Music Certifications
Every grade, every board, explained.
Artium has its own music certification, accredited by Ofqual - the same UK regulator that accredits Trinity College London and RSL Awards. And because many students also want a board certificate, Artium teaches classes for Trinity and Rockschool (RSL) exams too, from Initial to Grade 8. Here is what each certification is, how the levels ladder up, what the exam looks like, and how the marks work.
How it works at Artium
Our own certification, plus Trinity and Rockschool
Artium Certification - accredited by Ofqual
Every Artium course follows the Globally Recognised Music Programme: four levels, 252 lessons, and an Artium Certification at the end of each level. The programme is accredited by Ofqual, the UK qualifications regulator - the same body that regulates Trinity College London and RSL Awards - so an Artium certificate stands on its own, without any external exam.
Explore Artium CertificationClasses for Trinity and Rockschool exams
Want a Trinity College London or Rockschool (RSL Awards) certificate as well? Artium teaches classes aligned to both boards’ syllabuses - Classical & Jazz, Rock & Pop, Rockschool, and Theory - from Initial to Grade 8. Your teacher picks the board and grade, lessons follow the syllabus, and Artium’s exam team handles enrolment for digital or in-person exams.
The three certifications
Pick a board
Each board has its own philosophy, syllabuses, and exam formats. Open one for the full picture, or jump straight to a syllabus below.
Artium Academy
Artium’s own Ofqual-accredited certification through the Globally Recognised Music Programme - plus classes that prepare you for Trinity and Rockschool (RSL) exams.
RSL Awards
Rockschool and RSL Classical graded exams - contemporary and classical pathways from Premiere and Debut to Grade 8.
Trinity College London
Performance-first graded exams, from Initial to Grade 8 and on to diplomas - Classical & Jazz, Rock & Pop, and Theory.
Side by side
How the boards compare
The essentials at a glance. Marks are out of 100 for both UK boards; Artium’s graded path uses whichever board you sit.
| Artium Academy | RSL Awards | Trinity College London | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Levels | Preparatory → Advanced (4 levels) | Premiere / Debut → Grade 8 | Initial → Grade 8 |
| Beyond Grade 8 | Graded path into board diplomas | Professional diplomas | ATCL → LTCL → FTCL |
| Focus | Structured 1-on-1 curriculum, all genres | Contemporary (Rockschool) and classical | Classical & Jazz, Rock & Pop, Theory |
| Exam types | Level assessments; board exams on graded path | Grade Exam · Performance Certificate · Graded Certificate | Graded exam · Certificate exam · Digital repertoire-only |
| Pass / Merit / Distinction | Per the chosen board | 60 / 74 / 90 | 60 / 75 / 87 |
| Formats | Online digital or physical centre | Face-to-face, live-stream, recorded | Face-to-face, recorded digital |
| UCAS points (Grade 8 Distinction) | Via the chosen board | 30 | 30 |
| Theory prerequisite | None | None | None |
Artium Academy
Artium syllabuses
Artium’s own Ofqual-accredited certification through the Globally Recognised Music Programme - plus classes that prepare you for Trinity and Rockschool (RSL) exams.
Globally Recognised Music Programme
Artium’s own certification: four levels and 252 lessons per course, Ofqual-aligned and mapped to Trinity, RSL, and ABRSM grades.
Exam Preparation for Trinity & RSL
How Artium takes you from Initial to Grade 8 with Trinity College London or RSL Awards - online or at a centre.
RSL Awards
RSL syllabuses
Rockschool and RSL Classical graded exams - contemporary and classical pathways from Premiere and Debut to Grade 8.
Rockschool
The original contemporary syllabus: guitar, bass, drums, vocals, piano, keys, ukulele, and horns from Premiere to Grade 8.
RSL Classical
Classical piano, violin, and guitar with a 21st-century repertoire - same grades, same exam types as Rockschool.
Popular Music Theory
Theory for band musicians - notation, harmony, band knowledge, and analysis, taken online from Debut to Grade 8.
Trinity College London
Trinity syllabuses
Performance-first graded exams, from Initial to Grade 8 and on to diplomas - Classical & Jazz, Rock & Pop, and Theory.
Classical & Jazz
Graded exams from Initial to Grade 8 for piano, singing, strings, guitar, woodwind, brass, and percussion.
Rock & Pop
Play real hits on bass, drums, guitar, keyboards, or vocals - three songs plus session skills, Initial to Grade 8.
Theory of Music
Written grades 1–8 covering notation, rhythm, harmony, form, and history - on paper or online.
Music Certificate Exams
Performance-only recitals at Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced level - for soloists and groups.
Diplomas
ATCL, LTCL, and FTCL performance diplomas - from first-year undergraduate to postgraduate recital standard.
Choosing
Which certification is right for me?
I want a structured path and progress reports
Start with the Artium Globally Recognised Music Programme. Four levels, 252 lessons, and a certificate at each level - with the option to add board exams later.
I play in a band or love pop, rock, and film music
RSL Rockschool and Trinity Rock & Pop both examine real songs with backing tracks. Rockschool adds ear tests and musicianship questions; Trinity adds session skills.
I learn classical piano, guitar, or Western vocal
Trinity Classical & Jazz is performance-led with flexible supporting tests; RSL Classical offers the same grades with a modern repertoire.
Ready to get certified?
Artium teachers pick the right board and grade, prepare you in every lesson, and handle the exam enrolment - book a free trial.