Preparing for Grade 5 Music Theory involves more than learning the syllabus. From practice papers to booking and setting up your computer, here’s our step-by-step guide.
1. Learn the material
Start by developing a confident understanding of the Grade 5 syllabus, including the foundations covered in earlier grades.
Our music theory crash courses help students work through the material, identify gaps and build confidence. Lessons are available online or in person in Muswell Hill, individually or in small groups.
2. Complete at least two or three practice papers
Before booking, complete at least two or three different practice papers. Review your mistakes and revisit any topics where you regularly lose marks.
Include ABRSM’s free online practice exam. It uses the exam platform, helping you become familiar with the question formats and controls before the real thing. Select Grade 5 when prompted.
You can also find downloadable sample papers and model answers on the same page.
We recommends consistently scoring at least 60 out of 75—the Merit threshold—before taking the real exam. This is our readiness recommendation, rather than an ABRSM entry requirement.
3. Book your exam
You can arrange the booking yourself, as a parent or candidate, or ask your teacher to book.
If you’ve taken an ABRSM exam before, use your existing Contact ID, sometimes called your candidate number, and date of birth. This links the booking to your existing record.
Follow ABRSM’s booking guidance. Every candidate needs their own ABRSM account to access the exam, including children whose accounts are managed by a parent.
You have 28 days from booking to take the exam. Choose a suitable day within that period and check for scheduled maintenance. The exam link becomes available three hours after booking.
4. Check your computer beforehand
Use ABRSM’s system check and setup videos before exam day.
The PSI Bridge exam software cannot be downloaded in advance. It installs when you launch the real exam, so only launch when you’re ready. Complete the practice mock separately through the practice resources page.
5. Prepare for exam day
Have these ready:
A compatible laptop or desktop with webcam and internet.
Accepted photo ID, or a completed ABRSM candidate identification form.
Blank plain or manuscript paper and a pen or pencil.
Ordinary blank paper is fine. If you prefer manuscript paper, you can browse blank manuscript paper on Amazon. Use loose sheets without notes or reference material.
Prepare a quiet, well-lit room and clear desk. Follow the software prompts to close other applications, show your ID and scan the room. Show both sides of your rough paper and tear it up afterwards. Under-18s need a responsible adult for setup.
Watch ABRSM’s official exam walkthrough videos beforehand.
What if there’s a technical problem?
Stay calm and use Contact Support in the exam software to reach PSI. ABRSM’s help and support guidance includes troubleshooting and telephone contacts.
If technical difficulties prevent the exam, the person who booked must contact ABRSM within seven days. ABRSM can consider a refund or free resit; this isn’t automatic.
Ready to start preparing? Explore our Grade 5 Music Theory crash courses
