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Session dates

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Session dates

Find the next RAD exam session near you. Make sure you get your entries in on time to share in students’ success.

Approved Examination Centre Sessions | RAD Approved Venue Sessions | Special Exams

2026 Exams session dates

Term 2

AEC Area/RAV VenueApproximate DatesClosing DateExaminer
Wellington (1) RAV6 – 9 May 202626 February 2026Alison Pond
Auckland (1) RAV10 – 16 May 202626 February 2026Alison Pond
Auckland/Northland Term 2 AEC5 – 14 June 202626 March 2026Lynne Harrison

Term 3

AEC Area/RAV VenueApproximate DatesClosing DateExaminer
Auckland/Northland Term 3 AEC4 August – 10 September 202621 May 2026Karen Suttie
Waikato AEC1 – 15 August 202621 May 2026Davinia Dearmer
Chch/Canterbury AEC5 – 12 August 202621 May 2026Sue Nicholls
Hawkes Bay13 – 20 August 20264 June 2026Alison Pond
Manawatu/Whanganui/Taranaki AEC20 August – 10 September 20264 June 2026Sharon Howells
Gisborne24 – 27 August 20264 June 2026Carryne Algie
Wellington Term 3 AEC2 – 19 September 202625 June 2026Karen Macleod
Bay of Plenty AEC2 – 11 September 202625 June 2026Carole Speirs
Otago AEC7 – 12 September 202625 June 2026Sue Nicholls
Nelson/Marlborough AEC15 – 19 September 202625 June 2026Alison Pond
Auckland (2) RAV7 – 27 August 202628 May 2026Anna Veretennikova
Invercargill RAV28 August – 4 September 202628 May 2026Anna Veretennikova
Christchurch RAV5 – 8 September 202628 May 2026Anna Veretennikova
Hamilton RAV17 – 23 August 202611 June 2026Anne Fraser
Wellington (2) RAV24 – 30 August 202611 June 2026Anne Fraser
Napier RAV31 August – 3 September 202611 June 2026Anne Fraser
Tauranga RAV11 – 9 September 202625 June 2026Carole Speirs
Wellington – Solo Seal4 September 202612 June 2026Anne Fraser

Term 4

AEC Area/RAV VenueApproximate DatesClosing DateExaminer
Wellington Term 4 AEC12 October – 15 November 20266 August 2026Annette Roselli
Auckland/Northland Term 4 AEC12 October – 15 November 20266 August 2026Carryne Algie
Christchurch Term 4 AEC18 October – 8 November 20266 August 2026Karen Macleod
Wairarapa AEC7 – 11 December 202617 September 2026Tonia Robertson

Further information

Approved Examination Centre (AEC) Sessions are organised by a studio teacher. RAD Approved Venue (RAV) Sessions are organised by the RAD, with a pianist employed by the RAD.

It is recommended/required that all candidates entered into exams from PPiD to Solo Seal reach the advertised minimum age by 31 December in the year in which they are taking an exam. Please see the attached table to find out which exams have a recommended minimum age and which have a required minimum age.

If a student wants to sit an Advanced Foundation, Advanced 1, Advanced 2 or Solo Seal exam and wishes to take advantage of the reduced exam entry fee they must ensure that the membership application form and payment of the membership fee are processed and sent to the RAD Wellington office at least 21 days prior to the closing date of the examination session they are wanting to enter into.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION – Changes and Additions to Exam Entries

Special Examinations

Special examinations can be arranged for dates outside the sessions listings above. They are subject to a surcharge which reflects the additional costs (see below).

Please note, the RAD cannot guarantee to fulfil requests which depend on examiner availability.

For fees and to book a special examination session go here

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 info@rad.org.nz

If you have an urgent exams enquiry outside of normal business hours please contact the 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.


We aim to release results online four weeks after the end of the exam session, with certificates, medals and bars sent six weeks after the end of the session.