1. What teacher qualifications do I need to prepare learners for LAMDA Examinations?
3. What do I need to get started?
4. Where are learners examined?
5. How do I book a Private Centre examination session?
6. How do I enter my learners for examination at a Private Centre?
7. Where can I find a LAMDA teacher?
8. What accreditation/recognition do LAMDA Examinations have?
9. Which LAMDA Examinations can be used to gain UCAS points?
10. How many UCAS points will my exams get me?
11. Are LAMDA examiners subject to Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) vetting?
12. How do I become a LAMDA examiner ?
13. What is the Association of LAMDA Teachers (AoLT)?
14. What qualifications do I need to apply for membership of the Association of LAMDA Teachers?
15.How can I become a member of the Association of LAMDA Teachers?
16. Where can I get information about LAMDA Examinations' courses and workshops for teachers?
17. Does LAMDA Examinations offer any awards or competitions for learners?
18. How old does a person have to be to take LAMDA examinations?
19. Can a learner take more than one examination at each session?
20. Does LAMDA Examinations produce any materials to support the examinations?
22. I have submitted entries. When can I expect to receive timetables and report cards?
23. Is it possible for me to enter my learners online?
25. What should the learner wear during their examination?
26. Can the learner take props into their examination?
28. There is an urgent problem on my examinationday. What should I do?
29. My examination session has just taken place. When can I expect my results and certificates?
30. I've lost my certificate. Can I get a replacement?
31. What do I do if a learner is ill on the day of the exam?
32. Can a learner change the time of their examination?
33. I wish to make a complaint about LAMDA Examinations. How do I go about this?
35. Can a learner use a selection that appears in an expired Anthology?
38. Where can I find timings for examinations?
1. What teacher qualifications do I need to prepare learners for LAMDA Examinations?
At present you do not need any specific qualifications to prepare learners for our examinations. This means that learners can be prepared by teachers from a variety of different backgrounds and with a broad range of approaches to teaching. This allows parents to prepare their children should they choose to do so and students may prepare and enter themselves if this is more suitable for them.
However, for those interested in gaining a specialist qualification, we offer the LAMDA Diploma in Communication Speech and Drama Education (LSDE) for UK teachers and the LAMDA Teacher’s Certificates in Communication (LTCC) and Performance (LTCP) for Overseas teachers.
The LSDE is a Level 5 accredited qualification, which makes it the same level as a non-Honours Bachelors degree. It operates as a distance learning qualification and other than the required teaching practise can be completed from home. The LSDE is a comprehensive qualification and we would advise working with a qualified teacher as a mentor.
The LTCC and LTCP qualifications present an opportunity to learn to teach the basics of communication and performance and centre on a 25-hour course during which the LTCC/LTCP student learns the fundamentals of their chosen pathway.
If you are a UK customer, please click here to download the LSDE syllabus (valid from 1 Jan 2011). If you are an Overseas customer, please contact the International team for more information on the LAMDA Teacher’s Certificates in Communication (LTCC) and Performance (LTCP).
2. What regulations must be adhered to in the course of preparing and submitting learners for examination?
As a Regulated Awarding Body, LAMDA Examinations requires that all published regulations applicable to the examination being taken are met by the learner. It is essential that teachers/learners familiarise themselves with the requirements of any examination that they are preparing for and observe the rules and regulations laid out for all examinations. Please click here to be taken to the downloads page, where you can access all syllabuses.
Things to ensure include but are not limited to: making sure that pieces are taken from the correct section of the appropriate anthology, that the requisite number, type and length of pieces are selected, that the own choice pieces do not appear anywhere else in the current anthology, that the learner has understood and researched all the requirements of the knowledge section and that the learner is able to meet the assessment criteria at a minimum of a pass level for every learning outcome stipulated for the examination they are taking. Failure to meet the assessment criteria for any examination at the minimum required level of attainment will result in a mark of ‘fail’ being awarded. Failure to meet the required rules and regulations for any examination will result in an invalidation of the examination result.
LAMDA Examinations also publishes rules and regulations related to the preparation and submission of learners. It is essential that all customers familiarise themselves with the current Guide for Centres and Teachers which can be downloaded by clicking here. Important information regarding entry of learners also appears on documentation such as entry forms and fee sheets so please read these carefully. If there is anything that you require assistance with please contact LAMDA Examinations.
Registered Private Centres agree to adhere to LAMDA Examinations’ policies and to policies regarding Health and Safety and Data Protection Procedures at their venue. They also agree to ensure that they provide a suitable environment for assessment on the examination day. For more information on the obligations of a Private Centre, please refer to the Guide for Centres and Teachers.
3. What do I need to get started?
Each examination appears in a syllabus which lays out its requirements. There are a total of eight syllabuses, two of which are available to overseas customers only: Communication examinations (Introductory, Speaking Verse and Prose, Reading for Performance, Using Spoken English and Speaking in Public), Performance examinations (Acting, Devising Drama and Miming), Group examinations (Group Introductory, Group Recital, Choral-Speaking, Group Acting and Group Devising Drama), Musical Theatre examinations, The Certificate in Speech and Drama: Performance Studies (PCertLAM) and The LAMDA Diploma in Communication, Speech and Drama Education (LSDE). The LAMDA Teacher’s Certificates in Communication (LTCC) and Performance (LTCP) are available to overseas teachers only. All syllabuses can be downloaded from the LAMDA Examinations website by clicking here. Hard copies can be purchased through our online store by clicking here. It is essential that you read the syllabus for the requisite grade carefully to ensure that learners are fully prepared for their examinations and that all assessment criteria have been understood.
In addition to the syllabuses, there are two anthologies. One contains the mandatory selections for Speaking Verse and Prose examinations and one the selections for Acting examinations. The Anthologies can be purchased through the online store by clicking here. We also publish the text book Knowledge Matters, which succinctly presents the information learners will be required to learn for their Speaking Verse and Prose examinations.
It is also essential to read and understand our Guide for Centres and Teachers as this document is the main source of information needed to begin entering learners for LAMDA examinations. The document can be found by clicking here.
4. Where are learners examined?
There are two types of examination centre: Private and Public. If the total of your examination fees reaches the minimum threshold set out on the current year’s examinations fee sheet, you can register as a Private Centre. Private Centre registration allows you to request an examination session to take place at your own venue on the day(s) that suit you (subject to availability). An examiner will attend your venue on the day/s you have booked and examine your learners in the order of your preference. If you would like to register please click here to download a New Centre Registration form. Guidance Notes to go with the form are available by clicking here and further guidance notes by clicking here. If you would like to register a new centre overseas, please contact the International Team in the first instance to discuss arrangements.
Once registration has been completed, LAMDA Examinations will issue you with a unique 6 letter centre code, which should be used as a reference in all correspondence with us. LAMDA Examinations asks that a Centre Co-ordinator and Head of Centre are designated for each Private Centre as documentation and information relating to the Private Centre will only be released to these named individuals.
If you have a smaller number of learners or do not have an appropriate venue available you can enter learners at one of our Public Centres. These are based around the UK as well as Overseas and occur at various times throughout the year. You can view our current list of UK Public Examination Centres by clicking here. There is no minimum fee threshold for entry into Public sessions and documentation such as report forms and results/certificates will be sent to the address and contact named on each form.
LAMDA examinations are available in more than 35 countries worldwide. If you are an overseas customer, please click here to visit the international contacts page which lists contact details for all overseas Representatives. If you require assistance locating or setting up as a Centre overseas, please contact the international team at LAMDA Examinations for more information.
5. How do I book a Private Centre examination session?
UK and international customers can apply to become a registered Private Centre by downloading and completing the New Centre Registration Form found here and sending it to the Customer Service Unit at LAMDA Examinations. Private Centres will be allocated a unique 6 letter centre code to be used in all correspondence. Receipt of a New Centre Registration form will be acknowledged within 7 working days and registration will be completed within 14 working days from the date of acknowledgement. There is no charge for this service. Once you have registered as a Private Centre, you are free to book session dates according to the applicable instructions below.
UK Private Centres
Registered UK Private Centres are required to request dates by submitting a completed date booking form which can be downloaded by clicking here. You can also download specific guidance notes by clicking here. We recommend that dates be requested a minimum of three months in advance of the desired date to allow sufficient time for preparation and entry of learners. If you wish to book dates with less than 4 months notice, please contact LAMDA Examinations by telephone. Popular dates will become fully booked early and we therefore ask that you indicate three dates in order of preference on your booking form. For UK Private Centres a deposit of £50 is payable for each separate session booked (a session comprises one day or a number of consecutive days). You should deduct this fee at the time you submit your full learner list and entry fees.
International Private Centres
Registered overseas centres should request exam dates in writing a minimum of 4 months in advance of the required date. If you wish to book dates with less than 4 months notice, please contact LAMDA Examinations by telephone.
When booking a session either in the UK or overseas, please clearly state estimated examining hours in order that we can allocate examiners to your session accordingly. All examination timings can be found in our Guide for Centres. Examiners will examine for a maximum of 6.5 hours per day plus breaks. If at a later date it becomes apparent that your total examining hours have changed significantly from your original estimation, please make LAMDA Examinations aware at the earliest opportunity.
6. How do I enter my learners for examination at a Private Centre?
UK Private Centres
If you are a UK Private Centre and you have booked an examination session, you should complete a Private Centre Bulk Entry Form and send it to LAMDA Examinations, along with all fees, to reach us at least 6 weeks prior to the first day of the session. Many centres now find it quicker and easier to enter learners using LAMDA Examinations’ Online Entry System (OES) via the internet. For further details on OES please click here. Please note that failure to submit entries and fees before the required deadline may result in the session being cancelled.
International Private Centres
If you are an International Private Centre, you should complete either a bulk entry form or OES submission and ensure it reaches LAMDA Examinations, along with all fees, no later than 8 weeks prior to the session start date.
International Private Centres in countries with a Representative
Please refer to the website for contact details for the relevant LAMDA Examinations representative in your country as representative are responsible for organising examination sessions within their appointed country or region and queries should therefore be directed to them.
Private Sessions are scheduled according to the order of learners presented on the entry form or OES system. Should you need to make specific timing requests, please make these clear and we will do our best to accommodate them. All examination timings must be authorised by LAMDA Examinations prior to the relevant session.
UK Public Centres
If you are entering learners at a UK Public Centre, you are required to complete an entry form for each solo, pair or group examination. The forms must be received by LAMDA Examinations, along with the fees, before closing date for the relevant session. Closing dates are listed on the Public Examinations Centres Date List which can be found here. You may indicate a date preference for the session for which you are entering. However, please note that we can not guarantee dates or times and learners must be prepared to attend at any time during the session.
International Public Centres
If you are entering learners at an International Public Centre, please contact your local Representative for information on how to submit learners. The deadline for submission will normally be 10 weeks before the session is due to start.
For both Private and Public examination sessions, timetables and report cards will be despatched a minimum of 14 days before the scheduled examination date. For International Public Centres, LAMDA Examinations will despatch all documentation to the local Representative 3 weeks prior to the session start. The date and time of the examination will appear on the form, along with the venue address. Learners must present their report form/s to the examiner when they enter the assessment room.
7. Where can I find a LAMDA teacher?
The Association of LAMDA Teachers (AoLT) is a membership association including teachers who either hold a LAMDA Examinations teaching qualification or another accredited UK level 5 teaching qualification. To go to the Association page please click here. You can download the register of Association members on this page and teachers on this register can be contacted regarding lessons. If you can not find a suitable teacher on the list, please bear in mind that you can also approach teachers who are not members of the AoLT.
We accept membership applications from teachers outside the UK. However, teaching qualifications from overseas must be equivalent to UK Level 5 to be eligible. Please contact LAMDA Examinations for further details.
Please note that the Association of LAMDA Teachers is a membership association and its members are not endorsed by, employed by or affiliated to LAMDA Examinations. Members of the AoLT are required to agree to abide by the published Code of Conduct. You can view this by clicking here (link to Code of Conduct).
8. What accreditation/recognition does LAMDA Examinations have?
Our examinations are accredited in the UK by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) and the corresponding regulatory authorities in Wales and Northern Ireland. They are also recognised by the National Qualifications Association of Ireland and the Curriculum Council of Western Australia.
The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) is a credit-based qualifications framework, allowing a unit-based approach to building qualifications.
The QCF recognises learners’ skills and qualifications by awarding credit for units or small steps of learning. It enables people to gain qualifications at their own pace along flexible routes. Each credit represents 10 hours of learning time. Learning time is the amount of time a learner at the level of the unit is expected to take, on average, to complete the learning outcomes of the unit to the standard defined by the assessment criteria. Learning time includes all the time needed to achieve a unit, including directed study, homework, assessment time and preparation time.
Qualifications accredited within the QCF:
- Entry 3 – Graded Examinations in Communication: Speaking Verse and Prose
- Level 1 – Graded Examinations in Communication: Speaking Verse and Prose
- Level 2 – Graded Examinations in Communication: Speaking Verse and Prose
- Level 3 – Graded Examinations in Communication: Speaking Verse and Prose
- Entry 3 – Graded Examinations in Communication: Reading for Performance
- Level 1 – Graded Examinations in Communication: Reading for Performance
- Level 2 – Graded Examinations in Communication: Reading for Performance
- Level 3 – Graded Examinations in Communication: Reading for Performance
- Entry 3 – Graded Examinations in Communication: Using Spoken English
- Level 1 – Graded Examinations in Communication: Using Spoken English
- Level 2 – Graded Examinations in Communication: Using Spoken English
- Level 3 – Graded Examinations in Communication: Speaking in Public
- Entry 3 – Graded Examinations in Performance: Acting (Solo/Duo/Combined)
- Level 1 – Graded Examinations in Performance: Acting (Solo/Duo/Combined)
- Level 2 – Graded Examinations in Performance: Acting (Solo/Duo/Combined)
- Level 3 – Graded Examinations in Performance: Acting (Solo/Duo)
- Entry 3 – Graded Examinations in Performance: Devising Drama (Solo/Duo)
- Level 1 – Graded Examinations in Performance: Devising Drama (Solo/Duo)
- Level 2 – Graded Examinations in Performance: Devising Drama (Solo/Duo)
- Level 3 – Graded Examinations in Performance: Devising Drama (Solo/Duo)
- Entry 3 – Graded Examinations in Performance: Miming (Solo/Duologue)
- Level 1 – Graded Examinations in Performance: Miming (Solo/Duologue)
- Level 2 – Graded Examinations in Performance: Miming (Solo/Duologue)
- Level 3 – Graded Examinations in Performance: Miming (Solo/Duologue)
- Entry 3 – Graded Examinations in Musical Theatre (Solo/Duologue)
- Level 1 – Graded Examinations in Musical Theatre (Solo/Duologue)
- Level 2 – Graded Examinations in Musical Theatre (Solo/Duologue)
- Level 3 – Graded Examinations in Musical Theatre (Solo/Duologue)
- Level 3: The LAMDA Certificate in Speech and Drama: Performance Studies (PCertLAM)
- Level 5: The LAMDA Diploma in Communication, Speech and Drama Education (LSDE)
9. Which LAMDA Examinations can be used to gain UCAS points?
The following LAMDA examinations, accredited at Level 3, can be used to gain UCAS tariff points.
Graded Examinations in Communication: Speaking of Verse and Prose
- Grade 6 – Bronze Medal
- Grade 7 – Silver Medal
- Grade 8 – Gold Medal
Graded Examinations in Communication: Reading for Performance
- Grade 6
- Grade 7
- Grade 8
Graded Examinations in Communication: Speaking in Public
- Grade 6 – Bronze Medal
- Grade 7 – Silver Medal
- Grade 8 – Gold Medal
Graded Examinations in Performance: Acting (Solo/Duologue)
- Grade 6 – Bronze Medal
- Grade 7 – Silver Medal
- Grade 8 – Gold Medal
Graded Examinations in Performance: Devising Drama (Solo/Duologue)
- Grade 6
- Grade 7
- Grade 8
Graded Examinations in Performance: Miming (Solo/Duologue)
- Grade 6
- Grade 7
- Grade 8
Graded Examinations in Musical Theatre (Solo/Duologue)
- Grade 6
- Grade 7
- Grade 8
The LAMDA Certificate in Speech and Drama: Performance Studies (PCertLAM)
Please note that Group examinations are not accredited and therefore do not carry any UCAS tariff points.
To go to the UCAS information page, please click here.
10. How many UCAS points will my LAMDA examinations get me?
UCAS points are awarded according to the examination grade taken and the mark (banding) attained. Please click here to see the UCAS points table.
Please note that points will not be awarded cumulatively. Each examination subject, for example Speaking Verse and Prose, is classified as a different qualification. Each grade within that subject is classified as the same qualification, but at a different level. This means that if a learner takes Grades 6, 7 and 8 within the same subject, it is only the result that translates to the highest amount of UCAS points that would be submitted. However, a learner can accumulate the UCAS points from separate qualifications, for example, from two or more different subjects. For example, a student could take Grade 8 in both Speaking Verse and Prose and Acting, achieve a distinction in both and be awarded 130 UCAS points in total (65 points for each qualification).
It is advisable to check with individual institutions regarding the use of UCAS points gained from LAMDA Examinations. Entry requirements are at the discretion of each individual university.
11. Are LAMDA examiners subject to Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) vetting?
All LAMDA examiners and relevant groups of employees have an enhanced up-to-date Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) disclosure check. This is part of our Safeguarding Children Policy and our commitment to safeguarding the welfare of those accessing our services.
12. How do I become a LAMDA examiner?
LAMDA examiners must have specialist subject experience and a recognised teacher qualification or equivalent. Those accepted onto the examiner training programme will be required to complete a number of training stages before being accepted onto the panel of examiners. Please click here to contact LAMDA Examinations and request further details.
13. What is the Association of LAMDA Teachers (AoLT)?
The Association of LAMDA Teachers is a membership association for teachers who hold a recognised teaching qualification and individuals with an interest in preparing and entering learners for LAMDA examinations. Members and Associates can publish their details on the AoLT Teachers List which is published on the LAMDA Examinations website. For more information on the benefits of joining at different levels of membership please click here. All members will receive LAMDA Examinations mailings, including the LAMDAExaminations magazine VoiceOver. Members can also request one complimentary copy of each LAMDA Examinations syllabus. If you wish to receive periodic mailings containing up-to-date documentation related to LAMDA Examinations and you are not the centre co-ordinator of a Private Centre, you will need to join the AoLT at Affiliate level or above.
14. What qualifications do I need to apply for membership of the Association of LAMDA Teachers?
The Association of LAMDA Teachers is a membership organisation for teachers who hold professional teaching qualifications. If you hold either the previous LLAM Licentiate Teaching Diploma or the LAMDA Diploma in Communication, Speech and Drama Education (LSDE), you can apply to become a Member. Please note that you must hold a LAMDA teaching qualification to be accepted as a Member of the AoLT. If you hold an accredited Level 5 teaching qualification from another awarding body, you can apply to become an Associate. Please note that a Level 5 Qualification is accredited at the same level as a Non-Honours Bachelors Degree.
Students registered on the LSDE can apply to hold Student status, with a view to upgrading to Member once the LSDE is completed should you wish to do so. Affiliate status is available to those that are interested in preparing and entering learners for LAMDA Examinations and wish to be kept up-to-date on developments, but who do not hold the specified teaching qualifications.
Please note that to apply for membership you must be able to provide proof of your teaching qualification, or in the case of the Student membership, proof that you are registered for the LSDE.
15. How can I become a member of the Association of LAMDA Teachers?
To apply to join the Association, please click here to download an application form. Please complete this form and send it, along with the relevant annual membership fee, to LAMDA Examinations. If you are applying to be an Associate, there will also be a one-off charge to verify your qualification.
Members of the AoLT are required to agree to abide by the published Code of Conduct. You can view this by clicking here. LAMDA Examinations reserves the right to refuse application to the Association or to revoke membership status for existing members if it is deemed necessary.
16. Where can I get information about LAMDA Examinations' courses and workshops for teachers?
A number of workshops are held throughout the year. The content of these workshops is generally focused on specific areas of the syllabuses and is often aligned with new qualifications. These workshops are held in a number of regional locations and vary from half-day day workshops to two-day sessions.
In addition to the regional courses, we also offer a week of workshops based in London during the summer. These workshops cover a range of different subjects that are of interest to our centres and teachers worldwide and the seminars are led by LAMDA Examinations trainers, LAMDA practitioners and/or industry specialists.
Delegates who attend full sessions either at the regional or summer workshops will receive a Certificate of Attendance, which may be used by teachers as evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
For information about current LAMDA Examinations workshops please continue to check the website for updates, by going to the UK Centres/Teachers tab and clicking on workshops.
Members and Associates of the Association of LAMDA Teachers are entitled to discounts on workshop prices and will be provided with an AoLT workshop booking form when workshops are finalised. Please check the terms of your membership for more details.
17. Does LAMDA Examinations offer any awards or competitions for learners?
LAMDA Examinations offers cumulative qualifications called the LAMDA Graded Examinations: Joint Qualifications which can be awarded in either the Communication or Performance category. The Graded Examinations: Joint Qualifications recognise and reward by credit accumulation learners who successfully achieve 3 constituent parts of any of the levels shown below within the timeframe of 24 months from the date of the first examination. The level of the joint qualification will be determined by the lowest grade accumulated. For learners wishing to claim one of these qualifications, please click here to download the claim form. Please note that you have 12 months from the date of the last constituent examination to claim your Joint Qualification.
The LAMDA Graded Examinations: Joint Qualification in Communication Level 1
Learners must achieve Grade 1 or Grade 2 or Grade 3 in:
- Speaking Verse and Prose
- Using Spoken English
- Reading for Performance
The LAMDA Graded Examinations: Joint Qualification in Communication Level 2
Learners must achieve Grade 4 or Grade 5 in:
- Speaking Verse and Prose
- Using Spoken English
- Reading for Performance
The LAMDA Graded Examinations: Joint Qualification in Communication Level 3
Learners must achieve Grade 6 or Grade 7 or Grade 8 in:
- Speaking Verse and Prose
- Speaking in Public
- Reading for Performance
The LAMDA Graded Examinations: Joint Qualification in Performance Level 1
Learners must achieve Grade 1 or Grade 2 or Grade 3 in 3 of the following:
- Acting
- Devising Drama
- Miming
- Musical Theatre
The LAMDA Graded Examinations: Joint Qualification in Performance Level 2
Learners must achieve Grade 4 or Grade 5 3 of the following:
- Acting
- Miming
- Devising Drama
- Musical Theatre
The LAMDA Graded Examinations: Joint Qualification in Performance Level 3
Learners must achieve Grade 6 or Grade 7 or Grade 8 in:
- Acting
- Miming
- Devising Drama
- Musical Theatre
18. How old does a person have to be to take LAMDA examinations?
With the exception of the Certificate in Performance Studies (PCertLAM) and Diploma in Speech and Drama Education (LSDE), LAMDA examinations have no minimum or maximum ages although we recommend that children should not attempt the Introductory examinations before the age of 5 years. In order to pass one of the Introductory examinations a learner must be able to memorise a poem and speak it with expression and subsequently to hold a short conversation with the examiner about a favourite object, picture or book depending on the specific examination. The minimum age requirement for entry onto the PCertLAM is 16 years and for the LSDE, LTCC and LTCP it is 19 years.
LAMDA Examinations also advises that learners should be at least 14 years before attempting examinations at Grade 6, Grade 7 or Grade 8 as these are more challenging.
When choosing an examination, learners and their teachers should ensure that they have read and understood the assessment criteria and learning outcomes for the relevant examination and that the learner is comfortable with the requirements of the examination and the preparation time available to them.
19. Can a learner take more than one examination at each session?
A learner can take multiple examinations at one session as long as they are not within the same subject. For example, they make take Grade Four Acting and Grade Four speaking Verse and Prose. They may not take a solo examination and a duologue examination within the same subject.
20. Does LAMDA Examinations produce any materials to support the examinations?
LAMDA Examinations produces a range of publications designed to support learners entering our examinations and the teachers who prepare them. The full range of publications and merchandise available can be found in the online shop and includes collections of pieces, theory and advice and DVDs/CDs. Please click here to be taken directly to the online shop. Free downloadable teacher materials are available for the PCertLAM qualification, please click here to download.
Orders can be made through the online shop, by completing and returning an order form (with full payment) or over the telephone by contacting LAMDA Examinations direct. Please note that telephone orders must be paid for with a credit/debit card and a £1 administration fee will be charged.
21. Some of my learners have Special Needs. What adjustments can be made to allow them to be examined?
LAMDA Examinations recognises that we have a duty to ensure the rights of the individual learner(s) to access qualifications/units and assessment in the most appropriate way for their needs. We aim to facilitate open access for learners who are eligible for reasonable adjustments and/or special considerations in assessments, without compromising the assessments of the skills, knowledge and understanding or competence being measured.
A reasonable adjustment helps to reduce the affect of a disability or difficult that places the learner as a substantial disadvantage in the assessment situation. Adjustments must not affect the validity or reliability of assessment outcomes or give the learner and unfair basement advantage, but may involve:
- adjusting assessment materials
- providing assistance during assessment where appropriate
- re-organising the assessment physical environment or
- changing usual assessment arrangements
- making the examiner aware of the learner’s difficulties where appropriate.
Reasonable adjustments must be approved by LAMDA Examinations and set in place prior to assessment commencing.
On entry forms, there is a section entitled ‘Special Needs or Reasonable Adjustments’ and this should be filled in with the learner name, the special need and by ticking the ‘New Application’ box. Applications must be made a minimum of 14 days (8 weeks for Braille documents) prior to the date of the examination. Application is made by submission of an Application for Reasonable Adjustment Form, which can be accessed by clicking here, along with the required supporting documentation. The relevant documentation must be signed by a person qualified to assess the learner’s specific special need/s.
For more information on Reasonable Adjustments please refer to the Guide for Centres and Teachers or contact LAMDA Examinations direct.
22.I have submitted my entries. When can I expect to receive timetables and report cards?
Sessions are scheduled in date order. We despatch information, timetables and report sheets to UK Private centres and to Coordinators at International Private Centres at least 14 days before the first day of the relevant examination session. In countries with local Representatives, we despatch documentation to the local representative 3 weeks prior to the session start date/s. For full details of LAMDA Examinations' Customer Operating Standards, please click here to download the LAMDA Guide for Centres and Teachers.
23. Is it possible for me to enter my learners online?
LAMDA has an Online Entry System (OES) that allows Private Centre teachers to enter learners securely online. OES is faster and more convenient as it allows you to enter your learners exactly how you would like them to be examined on the day and there is little margin for error, as you enter all of the learners yourself. The system also allows schools/teachers to save time as it can recall previous learner entries on entry of their PIN number.
Please note that this service is currently only available for Private and Overseas Centres and not for Public Centre entry.
If you would like to use the OES, please click here to visit the OES page.
24. We are about to hold an examination session at our Private Centre. Is there anything we need to know to ensure that the day runs smoothly?
The examiner will contact the Centre Coordinator in advance of the examinations on the telephone number provided. When he/she does so, please discuss transport and other arrangements. It is preferred if examiners can be collected from their hotel or train station. Examiners are grateful if the centre can organise morning, afternoon and lunchtime refreshments. Where possible, examiners should take their lunch separately from centre staff.
There should be one responsible person and one designated examination room steward per room present at the venue at all times. The steward should ensure that learners are ready at the appropriate time and should usher them into the room when the examiner indicates they are ready. The steward should also aim to keep the area around the examination room as quiet as possible and preferably take refreshments such as coffee/tea into the room during the designated breaks.
The examination room should be quiet, well lit, at a comfortable temperature and large enough for the examinations taking place to go ahead. Please ensure that the examiner’s chair and table are appropriate for a long working session and it is appreciated if water is made available on the examiner’s table.
For more guidance on examination day requirements, please refer to the Guide for Centres and Teachers.
25. What should the learner wear during their examination?
Clothing should be comfortable and easy for the learner to move around in. Full costume must not be worn but small items, such as gloves or a hat, are permitted. Clothing items that may help the learner to get into character, such as practise skirts, are allowed and may be worn over leggings and removed as necessary during the examinations. Please note that there are no changing facilities available within the examination room. Shoes may or may not be worn according to the piece being performed and may be removed in between pieces.
26. Can the learner take props into their examination?
Props such as small objects, for example hand fans, are permissible but bulky props should be avoided and the focus should be on creating the imagined world, including the objects in it. No props should be used for miming examinations. Visual aids and objects specifically required as part of the assessment criteria for examinations are permitted. Weapons or dangerous items, real or otherwise, may not be used.
27. What should a learner do when they arrive at the Public Examination Centre on the day of their examination?
The learner should aim to arrive at their Public Examination Centre at least 15 minutes prior to their scheduled examination time slot. Upon arrival, they will be shown to a waiting room where they should ensure that they have their examination report, copies of their pieces and any other items essential to the examination. Shortly before their examination time slot, a steward will collect the learner/s and they will be taken to the examination room and ushered in when the examiner indicates that they are ready. Younger learners will be accompanied at all times and the examiner will greet them at the door of the examination room where possible. It is not possible for third parties to enter the examination room unless they are operating musical equipment and in this scenario, the accompanist should exit the room as soon as all pieces have been performed and the learner is ready for the knowledge section of the examination. There may be additional access arrangements that can be made with regards to learners requiring reasonable adjustments and these must be authorised by LAMDA Examinations well in advance of the examination session.
28. There is an urgent problem on my examination day. What should I do?
If it is a working day between 9.30 and 17.30, please contact LAMDA Examinations at the earliest opportunity for advice on how to proceed. Alterations must not be made to examination timings or details without LAMDA Examinations’ prior authorisation. If a problem occurs outside LAMDA Examinations’ working hours please make the examiner aware of the problem as soon as possible.
29. My examination session has just taken place. When can I expect my results and certificates?
Results, certificates and medals (where appropriate) are issued within six weeks of the last day of the relevant examination session. Results will not be given out over the telephone. For full details of LAMDA Examinations' Customer Operating Standards, please click here to download the LAMDA Guide for Centres and Teachers.
30. I've lost my certificate. Can I get a replacement?
Replacement medals or duplicates of certificates are available if the original has been lost. Certificates issued for examinations under the present syllabus (examinations taken since 1 September 2009) will be issued upon payment of a fee. For examinations taken under previous syllabuses, a letter of attestation can be produced upon payment of a fee. It is not possible for LAMDA Examinations to produce duplicate certificates for qualifications taken under expired syllabuses.
Please click here to download a Certificate and Medal Requisition form and return it to LAMDA Examinations along with full payment. All accredited replacement certificates will have 'Duplicate' printed on them in accordance with the requirements set by the regulator.
31. What do I do if a learner is ill on the day of the exam?
If you are a parent/guardian of a child or an adult taking an exam at a private centre, you must make sure the Centre Co-ordinator responsible for that centre knows as soon as possible. If you are the parent/guardian of a child or an adult taking an examination at a public centre, you must let the Public Centre Coordinator know as soon as possible (contact details can be found on the Public Centre Date list). The teacher/centre will then be responsible for informing the relevant examiner.
LAMDA Examinations will offer a partial refund for learners who are absent due to bereavement or illness upon receipt of a doctor’s note. This refund will be issued in the form of a Transfer Credit Voucher (TCV) which can be put towards the learner’s next examination. If you would like to apply for a TCV, please write to LAMDA Examinations attaching the required supporting evidence within 10 days of the examination that the learner was unable to attend. You will also need to include the learner's blank report sheet. Once it has been verified that the learner did not take the examination, a TCV will be issued in the learner’s name.
32. Can a learner change the time of their examination?
Dates and times of examinations cannot be altered once the session has been scheduled nor are refunds available. Examiners will not accept any changes on the day. When a Private Centre submits its entries, every effort should be made to ensure that the list is final. Those entering at a Public Centre must be aware that although LAMDA Examinations will try to allocate according to preferred dates/times, this will not always be possible. Should the learner receive a time that is not suitable, there will be no refund and it will not be possible to transfer the entry to a different date/time or session. When selecting a Public Examination Centre session please ensure that the learner will be able to attend at any date/time during that session.
For a learner who is ill on the day of the examinations, LAMDA Examinations offers a Transfer Credit Voucher (please see section 31 above). These conditions also apply if the learner suffers a family bereavement in which case LAMDA Examinations should be made aware as soon as possible.
LAMDA Examinations reserves the right to withdraw learners or to refuse to examine under certain circumstances. Please refer to the Guide for Centres and Teachers for further details. In these scenarios refunds may be made at LAMDA Examinations’ discretion.
There are no conditions other than those stated above in which a refund, partial or otherwise, will be given.
33. I wish to make a complaint about LAMDA Examinations. How do I go about this?
In order to make a complaint about the standard of service, actions or lack of action by LAMDA Examinations or its staff, please communicate your complaint in as much detail as possible via email, fax or in writing and mark it for the attention of the Customer Services Unit. Complaints will only be accepted from a LAMDA Examinations learner, his/her parent or guardian, a teacher entering learners at a Public Centre, a Private Centre Co-ordinator or Head of Centre. Please note that complaints must be received by LAMDA Examinations no later than 15 working days from the date of the incident to which the complaint pertains.
Upon receipt of a formal complaint, LAMDA Examinations will acknowledge the complaint within 7 working days and it will be passed to the appropriate investigating manager for investigation. A full response will be issued within 15 working days from the date on the acknowledgement letter or email.
Should a customer be dissatisfied with the outcome of a complaint, they may pursue the matter further via the Appeals process. Full details of the Enquiries, Complaints and Appeal Procedure can be found by clicking here
34. My learner attended his/her examination, but may have affected by adverse circumstances. Can this be taken into account?
A Special Consideration is a consideration given when a learner may have been affected during or shortly before their assessment by adverse circumstances. LAMDA Examinations would expect provisions to be in place to allow the learner to complete the assessment and only when a learner is unable to do so should an application for special considerations be made.
Please note that LAMDA Examinations is not able to apply special considerations in instances where the assessment requires the demonstration of practical competence and where all the criteria must be fully met. In these circumstances LAMDA Examinations may offer the affected learners the opportunity to take the examination again at a later date. Practical marks can not be adjusted retrospectively.
Special Considerations requests must be submitted to LAMDA Examinations in writing, detailing the circumstances and enclosing the examination report form, within ten working days of the examination. The application must be submitted with evidence to support it. This may include a medical certificate or a supporting statement from the relevant person/s. LAMDA Examinations will review the application on receipt and make the applicant aware of the decision.
For further information regarding Special Considerations please refer to the Guide for Centres and Teachers or click here.
35. Can a learner use a selection that appears in an expired Anthology?
It is permissible for a learner to use a piece that appears in an expired Anthology, provided that the piece complies with all other relevant rules and regulations applicable for the examination being taken. It is possible for a learner to use pieces sourced from the set texts, provided that the piece is not the exact same section that appears anywhere in the current Anthologies.
36. My learner was not happy with the mark they obtained for their examination. If they choose to take the same examination again, can they use the same pieces?
It is not prohibited to use the same pieces in an examination as long as they adhere to the necessary requirements. However, we advise against this as artistically it may prevent the learner developing their range and widening their understanding and interest as much as choosing entirely new pieces would.
37. My learner has achieved a mark over 50 but has still been given a 'Fail' grading. Can you explain this?
After a learner has been assessed, a qualification grade can be awarded at pass, merit or distinction. To achieve a pass a learner must have satisfied all pass assessment criteria. Learners who do not meet either the minimum pass criteria or who fail to satisfy one or more stated assessment criteria (irrespective of the total marks awarded) will be graded as a Fail. In these circumstances the examiner will indicate the assessment criteria that have not been met in the F box at the bottom of the report form.
38. Where can I find timings for examinations?
All examination timings can be found in our Guide for Centres and should be used to calculate the total examining time for an examination session.
39. I want to do a play by Sheridan/Goldoni for my List A selection for my Grade 7 Silver Medal Solo Acting. Would these writers come under the 'Restoration' category and still adhere to the assessment criteria?
For the purposes of LAMDA Examinations Level 3 Acting examinations, the period ‘Restoration’ includes plays produced during the post-restoration period up to and including 1799. This includes writers such as Sheridan and Goldoni.