What Is The Pass Mark In A Music Exam?

If you’re preparing for a music exam, you might be wondering – what score do you actually need to pass? Different exam boards have different grading systems, so it’s important to know what to aim for. In this post, we’ll break down the pass marks for three exam boards we use – or have used – here at Sweet Symphony: Trinity College London (including Rock & Pop), ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music), and LCME (London College of Music Exams). Whether you’re a student or a teacher, understanding these benchmarks will help you set clear goals and feel confident going into your exam.

Trinity College London (including Rock & Pop)

For students taking a music exam with Trinity College London, the pass mark is set at 60 out of 100. To achieve a Merit, students need at least 75, while a Distinction requires 87 or more. This grading system applies to both practical and theory exams across all graded levels.

ABRSM

For students taking an ABRSM exam, the pass mark varies depending on the type of exam. For graded practical exams (Grades 1–8), the total score is out of 150, with a pass mark set at 100. To achieve a Merit, students need at least 120, while a Distinction requires 130 or more. For ABRSM theory exams, the pass mark is 50 out of 75, with Merit at 60 and Distinction at 65.

LCME

For students taking a music exam with LCME (London College of Music Exams), the pass mark is 65 out of 100. To achieve a Merit, students need at least 75, while a Distinction is awarded for scores of 85 or higher.

Which Exam Board Is Best?

Choosing a music exam board depends on each student’s individual learning style, goals, and preferences. Previously, ABRSM was often seen as the gold standard, with a strong emphasis on classical music, sight-reading, and a structured approach to musicianship. However, some students find its syllabus more rigid compared to others. Trinity offers greater flexibility in repertoire choice and places more emphasis on performance. This can make it more appealing for students who enjoy a more personalised approach, as they can tailor their exam to their own preferences. Meanwhile, LCME provides a broad and inclusive syllabus with a strong focus on practical musicianship and contemporary styles, making it a great option for those who want diversity in their musical journey. Ultimately, the best exam board is the one that aligns with a student’s strengths, aspirations, and preferred way of learning.

Does It Matter Which Exam Board I Use?

All these major music exam boards are accredited, meaning their qualifications are officially recognised and held to the same high standards. These exam boards are regulated by Ofqual (the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) in England, ensuring that their assessments are fair, consistent, and comparable in difficulty. This accreditation means that regardless of which board a student chooses, their qualification will be widely accepted and respected, whether for further education, job applications, or personal achievement. While each board has its own unique approach to assessment, their grading and certification processes are standardised. This ensures a reliable measure of musical ability across the industry.

Can I Swap Exam Boards?

It’s completely fine for students to swap between music exam boards if they feel another syllabus better suits their learning style or musical goals. Since all accredited boards follow a standardised grading system, a Grade 4 with one board is generally equivalent in level to a Grade 4 with another. Some students may start with ABRSM for its structured approach and later switch to Trinity for more flexible repertoire choices, or move to LCME for its broader assessment options. The most important thing is finding the right fit to support your musical growth and confidence.