Face-to-Face Exams – What to Expect on the Day

Taking a Trinity face-to-face music exam is a rewarding experience and a chance to demonstrate everything you’ve prepared. The guidance below will help you feel confident and ready for the day of your exam.

Arriving at the Exam Venue

• Arrive in good time. We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.

• Check your appointment slip for the date, time, and location of your exam.

• You may need to sign in at a reception desk or be directed to a waiting area.

• If you are delayed, contact the centre using the details provided in our exam centre map.

What to Bring

• Your completed appointment slip 

• Instrument(s) and any required accessories (e.g. strings, reeds, drumsticks) - note the instrument is provided for Piano, Drum and Percussion exams.

• Your music for all pieces, including any copies for the examiner.

• Any required playback equipment (for Rock & Pop exams)

• Forms of identification are not required.

• Special needs provision documents (if applicable and pre-approved)

On the Day

• Warm-up facilities may or may not be available depending on the centre. If warm-up is essential, check in advance with the centre representative.

• An exam steward or Trinity representative will guide you when it's time to enter the exam room.

• Parents or teachers (unless they are the accompanist) are not allowed to accompany candidates into the exam room unless pre-approved due to special circumstances.

• Accompanists must leave the exam room after their section is completed.

During the Exam

• The examiner will greet you and guide you through the exam step by step.

• You can expect a friendly, professional atmosphere. Our examiners are trained to support candidates and put them at ease.

• You will perform your prepared pieces, followed by technical work (such as scales and arpeggios), supporting tests, or session skills depending on the exam type.

• For Rock & Pop exams, make sure your backing tracks and playback devices are tested and fully working before the exam.

After the Exam

• Once finished, you are free to leave the venue unless otherwise instructed.

• Results and reports will be issued according to the usual timeframes for your exam type. 

• Digital certificates will be sent to the candidate email address provided during booking.

Additional Notes

• If you are unwell on the day, please do not attend the exam and notify the centre as soon as possible. Supporting medical evidence may be required for any rescheduling or refund request.

• If you have requested reasonable adjustments, these will have been agreed in advance and communicated to the examiner. Speak to the steward on arrival if you have any concerns.

• Trinity does not allow any unauthorised audio or video recording during exams.

We wish you the best of luck with your exam!

See also:
Accompaniment and Backing tracks
Late Arrivals & Emergencies

ID and Verification Requirements