The questions for both versions of the exams are the same. Some adaptations are made in the Digital Music Theory exams to allow for the fact the candidate is answering on screen and using a notation tool. Both versions of the exams have the same emphases on musical knowledge, literacy, harmony, theory and composition.
The Theory of Music workbooks (both first and second edition) and practice papers can be used to prepare for both paper-based and Digital Music Theory exams. Find out more about our workbooks and practice papers.
Yes, the Digital Music Theory exams are available from Grades 1-8 with immediate effect. Theory Diplomas continued to be offered as paper-based exams only.
No, the exam is available on demand and can be taken at any point. The exam must be taken within 28 days of booking the exam.
Visit trinity.musicgurus.com, select “Digital Theory Exam,” choose your grade, and complete payment online. Once payment is processed, your exam is immediately available, and you have 28 days to start it from your dashboard.
Yes. If you mistakenly register for the wrong exam type (eg theory instead of practical), contact MusicGurus support promptly. If the exam hasn’t been taken, a refund can be issued within a few days, allowing you to rebook the correct exam.
All emails, including the exam link and candidate ID, are sent to the booking account holder. Candidates do not receive emails directly, so if you book on behalf of a student, forward them the details.
Yes. When booking, you can enter an organisation’s name or update applicant details before payment. These can be changed for future bookings as needed.
Yes – please see our Music Special Needs pages. This can include extra time, or the presence of a scribe/amanuensis/additional supporting adult. When booking the form, please tick the box indicating that you need to make an SEN request. You will then receive a special needs provision form for digital theory exams in your booking email, which you should complete and send together with supporting evidence (where required) to the specified email address in advance of taking the exam.
The paper exams continue to run as they always have. There are no changes to the paper-based exam. Please note no Theory of Music Grade 1-8 paper exam sessions will be scheduled in the UK and Ireland after May 2025 - exams will be available in the digital format.
The Digital Music Theory exams use a customised version of Flat.io. You can visit flat.io to try out the notation software. You can also interact with it via the examples on our webpages, and in the practice test area (the practice exam area will be available once you have purchased an exam).
A full explanation of how the system works can be found on the Proctoring of Digital Music Theory exams page.
The recording of your exam taken by the proctoring system is stored securely on Constructor servers and accessed only by Trinity administrators for the purposes of investigating any possible malpractice. It is deleted after 30 days.
No. You may not use any extra resources or materials, such as physical books, phones, tablets or refer to webpages or other content on your computer. You may not have help from another person, or wear headphones during the exam. However, you may bring a piece of manuscript paper and pencil for rough working.
You are required to remain at your computer throughout the exam and your full face should be visible to camera. If you leave the computer, we will not be able to accept answers provided by you after the point of leaving the computer.
You need:
You can test your setup using the Exam Guide in your dashboard before the real exam.
For more information, refer to the Digital Music Theory candidate’s guide.
Ensure:
For more information, refer to the Digital Music Theory candidate’s guide. A supporting adult may help with starting exams, and restarting exams if necessary.
If issues persist, try another browser (Edge/Chrome), restart your computer, or use a different machine.
If notation or questions fail to load, it’s often due to internet or browser security settings. Exit the exam and contact support—resits can be issued. Before retaking, check the Exam Guide to confirm the system works on your device.
Once you click “Start Exam,” you have 120 or 180 minutes to complete it depending on the grade, regardless of interruptions or disconnections. If technical problems prevent completion, contact support to request a resit.
The exams are marked by a member of Trinity’s Music Theory marker panel.
Once your exam has been marked, your total score will be displayed in the applicant’s dashboard. For successful candidates, a digital certificate will follow shortly afterwards.
Yes, the Digital Music Theory exams are regulated in exactly the same way as the paper-based exams.
You will receive a fully regulated digital certificate if you pass your exam. This will be delivered to the booking email address, and the certificate can be shared or printed. For candidates under 18, certificates are linked to the parent/guardian email but can be transferred when they turn 18. Visit the digital certificates pages of our website to find out more.
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