Syllabus overlap information
We offer an overlap period in the first year of a new instrumental/singing syllabus. During the overlap period, candidates may follow specific requirements from the preceding syllabus.
Due to Covid, we have extended this overlap for some syllabuses to support learners. However, if possible, we always advise candidates to prepare for their exam using the newest valid syllabus.
Overlap periods only apply to the specific syllabuses and requirements listed on this page. We will add information for other syllabuses during the final year of their published validity period.
Select a syllabus below to check the length of the overlap period and the syllabus requirements covered.
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Practical Grades – extended overlap for candidates outside the UK and Ireland
- Any candidates starting to prepare for an exam in 2022 should use the 2021 & 2022 syllabus.
- The overlap period for the 2019 & 2020 syllabus has been extended due to Covid and now ends on 31 December 2022.
- Candidates can take an exam in 2022 playing their three pieces and scales from the 2019 & 2020 syllabus.
- All three pieces and scales must be from the same syllabus.
- Candidates playing pieces and scales from the 2019 & 2020 syllabus should tell the examiner or write this on their programme foxrm.
- It will not be possible to take an exam using the 2019 & 2020 syllabus after 31 December 2022.
Performance Grades
- The 2019 & 2020 Performance Grades syllabus is no longer valid, as exams were available throughout 2021 and into 2022. The extended overlap period ended on 30 April 2022.
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Practical Grades
- Candidates worldwide may play their three pieces from the 2021 & 2022 syllabus until 31 December 2023.
- All three pieces must be from the same syllabus.
- Candidates playing pieces from the 2021 & 2022 syllabus should tell the examiner or write this on their programme form.
Performance Grades
- Candidates worldwide may play their three set pieces from the 2021 & 2022 syllabus until 31 December 2023. The submission deadline for the video recording must be on or before this date.
- All three set pieces must be from the same syllabus.
- The fourth, own-choice piece is not affected by overlap arrangements.
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Practical Grades
- Candidates worldwide may play their three pieces and prepare supporting tests from the 2017 syllabus until 31 December 2023.
- All three pieces and supporting tests must be from the same syllabus.
- Candidates playing pieces from the 2017 syllabus should tell the examiner or write this on their programme form.
Performance Grades
- Candidates worldwide may play their three set pieces from the 2017 syllabus until 31 December 2023. The submission deadline for the video recording must be on or before this date.
- All three set pieces must be from the same syllabus.
- The fourth, own-choice piece is not affected by overlap arrangements.