Certificates are awarded at every level to all candidates who have successfully completed the requirements for practical and theory examinations. Certificates are mailed in late March, late August and late October to eligible candidates. Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery.
| Comprehensive Certificates* | Examinations Required |
| Preparatory A Piano | Preparatory A Piano |
| Preparatory B Piano | Preparatory B Piano |
| Introductory Practical (non-piano) | Introductory or Preparatory Practical |
| Level 1 | Level 1 Practical |
| Level 2 | Level 2 Practical |
| Level 3 | Level 3 Practical |
| Level 4 | Level 4 Practical |
| Level 5 |
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| Level 6 |
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| Level 7 |
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| Level 8 |
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| Level 9 |
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Level 10 |
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*Students completing only the practical examinations for Levels 5 through 10 will receive a Practical Certificate.
| Theory Certificate | Examinations Required |
|---|---|
| Level 5 Theory | Level 5 Theory |
| Level 6 Theory | Level 6 Theory |
| Level 7 Theory | Level 7 Theory |
| Level 8 Theory | Level 8 Theory |
| Level 9 Theory |
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| Level 10 Theory |
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| ARCT Theory |
Two of the following:
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*If completed prior to January 2017.
| Piano Pedagogy Certificate | Examinations Required |
| Elementary Piano Pedagogy Certificate |
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| Intermediate Piano Pedagogy Certificate |
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| ARCT in Piano Pedagogy Diploma |
Two of the following:
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*If completed prior to January 2017.
In recognition of the dedication and hard work of those candidates who achieve outstanding results in their examinations, a number of awards and prizes are awarded each academic year by The Royal Conservatory. All examination candidates are automatically eligible for awards and prizes (i.e., an application is not required). All awards are based on examination results.
National Gold Medals are awarded for each academic year (i.e., September 1 to August 31) in Preparatory to Level 10, plus Elementary and Intermediate Pedagogy, to those who have obtained the highest marks in each level and in each of the following disciplines: accordion, brass/woodwinds, guitar, harp, organ, percussion, piano, strings and voice. To qualify for National Gold Medals, candidates must have obtained at least 80 percent in the practical examination and have completed the co-requisite theory examinations for their respective level.
A Gold Medal for Excellence in Theory will be awarded each academic year (September 1 to August 31) to the candidate who has achieved the highest average mark upon the completion of all of the following examinations:
Candidates will be considered for the Gold Medal for Excellence in Theory in the academic year in which they are eligible to graduate with an ARCT diploma. Candidates must obtain an overall average of at least 80 percent for the eight examinations.
Center Certificates of Excellence
These are awarded in each Assessment Center to the student in Preparatory A, Preparatory B, and Levels 1 to 10 who receives the highest marks for the respective Practical examination in the previous academic year. To be eligible, a student must receive a minimum of 80 percent in the Practical examination and have completed the Theory examination co-requisite for the respective level.
State Certificates of Excellence
These certificates are awarded in each State to the student in Preparatory A, Preparatory B, and Levels 1 to 10 who receives the highest marks for the respective Practical examination in the previous academic year. . To be eligible, a student must receive a minimum of 80 percent in the Practical examination and have completed the Theory examination co-requisite for the respective level.
This year's Celebration of Excellence events took place in:
Southern California: January 13, 2018
Northern California: January 21, 2018
New York: February 17 & 18, 2018
The Associate of The Royal Conservatory (ARCT) diplomas for Performers and Teachers are the highest academic standings awarded by The Royal Conservatory. The ARCT Teacher's diploma is respected internationally as a teaching qualification. Diplomas are handed out at each of the three Convocation ceremonies and mailed out to graduates who are unable to attend.
| Diplomas | Examinations Required |
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ARCT Performer's |
Two of the following:
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| LRCM in Piano Performance |
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| ARCT in Piano Pedagogy |
Two of the following:
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*If completed prior to January 2017.
**New requirement, effective September 2017.
Many school systems recognize RCM examinations for credit towards secondary school graduation. Please check with your guidance counselor for more information. This document provides you with details on the RCM program that will be helpful for school administrators in assessing the program for high school credits and excused absences for examinations.
Annual Convocation ceremonies are held in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary.
