Frequently asked

In normal times if the teacher is in the same room as the candidate then the teacher would download the app to record and submit the exam.

Over this Covid-19 outbreak or if your lessons are normally conducted over webcam, then it would be the candidate/candidate’s guardian who would download the app to record and submit the exam, with the teacher conducting the exam over webcam.

In order to access the app, the candidate/candidate’s guardian will need to sign up as an individual user.  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 purchased your exam an email will be sent within a couple of hours containing your personalised pdf front cover.  This can be located as a link at the bottom of the email under order inventory.  If you cannot open this link then try copy and pasting the link address into your address bar on your internet homepage and you will be taken to the online version of your PDF. If you are still experiencing difficulties then contact MTB customer services who can email the front cover to you.

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.

This is not an issue, please verbally state the verification statement for the teacher and candidate at the bottom of front cover in the recording and make a brief note in the submission note section that you have done this.

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

An MTB exam is split into three sections, Recital, Technical and Musicianship.

The Recital Section of three pieces is flexible with the free choice option so new or old syllabus pieces can be used for an MTB exam indefinitely unless they are specifically regraded.

The Technical Section can either be taken from the 2019 or 2020 syllabus but cannot be a mixture of the two within a section, i.e. 2020 scales and 2019 technical exercises.

The Musicianship Section can either be taken from the 2019 or 2020 syllabus but cannot be a mixture of the two within a section, i.e. 2020 listening skills and 2019 reading skills.

So for example the Musicianship Section of a 2020 syllabus and the Technical section of a 2019 syllabus could be used for an exam or vice versa with a combination of 2019/20 pieces.

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.

Accompaniments are optional for pieces during the Covid-19 outbreak.  You can also use recorded accompaniments for our exams.

Yes, this is acceptable and we have produced a number of recorded accompaniments which are available to download on the duet pages of the new 2020 syllabuses.

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

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 visit our appealing an assessment result page 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.