Can't make it to an exam venue? A Video exam might be your new best friend!
Access from anywhere. Mitigate mobility challenges. Take your exam when it suits you. Perform in a comfortable space. These are just some of the reasons you might choose to do your next exam via Video.
Let's be honest. Nothing can replace the experience of a face-to-face (FTF) exam. Just like performing to your family in your lounge room, a concert is a very different experience. But a Video exam isn't meant to replace that electricity you feel when you're on stage. It's an option - an alternative for your exam - and one could be well worth considering.
If I do a Video exam, which syllabuses and exam options can I do?
Basically any exam that you can do FTF can be done via Video. That includes all AMEB Classical and For Leisure syllabuses, as well as Speech and Drama, Rockschool and PAA. We do limit these to Grade exams (including Certificate of Performance). Diplomas are a further step in requiring live performance qualities so these are an exception and must be done FTF. If you're doing a classical/For Leisure exam, you still have the choice of Comprehensive or Repertoire. If you're doing a Rockschool exam, you can do either a Grade Exam or a Performance Certificate.
What are the pros and cons of Video exams?
This can depend on the individual - one aspect may be a pro for some, but a con for others - but here are the key differences for you to decide. Your Video exam must be recorded in one take but you can also do as many recordings as you like and pick your favourite. You'll need to provide your own recording equipment but, for lower grades, this could be as simple as a smart phone. There's no requirement about where you do your exam, but make sure you have a read of the Guidelines as we do have some recommendations.
If you're doing Comprehensive exam, you'll need to record all of your pieces, and then complete a separate online conversation with an Examiner for all the other sections of the exam. That will include a selection of Technical work, just as if you were doing a FTF exam. You will need to have someone act as a supervisor for your exam, regardless of your age. This person helps uphold the integrity of the exam by ensuring the performance is your own and uncoached. They could be anyone aged 18 or over, for example a family member, teacher, or even your accompanist. And yes, they are permitted to operate the camera for you and help with the technical stuff.
Oh yeah, and you'll reduce your carbon footprint by not going to an exam venue so you could say that Video exams are environmentally friendly, too!
When can I record my exam?
Any time from when you enrol through to the due date. This is one of the great features of Video exams - you can set yourself as short or long a lead time as you like and work to your own "exam" date. Submission due dates will be scheduled within the exam session dates and are confirmed at least four* weeks prior (*two weeks for the short, weekend-long sessions). Please note, however, that submitting an exam recording early won't necessarily fast track the assessment and report. We schedule these in bulk for our Examiners so it's likely that you'll still need to wait for your submission due date to pass.
Why do Video exams exist?
The expected answer is Covid. But actually, we began trialling Video exams a few years earlier with the plan to make them available to our remote communities. Covid certainly fast-tracked that rollout but we were so pleased to be able to offer them through that challenging period of our lives. So why are they still available?
Video exams started out as an option for our learners in regional and remote areas - to ensure that they had access to feedback from Examiners and the opportunity to achieve their qualifications and exam goals. This hasn't changed. We're also very pleased to see that, like Just like Repertoire exams, Video exams are an accessible option for people who suffer from anxiety, and for our neurodiverse candidates. While our Examiners are really lovely and truly just want to see everyone achieve their best, we appreciate that the added pressure of doing your very best in that one performance can generate anxiety and stress. We've found that some candidates prefer to remove that stress factor and can enjoy the experience much more by removing that element.
Is a Video exam qualification different to a face-to-face exam?
Not at all. The rigour and assessment requirements are the same for both - the exam content is simply presented in a different format. We have a few things in place to ensure the integrity of the qualification is maintained. We've also been mindful of developing a process that mirrors FTF exams in as many ways as possible. There will always be slight concessions with an adaptation like this but we're pleased that, on balance, there's no real advantage or disadvantage to choosing one or the other for your next exam.
Regardless of whether you do a FTF or Video exam, you'll receive a report from our expert Examiners and, assuming you've achieved all the requirements, both exams will earn you the same qualification, complete with certificate to show off proudly.
Can I get TCE Points for Video exams?
Yes you can! And that goes for any AMEB syllabus. In fact, all practical exams are eligible for TCE bonus points from Grade 4 onwards, as are Theory exams from Grade 2.
Is there any support or guidance on what recording equipment I should use?
There sure is. Our Video exams page has some official Guidelines on how to set up your recording. This includes things like what to fit in the frame, some suggestions for recording equipment, and even some handy hints for getting the most out of your video.
I have more questions.
That's great! Our Video exams page has a bunch of FAQs so check there in case we've already provided what you're looking for. Otherwise, we'd love to help. Please feel free to browse the other great sources of information on our website or get in touch to find out more.
