If you’re serious about learning the piano and want formal recognition for your skills, taking piano grade exams is a great step forward. These exams not only test your technical and musical abilities but also open doors to professional opportunities in music education, performance, and more.
But with multiple exam boards offering certifications, choosing the right one can be confusing. In this guide, we’ll break down the most globally recognized piano exam boards, their exam patterns, and which ones are considered the toughest and most prestigious. We’ll also explore online piano exam options, making it easier to get certified from anywhere!
1. What Are Piano Grade Exams?
Piano grade exams are structured assessments that evaluate a pianist’s progress, from beginner to advanced levels. These grades help in:
- Tracking your musical development
- Learning a structured syllabus
- Gaining internationally recognized certification
- Enhancing skills in performance, sight-reading, aural training, and music theory
Most piano exam boards have 8 grades, starting from Grade 1 (beginner) to Grade 8 (advanced). Some institutions also offer diplomas beyond Grade 8 for professionals.
2. Top Internationally Recognized Piano Exam Boards
A. ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) – UK
Recognition: Highly respected worldwide, widely accepted in universities and conservatories.
Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging.
Exam Pattern:
✔ Three pieces from different musical periods
✔ Technical work (scales & arpeggios)
✔ Sight-reading
✔ Aural tests
Best For: Students who want a strong classical foundation with global recognition.
Online Option: ABRSM offers Performance Grades online, where candidates submit a video recording of 4 pieces instead of attending a live exam.
B. Trinity College London – UK
Recognition: Widely accepted internationally, known for flexible repertoire choices.
Difficulty Level: Similar to ABRSM but with more flexibility in musical styles.
Exam Pattern:
✔ Three pieces (Classical & Contemporary options)
✔ Technical work (scales & exercises)
✔ Sight-reading (optional at lower grades)
✔ Supporting tests (Improvisation / Aural tests / Musical Knowledge)
Best For: Those who want a blend of classical and contemporary music with some flexibility in exam options.
Online Option: Trinity offers Digital Grades and Diplomas, allowing students to submit a video of their performance for evaluation.
C. LCM (London College of Music) – UK
Recognition: Respected internationally, slightly more contemporary-focused.
Difficulty Level: Slightly easier than ABRSM and Trinity.
Exam Pattern:
✔ Three pieces
✔ Technical work (scales, arpeggios)
✔ Sight-reading
✔ Aural tests
✔ General knowledge of pieces
Best For: Students who prefer a more contemporary approach to piano exams.
Online Option: LCM offers LCME Online, where students can take graded and diploma exams through video submissions.
D. Rockschool – UK
Recognition: Internationally recognized but more focused on modern music styles.
Difficulty Level: Moderate.
Exam Pattern:
✔ Performance of 3 pieces (Pop, Rock, Jazz, Film, or TV music)
✔ Technical exercises
✔ Sight-reading (optional)
✔ Improvisation and playback skills
Best For: Pianists who want to focus on modern music, jazz, film scores, and improvisation rather than strict classical pieces.
Online Option: Rockschool offers RS Online Video Exams, where candidates can record and submit their performance for evaluation.
E. MTB (Music Teachers’ Board) – UK 🌍
Recognition: Gaining popularity due to its fully online format, recognized in multiple countries.
Difficulty Level: Similar to Trinity and LCM, with an easy-to-follow syllabus.
Exam Pattern:
✔ Performance of 4 pieces (classical or contemporary)
✔ Technical exercises
Best For: Students looking for a 100% online piano exam with no travel requirements.
Online Option: Fully online! MTB is the only board that conducts all exams virtually, making it perfect for students who prefer remote learning.
3. Which Piano Exam Board is the Toughest?
- ABRSM is often considered the most rigorous due to their strict sight-reading and aural requirements.
- Trinity & MTB are slightly more flexible, offering a mix of classical and modern music.
- Rockschool is more relaxed but still requires strong technical and performance skills.
If you’re aiming for global recognition, ABRSM, Trinity, and LCM are the best choices.
4. Diploma & Beyond: What Comes After Grade 8?
Once you complete Grade 8, you can pursue diplomas to become a professional pianist or educator. Some of the well-known diplomas include:
ATCL (Trinity College) – Associate Level
DipABRSM (ABRSM) – Diploma Level
LRSM / LTCL – Licentiate Level
FRSM / FTCL – Fellowship Level (Highest qualification)
These diplomas are ideal for those who want to teach piano, perform professionally, or pursue higher music education.
5. Which Exam Board Should You Choose?
If you want global recognition & a strong classical foundation → ABRSM
If you want a mix of classical & contemporary → Trinity / LCM
If you love pop, jazz & improvisation → Rockschool
If you want a completely online exam → MTB
No matter which board you choose, consistency and practice are key to excelling in piano grade exams!
Final Thoughts
Taking piano grade exams can be a game-changer for your musical journey. They provide a structured learning path, build discipline, and offer international certification that can be valuable for your career. Choose the right board based on your musical interests and start preparing today!
Which piano exam board are you considering? Let me know in the comments!
#PianoGradeExams #ABRSM #TrinityCollege #MusicEducation #PianoPractice #PianoGoals