Can I still do a Recorded Exam when face-to-face exams resume?
Yes. We recognise that there are lots of factors as to why this may be what you need right now. For 2020, Recorded Exams will be available for all sessions - both face-to-face and recorded only.
Can I change to a recorded Exam if I'm enrolled in a face-to-face exam?
Yes but please note that, if your exam is already scheduled, we will require a minimum of two weeks' notice so that we can provide you with the details you need. Additionally, your exam recording will be due one week PRIOR to your exam date so that the Examiner can still hear you on the scheduled day (albeit via a screen).
How do I access my Exam PDF?
You will receive an email two weeks' ahead of your due date (please check your junkmail!). This will include a link to the PDF. ONLY when you are ready to do your exam, click on the link. This will take you to Digify, our secure platform. The first time you use Digify, you will be asked to verify your email address, after which they will send you a password. This may take a few minutes to get to you so please be patient. Enter the code and away you go! If you've already used Digify (eg for a sibling), it will probably not require a second code. Please see the Exam Recording Guidelines (above) for more details.
If I am preparing a selection of List D excerpts for my Repertoire Exam, do I need to perform them all in the recording?
No, you won't need to perform all of the excerpts. Please have a look at the Recorded Repertoire Exam Guidelines, where we have included a section of instructions for this unique component.
What happens if the technology fails for me and I am unable to complete my exam?
If you’re recording your Repertoire Exam, you may restart the recording once you have solved your technology issues.
If you’re undertaking a Comprehensive or For Leisure Exam, you must complete your exam in one sitting. We recognise that some things are beyond anyone’s control so, if you lose your internet connection and can not access the exam questions, or any other issue prevents you from completing the exam recording once you have opened the exam questions file, please contact the office so that we can organise an alternative.
What if my learning has been disrupted and I'm not ready?
Get in touch. We're offering options to defer your exam, or even transfer from a Comprehensive to Repertoire, without any admin or transfer fees during these difficult times.
How do questions like General Knowledge work if you don't know what pieces I'm performing?
While there are limitations on recorded exams, we're doing our best to replicate the normal exam environment. Candidates will be asked to look at their pieces and answer somewhat generic questions, with the expectation that they'll provide a response appropriate to their Grade and stage of learning. These may not all be directly applicable to the piece but the questions are designed so that the Examiner will still be able to assess the Candidate's knowledge.
How good does the recording quality need to be?
Good enough to convey the abilities, tone, and stylistic performances of the candidate. While we're not expecting recording studio-level quality, AMEB does reserve the right to request the Candidate to repeat the exam if the quality is insufficient for the purposes of assessing their capabilities.
What happens next? How do I know when to do my recording? What's the timeline?
After enrolments close, we'll send Account Holders an email to explain the process and ask for the best email address to send the exam questions to. Candidates will be given a two week window in which to undertake their exam recording, with a due date set within the exam session. Candidates who do not meet this deadline will be recorded as non attendance for their exam. Following the due date, we'll take one week to process and check exams, preparing everything for the Examiners. The Examiners will then assess the exam recordings in bulk, much like they would attend an exam day. Candidates should have their report within three weeks of their exam due date.
What is a PDF?
It’s a file type that was originally developed for its capability of being opened by any operating system, yet locked so no edits could be made. We’ve super-charged ours for this purpose by adding a password, self-destruct feature, and expiry date. We've included an example set of exam questions in the documents above.
Can I supervise my child/student's exam?
Yes. We require that all Supervisors are over 18. Where the supervisor is not the parent/guardian of the candidate, we expect that they will hold a valid Working With Vulnerable People Check.
I'm over 18 - do I need a Supervisor?
Yes. The role of the Supervisor is to maintain the integrity of the exam, not just to ensure the safety of children.
As a Supervisor, can I read the exam questions to the Candidate?
Yes. Absolutely no problem with this, particularly for the younger Candidates who may not have advanced levels of reading. We do require you to read ONLY the instructions on the page and that this must be in English.
Can I use a page turner?
Yes. Physical distancing and isolation practices may make this a challenge so we do recommend setting yourself up to minimise or negate the need for a page turner as the first preference. Your Supervisor is permitted to be your page turner.
Who has access to my recording?
The AMEB Tasmania team will be checking all recordings and documents to ensure everything is ready for our Examiners. AMEB Examiners will be provided access to the recordings and repertoire form, plus any further detail that will assist them in their assessment. No personal contact information is shared with Examiners and your recording will not be shared with anyone else without your explicit consent. All AMEB team members hold and maintain valid Working With Vulnerable People Checks. Exam recordings will be deleted from any device or storage following the report being issued.
Will my certificate still be as valid as my other exams?
Yes. This process is stringently managed to ensure your exam result and accreditation will have exactly the same validity as a face-to-face exam.
Will I still be able to get extra TCE points for my Recorded Exam?
Yes. Recorded exams, including the new Repertoire options, are just as valid in their accreditation as a face-to-face exam so you'll still be eligible for points. Check out TASC recognition to find out more about what's available.
How do I find out more about the new syllabuses that are coming?
Sign up to our ENews and like our AMEB Facebook Page so that we can keep you up to date with everything. You can keep checking this web page, too.
Are the fees the same for Recorded Exams as normal, face-to-face exams?
Yes. While some costs are reduced through recorded exams (such as staffing on the day and piano tuning), these are offset by the technology required to maintain confidentiality and integrity of the exam process, as well as increased administrative load. Fun fact: The main expense for exams is actually the Examiners' time - and this remains a fixed cost.
I still need help!
Please get in touch. While the world may be shutting down, we have diverted phones and set up shop in our homes. Dan and Michelle are here to help - please contact us.
