Examiners will already be respected figures in the musical profession, having gained considerable experience teaching and working with pupils at all levels. A wide range of activities is represented by the panel - soloists, chamber music players, orchestral players, Heads of Music Departments, Professors at the Royal Schools, all bring their wealth of experience to the Board each examining session. The examiner combines musical expertise with an ability to handle the exam situation in an understanding, sympathetic and fair manner. New examiners undergo a rigorous and thorough training programme. The first stage involves learning basic procedures and marking schemes, practise-examining with 'volunteer' candidates, and sitting in on 'real' exams to observe good practice.
Trainees then move on to conduct exams under the supervision of an expert.
When the Chief Examiner is satisfied that a trainee is ready, their name will be recommended to the Board's Governing Body for inclusion in the examining panel. As progress is made through the grades, the expectations for assessment also progress. Grades 1-4 establishing good practice i.e. technical accuracy with some evidence of musical feeling. Grade 5 an intermediate stage where musicality becomes a more important element. Grade 8 stylistic awareness, musical sensitivity and technical competence are evident and interdependent.