I was most likely going to be doing the ATCL diploma in July.....
I just had a look at the ABRSM diplomas syllabus and it turns out that to do the DipABRSM the prerequisites include grade 8 or ATCL. To do the LRSM you need the LTCL.......

Surely they are of the same standard?

Im having second thoughts about which one to do now......I also know the ABRSM diploma is cheaper but not too keen on the viva voce element to the test.

People will always argue about this one - there have been some posts in the past suggesting that there are significant differences. I think the best way forward is to match the diploma you do to your needs and not worry about it too much. Sure, the AB demands its own associateship but Trinity's licentiateship to sit LRSM, and perhaps bases its decision on the fact that it has a viva and quick study test at dipABRSM, which Trinity doesn't ask for (though LCM has more supporting tests too, is that right?); however, the various bodies assessing the exams have come to the conclusion that they require an equal standard of playing. If you need to be able to prove that you can research the history of the music you play and can analyse it, or if you need some evidence that you can read well at sight, then you'd need dipABRSM in preference to ATCL; if not, then ATCL demands just as much musicianship in the performance. I made my choice based on syllabus content and flexibility since I am only doing exams to ensure I do the work necessary for making music as well as I want to and am capable of doing. Looking at the various syllabus lists, the boards all have some crossover in which pieces are set for which exam - sometimes ABRSM will have a harder piece set at a lower level, sometimes Trinity; I can't remember the details for other colleges.

With singing there is a great discrepancy over which pieces are suitable for what diploma leading to the absurdity that there is at least one song on the FRSM syllabus that you couln't even offer for ATCL as it occurs at a lower grade (in this case grade 8). I wish for singers Trinity would drop this lower grade thing. As an oboist I could theoretically offer ther Poulenc Sonata 1st movement for at least three different exams. But is this the case for singers no and it makes planning a programme for LTCL a real pig. Also for LTCL you only have 500 words to write your programme notes compared with an expansive 1500 words for LRSM. I can tell you which is harder and it is not the lower word count.

Diplomas test other things but since the QCA have been verifying them surely it is high time that ABRSM recognise the LTCL as a Licenciate not an Associateship. When I get around to taking them the programme for my LTCL will be the harder of the two programmes.

Trinity only excludes pieces on its own grade and diploma lists if they're at a lower level, though - not from the AB lists, I think. I found the lists for LTCL for recorder suddenly look very short compared with ATCL, I don't know if that's a general experience, but it also means you have to start hunting around elsewhere if you don't like what is on the list.

I found it very hard to write only 300 for ATCL, and would have welcomed ABRSM's 1100 - I had to prune very hard to squeeze the maximum amount of information out of such a small number of words. It is even worse for singers, I think, because singing programmes contain more items.

This is an interesting thread... I am currently preparing for the ATCL diploma (piano) and hope to do the recital option, which would include the programme notes. 500 words is not a great length to say all you need to say. How have others managed with this?

I have considered doing the performance option which includes scales, sight reading etc, but not programme notes. What do others think of this, what would you do? I suppose I'd be happy doing either option really but was swaying towards the recital.

I think some of it is due to the viva and quick study on, say, LRSM that aren't on LTCL. Even though QCA say they represent the same level of musical achievement, the ABRSM might want to ensure that those entering for the FRSM have survived an LRSM viva and quick study first. Similarly, they only accept Trinity grade 8 as an alternative for ABRSM grade 8 before taking DipABRSM if the candidate also has grade 5 theory - they want to ensure DipABRSM candidates have grade 5 theory. Maybe for a fee they could provide DipABRSM/LRSM vivas and quick studies, without listening to a recital, for those with ATCL/LTCL and accept that as a prerequisite for LRSM/FRSM.

Now that sounds a good idea. When I did adavnced certificate I had no written content but I did have musicianship tests (which I took on the piano) and quick study. I still think it is high time that ABRSM count a Licentiantate as that. If I do both my LTCL programme will actually be the harder of the two.