DANCE Exams

Annual RAD Exams and Class Awards

RAD Exam info

common Exam questions

RAD offers several types of examinations. All of the exam options are to accommodate children and growing bodies at all stages. There is no “best” exam, but rather variations dependent on the stage the dancer is at when entered. Regardless of which exam is selected, everyone is included and learns to their fullest potential.

Per RAD guidelines, no parents are allowed to observe or be present in the room for the examinations.

Examination Formats

  • Dance To Your Own Tune (preschool and kinder levels) are presented as a Demonstration Class.
  • The teacher is present in the room and leads an example class for the examiner.
  • The students receive a certificate of completion from the RAD, and are observed instead of evaluated.

  • Pre-Primary level is always a Class Award
  • A teacher accompanies the group of students into a Class Award
  • Primary and Grades 1-5 exams offer the option to be taken as Class Awards
  • Students perform a shorter content list than the standard examination (though all content areas will be covered in class) and the marking feedback is more generalized
  • Teachers will enter students for Class Awards for a variety of reasons- but always ultimately for the benefit of the child having a positive experience

  • Option for Grades 1-5
  • This exam emphasizes solo performance for students who have already achieved the foundation technique of that level.
  • Three solos are marked for technique, musicality, and artistry.  A specially choreographed solo may be chosen in addition to two solos from the RAD syllabus
  • Students will enter the exam room one at a time
  • The teacher will not be present
  • Students will receive a numerical mark from the examiner
  • Exam results are one of the following: Standard Not Attained; Pass; Merit; Distinction

  • Primary, G1-G5, and Vocational Levels
  • Students perform exams in maximum groups of four
  • The examiner conducts the examination with students and a teacher will not be in the room.
  • Students will receive a numerical mark from the examiner based on 60% classwork and 40% solo work
  • Exam results are one of the following: Standard Not Attained; Pass; Pass with Merit; Pass with Distinction
  • Some grades (such as Grade 3, Grade 5 and the Vocational Advanced levels) have more syllabus content to learn and may require two years to complete that level
  • For Vocational exams, the marking standard is higher. Pointe work is included for females.  Free enchainements (unset work) are included in Vocational exams
  • Candidates must meet criteria set in the relevant section of the standards prospectus. All candidates will pass an examination if the required standard has been attained.
  • Successful candidates will receive a result form, a certificate, and a medal (pin).

This program includes well-known classical repertoire, meaning students will learn and dance choreography that they have seen on stage, set to music that they know and love.

It is suitable for students from age 12 through to adult, and consists of three levels:

  • Level 2 (equivalent to Grade 5/Intermediate Foundation)
  • Level 3 (equivalent to Grades 6-8/Intermediate & Advanced Foundation)
  • Level 4 (equivalent to Advanced 1 & 2)

The levels in the Discovering Repertoire program are aligned according to the degree of demand (difficulty) at each level. The required knowledge and understanding of the fundamental and relevant technique for the Discovering Repertoire program means that there is currently no Level 1 (from RAD website)

Minimum age is 15. To qualify, dancers must first pass the Advanced 2 Exam with Distinction.

Candidates perform, as a soloist, three variations and a virtuoso finale for a panel of judges and an audience.

It is estimated that less than 1% of RAD students in over 70 countries worldwide who take their RAD exams reach this level- and even less are awarded the Solo Seal, as the passing score is 80.

Preparing for Exams

The following is general information only: All current students should check the PARENT HUB for specific Mock and Exam details, dates, and times.

The “Mock Exam” is an exam dress rehearsal for all of the students in each grade level. 

It is important for students to practice their work in the studio where they will take the exam.

Parents are invited to observe, and see the progress the students have made. Students will perform all exam work as closely as possible to how they will dance for the examiner.

Students should arrive with hair neatly groomed, and have all of the components of their uniform clean and in good repair.

RAD exams are a formal affair, with specific procedure and etiquette set by the Royal Academy. It is fun and exciting to be part of this tradition!

Dancers always arrive at least 30 minutes early before exam time. This is to provide proper time to warm up and prepare the numbers and hair ribbons.

Grooming for exams is immaculate, and the uniform must be clean and in good repair. No jewelry or nail polish is not allowed.

Exams need an atmosphere of silence in the lobby, so parents usually wait outside or in the car after drop off.

Examinations can last between 30-60 minutes, depending on the level.

Late arrivals will not be admitted, and children may not leave and re-enter the examination studio once the exam has begun.

For more information View the RAD document: Getting ready for the Exam

The exam schedule is set by the Royal Academy, and not Rachel’s Ballet. Therefore, exam dates or times can not be changed. 

Please note an exam time may likely require release from school. We apologize for this, and appreciate your support for this important day we have been preparing for all year!

RAD Exam Results

RAD Ballet exams are the hardest in their field and as such are extremely highly respected. They also become more difficult to pass as students advance through the levels. We are very proud of our students for succeeding in these challenging and demanding exams.

The RAD’s mark-scheme has been created to actually allow for all achievements to be recognized. As such, the RAD examiners are rightly tough, which is integral to the respect shown to them and their exams; they don’t give “Distinctions” easily. Passing and Merit are wonderful achievements in themselves and must be celebrated.

Please CLICK HERE to read a PDF about RAD results explained in detail.

RAD Medals

RAD Exam Result Classifications (n/A to Class Award):

  • Standard not attained (0-39): Performance standards were not demonstrated or were omitted
  • Pass (40–54): Performance met minimum requirements for competence (bronze)
  • Merit (55–64): Solid performance demonstrated (silver)
  • High Merit (65–74): Very solid performance and technique demonstrated (silver)
  • Distinction (75–84): Excellent technique and artistic performance demonstrated (gold)
  • High Distinction (85 and above): Outstanding technique, artistry and musicality demonstrated (gold)