FAQs

At the RGT, we have found that many questions occur quite frequently. We have included the most common on this page to assist you more quickly. Look here first to find an answer. If you have any further questions please complete the "Request More Info" form. Please read our conditions of entry prior to entering for an examination.

Can I Use An Acoustic Guitar For The Electric Guitar Examination?
Yes. You may play electric or acoustic guitar. Amplification is provided for electric guitar players.

Can I Enter Straight For Grade 8?
Candidates may enter for any examination without having taken any preceding examination. In other words, you don’t need to have taken Grade 1 to enter for Grade 2. However, we would recommend that you work progressively through all the handbooks to ensure that you develop your playing in a structured and comprehensive way.

Can I Enter More Than One Examination At The Same Session?
Yes. For example, you could take Grade 2 followed by Grade 3 on the same day.

Do I Need To have Lessons With A Registered Tutor Before I Can Enter An Examination?
No, you can enter individually whether you have a tutor or not - however, tuition from an experinced tutor would undoubtedly prove helpful in preparing for an examination.

Do I Have To Use The Fingering Given In The Examination Handbooks?
No. The Handbooks give fingering for scales, arpeggios and chords for general guidance only. Alternative systematic and effective fingerings will also be acceptable. All our Handbooks are available from www.booksforguitar.com.

What Do I Get When I Pass?
If you obtain the 65% pass mark you will be awarded an official London College of Music Certificate for the relevant Grade. This is the same certificate, and holds the same validity, as those issued by LCM for classical music examinations.

When Do Examinations Take Place?
In mainland UK, examinations are held 3 times a year. The entry deadlines are: 1st February for the March/April exams; 1st May for the June/July exams; 1st October for the November/December exams.

Where Are Examinations Held?
Examinations are held in a wide variety of venues. These may include rooms in schools, colleges, teachers houses, examiners houses, rehearsal studios, guitar centres, church and community halls.

Will I Have To Travel Far?
Not normally. Via our combined network of RGT & LCM centres we have several hundred possible venues spread widely across the UK. You will be assigned to the examination centre operating nearest to your home address.

How Do I Enter For An Examination Outside The UK?
Examinations may take place on an annual basis in various European centres (such as Eire and Malta), as well as Worldwide centres (such as Canada and New Zealand). Special arrangements apply to overseas examinations, and candidates should contact the RGT (or the local representatives) prior to submitting an examination entry.

When The Exam Is Finished Will The Examiner Tell Me If I’ve Passed?
No. After the examination the examiner will write a full examination report for you. The report will highlight your strengths and weaknesses, and list the marks awarded for each section. This will be sent to you, together with the certificate (if you have passed), within 28 days. If you have been entered by your tutor, or if you have given the name of your tutor on your entry form, then all documentation will be sent direct to your tutor.