Exam Guidelines

In the offline format, the candidate has the option of answering some questions either in the treble clef or in the bass clef. This does not apply to the online format.
Instead, a mix of questions in both the treble clef and the bass clef is asked in the online format.
The option to choose a preferred clef is therefore not possible in the online format.

applies to:
Theory of Music – All Grades
Popular Music Theory – All Grades

Device

• Your device needs a webcam and audio input/output for monitoring/invigilation
• We recommend using devices with a minimum screen size of 10 inches
• We recommend using a Laptop or Desktop Computer
• Make sure your device’s battery is fully charged and connected to a power plug. Otherwise please make sure that your device is fully charged and that the power plug is within your reach i.e. you will not have to move away from your device to connect it
• Devices with mobile data / cellular connection are not permitted (Smartphones, Tablets with SIM-Cards,…) 
• Tablets can be used but they must be connected to WiFi and not via mobile data / cellular connection and adhere to the minimum screen size (10 inches). We recommend using a Stylus Pen and holding the tablet in landscape format
• Mobile phones are not supported on the Online Music Theory Platform

Internet Connection

• Your device must have a stable WiFi internet connection
• All device notifications must be turned off
• Mobile data / cellular connection may not be used at any point whilst the examination is in progress

Software

• You should have the latest version of a common modern web browser 
  We recommend using Chrome, Safari or Firefox
• Cookies and Javascript must be enabled in your browser (enabled by default; if not, check your browser settings or open the help page of your browser to find out how to enable it.)
• Disable all software extensions or browser plugins that change the appearance, modify or manipulate the content of the Online Music Theory Platform (for example: Translator Plugins or Translation Service Extensions). If you leave extensions or plugins like these enabled, you may not have access to the platform or can not start your exam. Once detected, our system will block your access to the exam and will flag your attempt as failed.

Your room / surroundings

Please make sure:

• There is enough light in your room. It must be bright enough for your webcam to show both you and your surroundings clearly
• The room is quiet 
• Nobody else is present in the room or enters the room during the exam
• Your desk does not have any other paper or books on it and that your room is tidy so you are not distracted by anything
• There are no phones or other devices in your room, or if there are, that they are completely turned off

Please note: Special arrangements may be made for candidates with specific needs, please see our policy and guidance on Equality of Opportunity, Reasonable Adjustment and Special Consideration.

• Log into the platform and navigate to your exam
• For live monitored exams: Join the monitoring session and wait for further instructions
• For exams with AI Invigilation System: there’s no live monitoring session, but automated invigilation by artificial intelligence; you can start your attempt directly
• Start your exam attempt by clicking on the “Start attempt now” button
• On the right is the time remaining for the attempt, as well as a quick navigation of all answered and unanswered questions
• You can navigate freely through all questions and edit answers at any time during the attempt
• Make sure to answer all questions before finishing the attempt
• Make sure you show both sides of your note paper(s) to the webcam before finishing
• Once you have clicked on “Submit and finish”, the attempt is finished and it is not possible to navigate back
• Help is available if you are experiencing any issues. For live monitored exams, please give the invigilator a sign. For AI invigilated exams, please send an email to the live tech support address.

• Check if you are entered for the correct exam
• Make sure you have opened the actual exam and are not attempting a practise exam
• Please use the toilet before you start the exam. You will not be allowed to take a break during the exam
• Bring a glass or bottle of water to drink during the exam (only fully transparent glasses or bottles are permitted)
• Check your device, battery and room (see “Requirements for LCME’s Online Exams”)
• Remove from your room all other devices and objects which could be used as a resource for your theory exam. For instance, LCME handbooks, music theory books, past exam papers, music history books or similar are not permitted in your room whilst the exam is taking place
  (Please note this list is indicative, not exhaustive)
• Please have your ID card or passport ready. This is required for identification when entering the monitoring session. If your exam is taken with the AI Invigilation System, please show your ID card or passport to the webcam while starting your attempt.
• Log into the exam platform, navigate to your exam and join the monitoring session at least 5 minutes before the start of the exam. If your exam is taken with the AI Invigilation System, you can start your attempt immediately without waiting for a human invigilator
• If you would like to make notes during the exam, you must show both sides of the blank paper(s) or music sheet(s) to the webcam at the start of the exam and upon its completion
• You can download and print a music sheet here
• At any point during the exam the invigilator may ask to see your notes

Your invigilator will give you further instructions, if needed.

• Handbooks, theory papers or any other documents and tools are not permitted in the exam room
• The exam platform and the monitoring session are the only sites that may run in your browser during the exam. Please make sure all other windows and tabs are closed  
• Do not try to login to the platform from a second device or browser window
• You may not open or navigate to any other website or application during the exam
• All other programs must be completely closed and must not run minimised in the background
• You may not receive any kind of call, message or notification on your device or any other device during the exam
• Read all questions carefully
• No exemptions are allowed from any part of any examination. Where an examination component is not attempted, a mark of 0 will be awarded

Making notes during the exam

You may make notes using this downloaded music manuscript paper or a sheet of blank paper. 
However, before starting your exam, you must show both sides of the blank paper(s) and/or music sheet to the webcam.
The Invigilator may ask you to show the camera what you are writing at any point during the exam. At the end of your exam you must show both sides of your paper(s) to the webcam.

Once you have completed your exam your paper will be marked and the result issued to you by email within 14 working days. A written report will be compiled and sent to each candidate. Certificates for successful candidates are normally dispatched within eight weeks of the examination date.