Teacher FAQs

All entries must be submitted via the digital entry form.

Any changes to your entry or requests must be emailed to the Exams team, we cannot accept changes and requests via telephone.

The final exam details and relevant exam paperwork will be emailed to the person who entered the learner, 7-14 days prior to the exam event.

Once the event has been scheduled, the date and time allocated cannot be altered. Should the learner now not be able to make the allocated time, the learner cannot swap exam dates and no refund will be offered.

We can only discuss the entry with the correspondence contact (the person who entered the learner).

Learners may not enter for more than one Solo, Duologue or Combined examination of the same subject and grade at one examination event.

Date requests for face-to-face exam events must be submitted via ExamTrack. Date requests for remote online assessments must be emailed to the Exams team. We cannot guarantee date requests will be approved.

Any changes to a submission or requests must be emailed to the Exams team, we cannot accept changes and requests via telephone.

No changes can be made when the event start date is less than 14 days away

We can only correspond with the Centre Coordinator or Head of Centre. All written communication must be exchanged using a registered email address, requests from unrecognised emails will not be accepted.

We are currently only examining international learners via remote online assessments, for any queries please email the Exams team.

Reasonable Adjustment applications must be submitted six weeks in advance of the examination event start date. 

Reasonable Adjustment applications must include a completed application form and supporting documentation written and signed by a SENCo, Specialist Teacher and/ or medical professional. 

We cannot respond to finance or Transfer Credit Vouchers queries via telephone, please continue to email any finance queries to the Exams team.

Visit our How to Pay webpage for more information.

Transfer Credit Voucher requests will be acknowledged within 10 working days of receipt. Vouchers will be issued alongside results for the relevant event.

The time frame for results has now returned to the usual period of 30 working days. LAMDA Exams Certificates and results will now be available 30 working days after the exam. Any changes are listed on the Exams Noticeboard.

We will prioritise learners using their results for UCAS points, who require them for applying to university.

For Private Centre examination events starting from 15 February 2023, we will no longer send any of these reports by email. The only reports you will receive by email will be the Results Summary when your learners have completed their exams and they have been marked and moderated.

We can only discuss the results with the Centre Coordinator (Private Centres) and correspondence contact (Public Centres).

We update UCAS regularly with all awards issued that have UCAS points associated to them.

There are no restrictions to a learner performing an own choice piece from a play/feature film that has been published in the current LAMDA Acting Anthology – Volume 5, so long as the learner’s chosen piece is not the same scene as that set in the current LAMDA Acting Anthology - Volume 5. 

Own Choice pieces must not share any text with Set Pieces published in the current LAMDA Acting Anthology – Volume 5. 

Please ensure the piece chosen enables the learner to meet the assessment criteria and answer the knowledge questions. 

There is no requirement for learners to adopt an accent for a piece that has been written for a character with a particular dialect or accent, providing that the piece still makes sense and the authors intent is still clear. If the learner does choose to adopt an accent, this must be sustained throughout the piece ensuring fluency and focus are not affected.

For Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2 modern adaptations or translations of non-English language texts are acceptable as there are no specific timeframes or periods that the pieces need to be selected from – the learners just need to perform one set scene from the current Acting Anthology and one scene of their own choice.

For Level 3 examinations (Grades 6, 7, and 8), where it is a requirement to select scenes from plays written during set timeframes/periods, translations of non-English language texts into English are acceptable and where a translation is used, you would use the publication date of the original publication and not the date of the translation you are using. If you are using a modern adaptation of an earlier piece, such as Jean Anouilh’s version of Antigone written in the 1940s, then as this is a new version of the play and not a translation, you would use the publication date of the adaptation.

We define a translation as “The original text of a non- English- language play that has been translated into English”.  Whereas we define an adaptation as “a play, television screenplay or film screen-play that has been based on or devised from an earlier or pre-existing text, usually retaining some element of the original. (For example, Jean Anouilh’s version of Antigone).

Full costume is not permitted, but long practice skirts which help to indicate/suggest period may be worn together with small costume items such as scarves, hats, shawls, gloves, canes. Clothing and footwear should be suitable for the work presented and comfortable where possible, allowing freedom of movement. Learners should not go barefoot unless the part absolutely demands it and nudity is not permitted. Regarding the use of props, small items are permitted but must be kept to a minimum so as not to overburden the learner. 

It should be noted that learners are not permitted to leave the examination room (or leave frame – for ROA exams) once the examination has started.   

There are no restrictions with learners using a scene from a one act play as long as there is sufficient material within the play for the learner to be able to meet all of the assessment criteria including the discussion element within the knowledge section. If you feel there is not enough material for the learner to be able to do this, we would suggest seeking an alternative.

Regarding the use of strong language in examinations, LAMDA has no restrictions on this. However, it is advised that the learner is mature enough to understand the context in which they are being used within the text, and the style and intent of the playwright is maintained.

Learners may be reassured that Examiners will assess accurately and objectively against the assessment criteria regardless of the content of a piece.

For feature films, the learners would not be able to transcribe the scene from the film. The scene must come from a published film screenplay, either in hard copy or online. For the online screenplay publications, the screenplay must be published from the original author or film production company. 

A television serial is a story which is broadcast ​on television in a number of parts over a period of time. 

The reason we do not allow Learners to use a serial is because the character arcs and story lines are on-going. Even if a character has been written off, the character could return at any point and their story line revisited. Also, in the era of reboots, many TV shows which had previously concluded have been revitalised and the character arcs and story lines continued. Those shows which have not yet been rebooted may be revisited at any point during the course of the syllabus being in effect. 

Where there is no definite ending for a character or story lines, the Learner cannot answer the Knowledge question on: “The character’s role within the context of each play as a whole.” 

Yes, pieces from previous anthologies can be used. Please ensure the final piece used enables the learner to meet the assessment criteria and answer the knowledge questions. 

In regard to the acting examinations there are cases where spoken dialogue from a musical can be used, we ask teachers to carefully review the syllabus to ensure that all other requirements listed are checked and met. As long as the monologue is from the dialogue of the musical, and is not adapted from any of the songs/song lyrics, the piece meets all of the requirements of the grade (including the date for level 3) this may be permitted. Please ensure the piece chosen allows the learners to meet the assessment criteria and answer the knowledge questions. 

We have no age restrictions on our exams, we encourage the teacher and learner to make a judgment based on the ability and requirements of each learner. 

There are no restrictions to a learner performing an own choice piece from a play/feature film that has been published in the current LAMDA Acting Anthology so long as pieces do not share any text with Set Pieces published in the current LAMDA Acting Anthology – Volume 5. Please ensure the piece chosen enables the learner to meet the assessment criteria and answer the knowledge questions. 

No, novel adaptations are not permitted for level 3 acting exams.  

For the purposes of these qualifications, LAMDA defines a feature film as a narrative film, over 60 minutes in length that has been released to the public.  

No, we do not offer combined exams at level 3.  

We have no restrictions on learners using pieces by the same author, providing the pieces presented are from different texts and they allow the learner to meet the assessment criteria, answer the knowledge questions and comply with the regulations.  

No, learners can only play one character. 

When assessing if a piece fits within the correct time frame we only consider the date that the piece was first published, and not the date of any subsequent reprints or editions. The only exception to this would be if considerable new material has been added.  

Please see our FAQ regarding the use of translations/adaptations for further information on the use of texts not originally published in English. 

As the Awarding Body we are unable to suggest specific pieces. We ask that teachers use their experience when selecting pieces to ensure the piece enables the learner to meet the assessment criteria and answer the knowledge questions fully. 

Edits can be made to own choice pieces, as long as the piece still makes sense, and the authors intent is still clear. You can remove a character’s lines to make a duologue scene a monologue. You can also edit two monologues together, as long as the two monologues are originally spoken by the same character within the play. You cannot combine two monologues spoken by different characters. Learners can only play one character in each scene. 

Please ensure the final piece used enables the learner to meet the assessment criteria and answer the knowledge questions. 

When is the next syllabus update?

Please see below dates for the syllabus updates, the date shown is when the next versions of the syllabus will be valid from:

01 September 2023

Shakespeare

The new LAMDA Shakespeare syllabus materials will be available in September 2023, with first Examining from January 2024. The current Shakespeare qualifications will be extended, so that the last Examining date for these will be in December 2023.

01 August 2024

Performance, Communication​​​​​​ & Introductory

The current Performance (Acting, Devising Drama, Miming) and Communication (Speaking Verse and Prose, Reading for Performance and Speaking in Public) and Introductory (Solo and Group) syllabi will be in effect until 31 July 2024. Learners must register and take their exams on or before 31st of July 2024. The new versions will come into effect 01 August 2024.

The current Acting Anthology and Verse and Prose Anthology are therefore also valid until 31 July 2024, with the new versions coming into effect 01 August 2024.

The current Group (Group Acting, Group Devising Drama, Group Musical Theatre, Choral Speaking and Group Recital) qualifications are extended until 2025.

Learners can play characters of any gender. Unless explicitly stated in the Examination Content, Learners presenting a published or Set text should not change the text. Character names and pronouns should remain as originally written by the playwright/author. It is important in these contexts that Teachers work with Learners to ensure that they can perform their text in a way that allows the Learner to meet the Assessment Criteria. For example, ‘to demonstrate an understanding of the character’ the Learner must be able to portray the character in a way that complements the context within which pieces were originally written

There are no restrictions on learners from the same centre/ teacher performing the same pieces for their examinations, as long as each individual learner meets the assessment criteria.

As their teacher, it is down to your professional judgement as to whether or not you feel each learner is meeting the criteria by performing this piece, or if you feel some learners would better meet the criteria by performing a different piece.

The examiner will examine each learner’s presentation individually, regardless of if other learners perform the same pieces on the same day.

Unfortunately, as we are the Awarding Body, we are unable to suggest plays or pieces for the learners to perform. Other customers have fed back that the following resources have been useful: 

• Digital Theatre
• National Youth Theatre
• Samuel French 
• Nick Hern books 
• Amazon 

It is up to the teacher and/or learner to decide which own choice pieces to use. Please ensure the chosen pieces enable the learner to meet the assessment criteria and examinations requirements. 

As an Awarding Organisation we are unable to provide exemplar answers to knowledge questions or exemplar discussion topics. Please refer to our ‘Knowledge Matters’ and ‘Speaking Matters’ text books for further guidance. Both can be purchased from our online shop at the link below.

Online Shop

A learner who completes the external assessment but who either does not meet the minimum pass criteria mark for a Pass, or who fails to satisfy one or more of the stated Assessment Criteria (irrespective of the total marks they accumulate) will be graded as a Fail. In these circumstances, the Examiner will identify the Assessment Criteria/Criterion not met in the Learner Examination Report (LER). All of our assessment criteria can be found in the appropriate syllabus. 

We allow 30 seconds either side of the time frame. If the piece is significantly under the time allowance, then there might not be enough material for the examiner to adequately assess. If the piece is significantly over the time allowance, then it can affect other learners, as the examination would overrun. Examiners will not time pieces during the exam, however you do risk your learner being invalidated if the examiner feels there isn’t enough material presented for an acerate and fair assessment. 

There are no special requirements to teach LAMDA Exams, however we recommend that you take time to properly prepare. You can read our guide to getting started here.

Yes! We run several courses specially made for teachers. You can find out what we have coming up on our events page.

There are no specific qualifications to be listed on the LAMDA Exams’ Directory of Teachers, however you should be capable of preparing learners for their LAMDA Exams. 

To be listed on the directory head to our website to purchase a membership. This can be done on our online shop.

You can book your learners in to take their exams at any one of our LAMDA Centres by filling in the relevant forms on our book an exam page. 

If you are booking in a large group of learners to take their exams, you may find it more cost effective and convenient to set up your venue as a private centre. You can find out more about the process and benefits here. 

We have exam centres all over the world.

We currently have 32 in the UK, in Bath, Belfast, Birmingham, Blackpool, Bournemouth, Bristol, Burley. Cambridge, Cheltenham, Colchester, Coleraine, Edinburgh, Haywards Heath, Kent (Ashford), Leamington Spa, Leeds, Leicester, Leigh-on-Sea, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Northampton, Nottingham, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Ryde, Sheffield, Stoke on Trent, Stokesley, Swansea and Swindon.

Outside of the UK, we currently hold exam events in: Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Cayman Islands, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Gabon, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Nigeria, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, UAE, Uganda, USA and Vietnam. 

For information about LAMDA Centres outside of the UK, get in touch with our exams team.

For those who live without easy reach of a centre, we have online assessments which are accessible all over the world. You can find out more about which of our exams are available for online assessment here. 

Yes! You can register your venue as a private centre, which means that only you will be able to book learners into the exam events there. Once you are set up you will be given access to ExamTrack, from where you can book exam dates and register learners. Read more about private centres here.

Yes! We launched online assessments in June 2020. These take place over Zoom and are available for most of our solo exams. You can read more about them and find out how to book here. 

ExamTrack is the online portal for LAMDA Exams. It allows you book exam dates, register learners and make payments.

At the moment, you can only use ExamTrack to organise bookings at your own venue, and not at one of the LAMDA Centres.

Once your venue has been registered as a private centre, you will be set up with an account on ExamTrack.

You can login to your account here. 

If you need help, you can read our how-to guide and watch our tutorial videos.

LAMDA Exams is a recognised awarding organisation by Ofqual (the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulations in England), and the corresponding regulatory authorities in Wales (Qualification Wales) and Northern Ireland (Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment).

What this means is that all LAMDA regulated exams have been designed in such a way that a direct comparison can be made between LAMDA regulated exams and academic qualifications like GCSEs and A-levels. Learners taking these exams are tested on their knowledge, skills and understanding of the subject and will only be awarded a qualification if they show they have achieved the required level.

Our non-regulated exams are specific to LAMDA Exams.

Absolutely. We are committed to supporting the needs of our learners. You can apply for what is called a Reasonable Adjustment. These can include things like extra exam time or providing documents in a more accessible format for the learner. Applications must be submitted at least six weeks before the scheduled exam. You can read more about Reasonable Adjustments and how to apply for them.

You can submit an Enquiry About Results. You can read more about the process here.

You can submit an Enquiry About Results. If the mistake happened at our end, we won’t charge you to replace the certificate.

We will post your results within 30 working days of the exam event. If you still haven’t received your results by then, please contact LAMDA Exams in writing, confirming your postal address.

We want your learners to have their original results and certificates so we’ll ask you to wait until we’ve received them back in the post. While you’re waiting we can send you copies of your learners’ Examination Reports and their results.

If we don’t receive your certificates back within three weeks of the date we posted them to you or you’re keen to receive the certificates, we can issue certificates with the word ‘Duplicate’ printed on them.

Any openings we have for examiners will be advertised on our website.

The best way to reach the exams team is by emailing us.

You can also write to us at:
LAMDA Exams
155 Talgarth Road
London
W14 9DA
United Kingdom 

If you are in the UK and prefer to speak on the phone, we have a call back service where a member of our exams team will phone you on your preferred number. You can make your request by using the form here.