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
2025 Exams session dates
Term 4
| AEC Area/RAV Venue | Approximate Dates | Closing Date | Examiner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wellington Term 4 AEC | 6 October – 9 November 2025 | 31 July 2025 | Karen Perring |
| Auckland/Northland Term 4 AEC | 6 October – 9 November 2025 | 31 July 2025 | Jan Mills |
| Christchurch Term 4 AEC | 18 October – 9 November 2025 | 7 August 2025 | Carole Speirs |
| Wairarapa AEC | 8 – 12 December 2025 | 18 September 2025 | Paula Hunt |
2026 Exams session dates
Term 2
| AEC Area/RAV Venue | Approximate Dates | Closing Date | Examiner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wellington (1) RAV | 6 – 9 May 2026 | 26 February 2026 | Alison Pond |
| Auckland (1) RAV | 10 – 16 May 2026 | 26 February 2026 | Alison Pond |
| Auckland/Northland Term 2 AEC | 5 – 14 June 2026 | 26 March 2026 | Lynne Harrison |
Term 3
| AEC Area/RAV Venue | Approximate Dates | Closing Date | Examiner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland/Northland Term 3 AEC | 4 August – 10 September 2026 | 21 May 2026 | Karen Suttie |
| Waikato AEC | 1 – 15 August 2026 | 21 May 2026 | Davinia Dearmer |
| Chch/Canterbury AEC | 5 – 12 August 2026 | 21 May 2026 | Sue Nicholls |
| Hawkes Bay | 13 – 20 August 2026 | 4 June 2026 | Alison Pond |
| Manawatu/Whanganui/Taranaki AEC | 20 August – 10 September 2026 | 4 June 2026 | TBC |
| Gisborne | 24 – 27 August 2026 | 4 June 2026 | TBC |
| Wellington Term 3 AEC | 2 – 19 September 2026 | 25 June 2026 | Karen Macleod |
| Bay of Plenty AEC | 2 – 11 September 2026 | 25 June 2026 | Carole Speirs |
| Otago AEC | 7 – 12 September 2026 | 25 June 2026 | Sue Nicholls |
| Nelson/Marlborough AEC | 15 – 19 September 2026 | 25 June 2026 | Alison Pond |
| Auckland (2) RAV | 7 – 27 August 2026 | 28 May 2026 | Anna Veretennikova |
| Invercargill RAV | 28 August – 4 September 2026 | 28 May 2026 | Anna Veretennikova |
| Christchurch RAV | 5 – 8 September 2026 | 28 May 2026 | Anna Veretennikova |
| Hamilton RAV | 17 – 23 August 2026 | 11 June 2026 | Anne Fraser |
| Wellington (2) RAV | 24 – 30 August 2026 | 11 June 2026 | Anne Fraser |
| Napier RAV | 31 August – 4 September 2026 | 11 June 2026 | Anne Fraser |
| Tauranga RAV | 12 – 17 September 2026 | 25 June 2026 | Lynne Harrison |
| Wellington – Solo Seal | TBC | TBC | TBC |
Term 4
| AEC Area/RAV Venue | Approximate Dates | Closing Date | Examiner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wellington Term 4 AEC | 12 October – 15 November 2026 | 6 August 2026 | Annette Roselli |
| Auckland/Northland Term 4 AEC | 12 October – 15 November 2026 | 6 August 2026 | Carryne Algie |
| Christchurch Term 4 AEC | 18 October – 8 November 2026 | 6 August 2026 | Karen Macleod |
| Wairarapa AEC | 7 – 11 December 2026 | 17 September 2026 | Tonia 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
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.

