should manage the entire performance from beginning to end as they would in a live concert performance, with no verbal input from the teacher.