A candidate who's withdrawn from an exam or doesn’t attend, may be eligible for a partial refund, but only under the circumstances specified in paragraphs f, g, h or i of our Withdrawals, Non-attendance and Fee Refund Policy. The applicant must notify ABRSM in writing at [email protected] as soon as possible and no later than the day of the exam. Notice given only to an examiner, honorary local representative, steward or invigilator isn't sufficient to qualify for a refund.
A candidate who's withdrawn from an exam may be re-entered in the next exam session. In such cases, a new booking and full payment must be made as entry details/payment cannot be transferred from one period to the next.
Special terms for non-attendance due to COVID (updated 26 February 2021)
If a candidate is unable to attend or record their exam due to COVID and no suitable alternative appointment is available within the exam session, the exam can be cancelled for a full refund. Please note we cannot transfer exam appointments to a later exam session. Cancellations can only be made by the person who made the booking (Applicant) using the online booking service, or by contacting us here to request a full refund. This clause is only valid for all exams taking place before 1 June 2021. This clause applies to all ABRSM exams.
Illness or injury
A partial refund of up to 75% is given provided that the conditions above are met and that the written notification is supported by documentary evidence. This should normally be a letter from someone in authority, such as a head teacher, confirming the candidate’s indisposition or injury, or a medical certificate. The documentary evidence must be sent no later than four weeks after the exam date.
Exceptional personal circumstances
A discretionary refund may be given on compassionate grounds in cases such as bereavement, family crisis or personal trauma, provided that the conditions above are met and that the written notification is supported by full details substantiating the application.
Death or serious indisposition of teacher
A discretionary refund may be given to a candidate whose exam preparation is severely curtailed by the teacher’s death or long-term serious illness. In cases of occasional missed lessons due to the teacher’s minor or short-term illness, or cases of a dispute with the teacher leading to lessons being discontinued, no refund can be made.
Application for such a refund must be made in accordance with the conditions above although it may be made by someone other than the applicant. ABRSM may request details of an independent person who may be contacted by us to verify the application.
Circumstances beyond the candidate’s control
Where a candidate misses their exam owing to circumstances beyond their control (e.g. a major travel incident or damage to the candidate’s instrument immediately before the exam), a discretionary refund may be given provided that the conditions above are met and that the written notification is supported by full details substantiating the application.
A candidate in quarantine for any infection must be withdrawn. If exams are cancelled owing to quarantine, alternative appointments/fee refunds may be offered at ABRSM’s discretion.