Organ Accreditation | Certificate of Accredited Membership (CAM)

The Certificate of Accredited Membership (CAM) is a staged programme designed to build and strengthen fundamental organ playing skills and musicianship.

It provides a clear and supportive route through three early, developmental stages, helping organists establish confidence and gain effective technique and musical understanding.

CAM is both a self-contained achievement and a foundation for further study, including progression to RCO diplomas.

What this qualification demonstrates

CAM demonstrates a widening and deepening appreciation of the technical and interpretative demands of early-stage repertoire through performance and supporting written work. The award aims to build confidence and understanding through three progressive stages.

Across the scheme, candidates demonstrate:

Confidence in organ performance.
Growing control of technique and accuracy.
Understanding of the role played by musical communication.
The ability to reflect on repertoire and interpretative and technical demands in programme notes.
(at Stages 2 and 3) The ability to accompany effectively.

Each stage builds on the previous one, supporting steady and structured musical development.

Who it is for

CAM is designed for organists at an early stage of their development.

Typical candidates include:

Organists in the early stages of their musical journey.
Pianists wishing to incorporate the organ in their keyboard experience.
Students working on graded examinations.
Church musicians seeking to develop confidence and core skills at the organ.
Adult learners returning to organ study.

Candidates may enter at the stage that reflects their current level. There is no requirement to begin at Stage 1.

What our candidates say

“Achieving my level 2 CAM has been a brilliant way to mark my progress in the world of classical organ. Having missed out on much early formal training this has been invaluable… The support from the RCO along the journey has been exceptional.”— Karen Dodwell (UK)

Assessment structure

CAM is structured in three stages:

Stage 1 – foundation level (approximately Grade 2 standard)
Stage 2 – developmental level (approximately Grade 4 standard)
Stage 3 – secure intermediate level (approximately Grade 6 standard)

At each stage, assessment includes:

Performance of three solo pieces.
A supporting portfolio demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the chosen repertoire.

At Stages 2 and 3, candidates also complete:

An accompaniment task.

Assessment is designed to support musical development as well as measure achievement, combining feedback on practical and reflective written work.

Preparation and support

CAM is designed to fit naturally alongside regular learning and teaching.

Preparation may include:

iRCO digital learning resources, offering support across all levels.
Individual tuition, such as with an RCO accredited teacher.
RCO Academy courses and classes, providing structured learning and guidance.
Access to RCO library resources and materials.

Many candidates prepare for CAM alongside graded examinations or as part of a broader programme of organ study.

Entry information

Requirements

There are no prerequisite qualifications for any stage of CAM.

Candidates may enter at Stage 1, 2 or 3, depending on their current level.
RCO membership is not required in order to enter, but successful completion of a CAM stage can only be formally recognised once an appropriate subscription has been paid.

CAM can therefore be taken as an independent programme or as part of a longer-term progression into RCO accreditation.

Key dates — deadlines & assessment cycle

Applications and assessment materials may be submitted at any time.

Assessments are administered on a quarterly cycle:

1 January
1 April
1 July
1 October

This flexible structure allows candidates to prepare and submit when ready.

Fees

Fees information is available on Key Dates & Fees >>

Enter CAM

Applications are straightforward and flexible.

1. Choose your stage
Select Stage 1, 2 or 3 based on your current level.

2. Prepare your programme and portfolio
Choose your repertoire and prepare your supporting portfolio.

3. Submit your CAM application
Access the CAM application entry system and complete the online entry form.

Apply now >>

4. Submit your materials
You can submit your CAM materials at the same time as your application, or later, for assessment at the next quarterly deadline.

You will receive confirmation of receipt and feedback following assessment.

Regulations and further information

Candidates should review the key documentation for the Certificate of Accredited Membership (CAM).

These documents provide essential information about:

Stage requirements and expectations.
Repertoire and accompaniment requirements.
Supporting Portfolio guidance.
Assessment criteria and submission formats.

Key documents:

CAM, Assessment Criteria Stages 1–3

Guidelines on Submitting AV and Digitised Material for Assessment

If you have questions about entry, stage selection, or preparation, please contact the RCO Accreditation team:

accreditation@rco.org.uk