Before your exam
Here you will find information on specifications, syllabus, music, uniform, and everything you need to know to prepare for taking an RAD exam.
Examinations Overview
| Name of award | What? | Who? | Assessed? | Where? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demonstration class (Dance to Your Own Tune) | Free content, led by teacher | Candidates age 2.5 to 5 years | No, the examiner only observes | AEC or RAV |
| Solo performance award (Grades 1-7) | 3 solo dances, at least 2 from exam syllabus | From age 7 | Yes, as per award criteria | AEC or RAV |
| Class award (Pre-Primary in Dance to Grade 8 and Discovering Repertoire) | Class award syllabus (a selection of exercises and one dance), led by the teacher | From age 5, Discovering Repertoire from age 12 | Yes, a broad indication of standard rather than a detailed breakdown | AEC or RAV |
| Examination (Graded, Vocational and Discovering Repertoire) | Candidates perform the exam syllabus | From age 6, Discovering Repertoire from age 12 | Yes, as per exam criteria | AEC or RAV |
| Solo Seal | Candidates perform three variations and a virtuoso finale for a panel of judges and an audience | From age 15 | Yes, by an RAD examiner and a dance professional approved by the Artistic Director | RAV or theatre venue |
*AEC – Approved Examination Centre, normally the teacher’s own studio
*RAV – RAD Approved Venue, premises provided by the RAD.
Our exams glossary explains other terms that you may not be familiar with.
Specifications and syllabus
From January 2026, the Specifications have been updated and reorganised into three separate documents to make them easier to navigate:
This document is a practical guide for teachers and schools to organise and run RAD examinations smoothly and safely. It covers who can enter, how to register, what ages and requirements apply, how to book and prepare for exams, payment processes, what happens on the exam day, and how and when results and certificates are issued. It also provides guidelines for the set up of exam studios, music, uniform, filming options, fees, refunds, and what to do if exams need to be changed or cancelled.
This document provides detailed information about the content and format for RAD Exams, Class Awards and Solo Performance Awards. It describes what each level includes, how to group candidates, how old students must be, how long each exam lasts, and the examination assessment criteria. It outlines the skills required for every grade, explains how students are assessed and what they are awarded upon the completion of the qualification.
This document explains how RAD exams are recognised, structured, and regulated across the UK. It outlines what the learning outcomes are, how the exams fit into national qualification frameworks, recommended study hours for each grade, and how they can support further education or dance related careers.
Music
More information on music in exams can be found in our Specifications (see Music), and CDs and sheet music can be bought from the RAD shop.
Please note: for graded exams, it is better if the teacher does not serve as the pianist or operate the CD player as this can be very distracting for the candidates.
We suggest the following:
- A screen should be placed between the performing space and the CD operator.
- The CD operator should sit with their back towards the exam area, or facing away from the candidates, making no eye contact with the candidates.
- Candidates should understand beforehand that the examiner will conduct the exam and even if their teacher is operating the CD player, their teacher will not assist at any point.
All vocational graded exams must be performed with a pianist, but the variations are performed to the orchestral tracks on the CD. The pianist must operate the CD player.
Exam fees and refunds
View and download the Exam Fees document here
Late Entry Fees
1 week after closing date – 10% of entry
2 weeks after closing date – 20% of entry
No new entries or changes are permitted later than 2 weeks after the closing date.
Candidate Withdrawal (non-COVID related)
Candidate withdrawal due to injury or illness (non-COVID-19 related) – option to carry forward exam fee via a transfer letter, or up to 50% refund upon submission of evidence such as a doctor’s certificate.
Transfer letters or refunds will not be given:
where a teacher withdraws a candidate after the entry has been submitted
for clashes with events in the candidate’s school, college or university calendar as these should have been foreseen at the time of entry (this includes exams, holidays, rehearsals or school trips)
where candidates’ ‘impossible dates’ availability is changed after the entry has been submitted
where candidates’ lessons have been curtailed before an exam due to a dispute between the applicant and the candidate (or the candidate’s parent/guardian)
where a candidate withdraws from an exam due to a pre-requisite not being passed
where a candidate withdraws from an exam because they have not yet reached the minimum age
for demonstration classes
where a candidate does not arrive for their exam
where a candidate changes their mind about wishing to take their exam.
COVID-19
If exams are cancelled due to COVID-19, every attempt will be made to reschedule, carry-over an entry via a transfer letter or offer a video assessment option in the first instance. If none of these options are viable, RAD will refund 90% of the exam fee. Cancelled by COVID-19 means in any of the following circumstances:
- changes in government guidance about who/how many can meet and for what purpose
- lockdown measures being put into place
- restrictions on travel meaning that the examiner/teacher and candidates cannot attend the planned examination day
- the examiner, teacher or candidate contracting COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19
- the teacher or candidate needing to self-isolate in alignment with government guidance.
Processing Refunds
Refunds can only be requested by the Applicant School (i.e. school or studio submitting the exam entries). Refunds may be paid into the bank account the Applicant School specifies (i.e. can be directed toward relevant recipient).
Additional Surcharges
- Multiple student cheques/credit cards – $50
Replacement
- Extracts from the register of examinations – $45
Studio hire (Darlinghurst studio)
- $60 per hour
Minimum Fee
Teachers who have less than 3 hours examination work may choose to hold their examinations in their own studios by paying an additional charge on the total fee income from their examination, presentation class, class award and demonstration class entries to bring it up to the minimum fee level quoted below. This surcharge will not apply if teachers continue to combine with other teachers. The minimum fee is $1852.
Payment for Examinations
It is preferred that payment and entry for examination is made online. If this is not available, entries will only be accepted with payment via EFT, cheque, or Credit Card (excluding Amex & Diners Club). A surcharge may be applied if there are multiple payments for School’s entry.
Direct deposits can be made to:
Account Name: Royal Academy of Dance
BSB: 032-034
Account number: 800571
Policies, procedures, and regulations
For a breakdown of all our exams policies, please visit the page linked below.
Timings and sets
Session dates
To view session dates for 2026, please visit this page.
Examination Specials
Special examinations can be arranged for dates outside the sessions listed on our dates page. They are subject to a surcharge which reflects the additional costs (see below). A minimum of three hours of exams are required.
Please note, the RAD cannot guarantee to fulfil requests for Specials, which depend on examiner availability.
| Special Exam | Fee |
|---|---|
| Surcharge for 1 day of exams (Minimum 3 hours’ examining time) | $500 |
| Each additional consecutive day of exams | $150 |
Forms
Reasonable adjustment, result enquiry, and special consideration
Prerequisites and age requirements
Exam prerequisites
| Exam | Prerequisite |
|---|---|
| Intermediate Foundation | None |
| Intermediate | None |
| Advanced Foundation | Intermediate |
| Advanced 1 | Intermediate |
| Advanced 2 | Advanced 1 |
| Solo Seal | Advanced 2 (Distinction) |
Equivalent ballet qualifications from the following organisations are accepted:
- British Ballet Organisation (BBO/bbodance)
- British Theatre Dance Association (BTDA)
- National Association of Teachers of Dance (NATD)
- Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD)
- International Dance Teachers’ Association (IDTA)
Where candidates enter for an exam and the prerequisite in the same session, the award of the exam will be dependent on the prerequisite also being passed.
For more information, please see ‘Entering candidates for exams’ in our Specifications.
Age requirements
An RAD Registered teacher will identify when a candidate is ready to take an exam.
For demonstration classes, the following target ages apply:
| Level | Target age |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2½ – 3½ |
| Level 2 | 3½ – 4½ or 5 |
There are recommended age requirements for all RAD exams, class awards and solo performance awards and required ages for Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate and Discovering Repertoire exams and class awards.
Without exception, candidates must reach the required minimum age by 31 December in the year in which they are taking the exam.
| Level | Minimum age | Recommended | Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Primary in Dance | 5 | ✔ | |
| Primary in Dance | 6 | ✔ | |
| Grades 1-5 | 7 | ✔ | |
| Grades 6-8 | 11 | ✔ | |
| Intermediate Foundation | 11 | ✔ | |
| Intermediate | 12 | ✔ | |
| Advanced Foundation | 13 | ✔ | |
| Advanced 1 | 14 | ✔ | |
| Advanced 2 | 15 | ✔ | |
| Solo Seal | 15 | ✔ | |
| Discovering Repertoire | 12 | ✔ |
Reasonable adjustments and examiner awareness
Overview
A Reasonable Adjustment is a pre-assessment adjustment made to enable a disabled or disadvantaged candidate to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and understanding to the levels of attainment required by the specification for that qualification. They are intended to support candidates with certain conditions (normally a special educational need, disability or medical condition) known about at the time of entry. Reasonable Adjustments involve changes to assessment or administrative procedures only. The assessment criteria and mark will not be adjusted.
Where a Reasonable Adjustment is not necessary, but the candidate does have a condition that they would like the examiner to be aware of, we will inform the examiner. This is known as Examiner Awareness. Further information and guidance on this can be found in the Reasonable Adjustments vs Examiner Awareness guidance document.
Application procedure
Applications for Reasonable Adjustments or requests for Examiner Awareness should be submitted via the RAD Online Exam Entry by activating the RA check box when you add your candidate. Alternatively, if your candidate has been added to the Exam Entry already, you may submit your application by using the pencil icon to the far right of the relevant candidate and activating the RA check box (new window opens) to select ‘Reasonable Adjustment’ or ‘ Examiner Awareness’ on the Exam Entry. Once the RA check box has been activated, please ensure that your application form is uploaded to the notes section of the Exam Entry.
Application or request timelines
Live in-person assessments – Any Reasonable Adjustment application or Examiner Awareness request must be completed by the closing date of the relevant assessment period ideally, but no later than 5 working days before the date of the assessment. All applications after the closing date of the entry should be submitted to examscustomerservices@rad.org.uk
Filmed assessments – Any Reasonable Adjustment application or Examiner Awareness request must be completed no later than 5 working days prior to the filming of the assessment.
- Please read the Reasonable Adjustments policy and procedure before you complete your Reasonable Adjustment Application Form or Examiner Awareness Request Form
- Please find the RAD Examinations Privacy Policy
- Forms should not be given to the examiner on the day of the assessment.
What to wear
In our specifications, uniform is recommended for each grade, but where this is not possible, suitable alternatives may be worn.
Candidates are not assessed based on their uniform.
- All uniform should be clean and well-fitting.
- Jewellery should not be worn unless required for religious or cultural reasons.
- Where used, makeup should be kept light and to a minimum.
- Hair should be neat and tidy, styled off the face and neck so that the line of the head and neck is not obscured.
We want to ensure that candidates feel comfortable and secure in their exam. If you have any queries about uniform, or wish to talk about any adjustments, please do get in touch.
RAD Enterprises stocks a range of recommended exam uniforms.
RAD Approved Venue Information
Information regarding the RAD approved venue (RAV).
Sydney Head Office Studio
The Royal Academy of Dance has laid Harlequin Cascade Plus in its head office studio that is used for RAD examinations. Harlequin Cascade Plus is cushion-backed premium vinyl flooring that is ballet-specific and not multi-purpose vinyl flooring. In accordance with safe dance, and to ensure no damage is made to the vinyl flooring, rosin is not to be used and tap shoes are not permitted on the RAD’s vinyl flooring.
RAD Approved Venue Information
RAD Approved Venue Requirements can be found in our Exam Specifications document
Filmed exams
Filmed exams were introduced to offer an alternative for teachers and students wishing to enter exams during the COVID-19 global pandemic when live exams were not possible.
Filming of exams will continue to be offered.
For assistance or more information
For more information, as well as guides for filming and uploading filmed exams, please visit the Members’ Area.
For all enquiries regarding video exams, please use the filmedexams@rad.org.au email address.
Online entries
From February 2020 RAD Registered Teachers can lodge examination entries via the internet.
Online entries can be made via the secure Members’ Area of our website. If you do not have a registration for our Members’ Area please contact membership@rad.org.au for assistance.
How do I Access My Candidate ID Numbers?
Candidate ID numbers appear on your candidate result form, notification of results letter and timetable. You may also view your candidate ID numbers and names in the students by year report.
How do I Make a Payment?
Payment is by Credit Card or Direct Deposit.
What is the Deadline for Lodgment of Examination Entries Via the Internet?
The deadline is midnight on the closing date of the examination session as advertised in the Focus on Members, supplement to Dance Gazette. For closing dates please see here.
What are the Benefits for Me?
Online entries allow you to commence and complete your entry over a period of time and to make changes to your entry easily before lodgment.
Where do I Get Help?
Help Notes in the Members’ Area will walk you through the entry process. If you have any further queries, please don’t hesitate to contact the Examination Department (02) 9331 4111 or exams@rad.org.au who will gladly assist.
RAD Australia Exams
If you have an urgent exams enquiry outside of normal business hours please contact the relevant tour organiser of your session. If you have an urgent exams enquiry outside of normal business hours please contact the relevant tour organiser of your session.
Please note the following distinctions:
• Approved Examination Centre (AEC) Sessions for Exams in Your Own Studio
• RAD Approved Venue (RAV) Sessions Studio Organised by the RAD.
Examination results are aimed at being released online 4 weeks after the end of the examination session, with certificates, medals and bars sent 6 weeks after the end of the examination session.
Contact details:
If you would like to know something about a specific AEC or RAV session, please get in touch with the tour organiser.
For further enquiries contact:
Lia Cox (+61 413 382 271 )
Head of Department – Examinations and Regions
Happy to help
If can’t find what you are looking for, get in touch:
Contact us at exams@rad.org.uk, or alternatively, you can view further exam information in the Member’s Area.
Become an RAD Registered Teacher
Only RAD Registered Teachers (RAD RTS) are eligible to enter students for our exams.
To enrol your students and better prepare them for success, visit our Member’s Area for more resources.
Not a registered teacher? Sign up and become a member today, and help your students succeed on their dance journey.