Exams don't need to be scary or stressful. Things run smoothly when:
- students are well prepared and
- parents are fully informed.
This can turn nerves into adrenaline and help the student perform at their best. Consult the checklist below and make sure you have everything you will need.
Print your Notice of Examination
AMEB (NSW) does not accept digital copies of the Notice of Examination. Bring a printed copy of the notice to the exam.
The enrolling person must give the notice to the candidate before exam day. They can download replacement Notices of Examination from AMEB Connect.
You should fill out your Notice of Examination before you arrive at the venue.
Read your Notice of Examination carefully
Check the:
- date
- time
- venue address and building level
of your exam. Your exam may be at a different venue from your previous exam.
Check for transport delays
Aim to arrive at the exam address at least 20 minutes before your exam time. Many other students may have their exams after you. Candidates who arrive after their scheduled time cannot expect to be examined.
Check the Transport NSW website the day before and morning of your exam. Allow extra time for delays caused by traffic issues or trackwork on your train line.
If you are driving to your exam check for:
- special events or
- increased parking restrictions
that may cause travel delays.
Check Google Maps for information about your
- nearest train stations and
- parking
at your exam venue.
Smart casual clothes
AMEB (NSW) exams follow a formal structure. Please consider the occasion and dress as you would for a performance.
Bring your syllabus book
The book must be sited by the examiner or the download code noted by the examiner.
Have the original and a photocopy for the free choice piece
Candidates must bring two copies of the music for their free choice piece; an original copy for the performance and a photocopy for the examiner.
Pack your instrument and important accessories
This sounds obvious, but sometimes instruments get left behind! Make a list with your teacher outlining everything you should take to your exam. Pack the night before.
The exam centre will provide backline equipment such as amplifiers and drum kit.
Important accessories
Guitar and Bass
Students must bring their own instrument and leads. It is recommend bringing spare strings. If the student is using effects, we suggest they use batteries where possible.
Drum
Exam centres will provide an acoustic drum kit as standard. Students must bring their own sticks and brushes. For grades 6, 7 and 8, drummers may also bring their own cymbals.
Vocal
Students may bring their own microphone from grade 4 upwards.
Allow time to tune up
Tune your instrument before you enter the exam room. There is no time allotted for this in the exam.
Check and pack your recorded accompaniment
Your backing tracks for free choice pieces MUST be downloaded and brought on a USB stick only. No internet access is available to candidates at the venues.
Bring proof of identification if you are sitting a Grade 6 or above exam
For Grade 6 and above face-to-face exams, candidates must provide proof of identification to the examiner.
Candidates may provide a student ID card, drivers licence or passport. If the candidate does not have any form of photo ID, please complete the Rockschool Photographic ID form and take it to the exam. Please read the Rockschool requirements for photo ID.
RSL Awards reserves the right to withhold the examination result if photographic evidence is not provided.
Also, if students do not show identification to the examiner their qualification will not be verified by AMEB (NSW) to third parties.
A few more things
- Photography and recording of any kind is not permitted during AMEB (NSW) exams
- Candidates should enter the exam room unaccompanied.