Graded music exam syllabuses
Syllabus durations
The tables on this page detail all current ABRSM graded exam subjects (except Jazz subjects) in PDF format.
With the exception of Piano, which has a two-year duration, all the subjects are valid for at least four years. In order to reflect any changes (for example, publisher or availability information) that may have occurred after a syllabus's introduction, each subject on this page is routinely updated.
Syllabus corrections
When compiling our syllabuses, we make every effort to ensure that the information they contain is accurate and up to date. However, corrections are sometimes necessary after the syllabuses have been issued, for example where publisher information has changed.
Syllabus booklet downloads (PDF)
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from 2011* | ||||||||||
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2011 & 2012 | ||||||||||
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2012 - 2015 | ||||||||||
2008 - 2011 | ||||||||||
2012 - 2015** | ||||||||||
2008 - 2011** | ||||||||||
2012 - 2015** | ||||||||||
2010 - 2011** | ||||||||||
from 2012** | ||||||||||
2010 - 2011** | ||||||||||
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from 2009 | ||||||||||
from 2005 | ||||||||||
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2008 - 2013 | ||||||||||
2008 - 2013 | ||||||||||
2008 - 2013 | ||||||||||
2006 - 2013 | ||||||||||
2008 - 2013 | ||||||||||
2006 - 2013 | ||||||||||
2006 - 2013 | ||||||||||
2004 - 2012 | ||||||||||
from 2010 | ||||||||||
2004 - 2012 | ||||||||||
from 2010 | ||||||||||
from 2010 | ||||||||||
2004 - 2012 | ||||||||||
2004 - 2012 | ||||||||||
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from 2009 | ||||||||||
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from 2009 |
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from 2011 | ||||||||||
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from 1990 | ||||||||||
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*There are only minor modifications in these new tests. For more details visit www.abrsm.org/aural.
**The set pieces for viola, cello and double bass have not changed for 2012 exams (they are valid until 2015 for viola and cello, and until further notice for double bass). However, there are revised scale and sight-reading requirements for all bowed strings from 2012.
Diploma syllabuses
Choral Singing syllabus
Further information
International candidates
- Syllabus Updates: 2011
- Syllabus Updates: 2012
- Syllabus Updates: 2013–2016
- Exam Information and Regulations: International




Aural Tests
Theory of Music
Piano
Bowed Strings
Woodwind
Brass
Practical Musicianship