Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is there a digital option for candidates in 2024?
Starting from 2024, Chinese Instrumental Music Grading Examinations (Digital) will be offered to candidates as an option due to popular demand and to cater to the increased needs in offering digital solutions targeted to a wider population of candidates in this fast-paced and digital world. The digital Examinations will be assessed completely online via video submissions.
2. What is the key difference between the digital Examinations and face-to-face Examinations?
Students opted for the digital Examinations are required to submit their videos online by 10 November 2024 while students taking face-to-face Examinations will report to the exam venues on the stipulated date.
3. What is the advantage of digital Examinations?
Digital Examinations enable candidates to undertake our assessments remotely, from their own homes or other suitable locations to their convenience.
4. Are digital Examinations offered to all grades?
Digital Examinations are only offered for Examination grades 1 to 8. Candidates taking the Certificate In Professional Performance level can only be assessed via the face-to-face Examinations. Candidates residing overseas are allowed to take the Examinations for Certificate In Professional Performance level digitally.
5. Why are early-bird registration fees no longer offered, and why is there a difference in the fee structure?
Due to rising costs associated with administering examinations, it has become increasingly difficult to maintain quality and standards without increasing exam fees. Therefore, we have decided to implement a standardised rate. This allows us to streamline our pricing structure, ensuring fairness and consistency for our candidates, while better covering the costs and maintaining the quality standards of the examinations.
6. How are the Examinations graded?
Digital Examinations are assessed in the same way as face-to-face Examinations. Examiners use the same assessment criteria for both modes of examinations. Both modes of Examinations are assessed out of a total score of 100, with a score of 60 required for a Pass, 75 for a Merit and 85 for a Distinction (for Grade 1 to Grade 8 only).
7. (Face-to-face Examinations) Can the candidate request to reschedule the Examination date?
The Examinations will not be rescheduled. Please ensure that you are available during the period of Examinations (25 November to 7 December 2024). If the candidates are unable to be present for the face-to-face Examinations, they should opt for the digital Examinations, or will be asked to submit their videos online. No refunds will be made for failure to attend the face-to-face Examinations and/or submit the examination videos. Candidates taking the face-to-face Examinations will receive their Examination notifications by 30 October 2024.
8. What are the requirements for the video recordings and submissions for the digital Examinations?
Candidates can refer to the guidelines here for the details on the requirements for the video recordings and submissions.
9. Can candidates opt for mailing to instructors/self collection for their results and/or certificates?
No, we are only allowing the option of individual tracked letterbox mailings via Singpost. This is to streamline the examination procedures, and allow us to better allocate resources in the administering of examinations while maintaining quality standards for our candidates.
10. Will the certification differ for digital and face-to-face Examinations?
Both the digital and face-to-face Examination certification serve the purpose of recognising and documenting an individual’s achievement in music performance. “Digital Examinations” will be indicated in the certification for candidates who take digital Examinations to set the distinction in the delivery method of performance. It will not affect the integrity of your certification.