If you are thinking about taking an RCO qualification, the first step is simply to identify the level that reflects where you are now. You do not need to begin at the first stage unless that is right for you.
You may find it helpful to look at the “Start your journey” progression graphic below, which shows how the qualifications relate to one another and helps you identify an appropriate entry point.
Each qualification page on this website then explains clearly:
If you are unsure which level is right, speak to your teacher or review the published level descriptors carefully. Please note: entry to FRCO requires a pass at ARCO.
To enter a diploma examination (CRCO, ARCO, FRCO, CChD, AChD, FChD), you must be a Full, Student or Affiliate Student Member of the College. Become a Member >>
Membership is encouraged but not required for CAM entry, although the College will only formally recognise the acquisition of a CAM award if you become a member.
Entries are made online through the RCO Member Area >>. Once logged in, you can:
Application deadlines are published in advance and should be checked carefully before entering.
For application deadlines and examination fees, see Key Dates & Fees >>
Organ diploma examinations (CRCO, ARCO, FRCO) are held twice each calendar year:
Choral directing diplomas will follow their own published entry cycle as each qualification is introduced (across 2026 and 2027). The Colleague Diploma in Choral Directing (CChD) and Associateship Diploma in Choral Directing (AChD) will operate on a twice-yearly cycle, with deadlines on 1 October and 1 April. The Fellowship Diploma in Choral Directing (FChD) will operate with a single annual deadline of 1 July.
For examination dates, see Key Dates & Fees >>
Applications for the Certificate of Accredited Membership (CAM), and supporting material for assessment, can be submitted at any time. Assessments are administered on a quarterly basis, working to entry deadlines on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July and 1 October.
In-person practical examinations can take place in one or more of the following:
The venues for each examination session are published in advance and arranged with each candidate.
Where audio-visual submission is permitted, detailed technical guidance is provided.
Each qualification combines practical musicianship with written and/or aural components. Depending on the qualification, this may include:
Where available, practical components may be submitted by approved audio-visual recording. Full details are provided in the Regulations for each qualification.
Results are issued after each examination session.
Results are released to your online member record. At diploma level, the release date will be announced to candidates in advance. For CAM, you will be notified by email when the results are available.
You will receive a written report from the examiner(s) for each part of the assessment. If you pass some, but not all, of the components, your pass in each component remains valid for 4 years and you will only need to re-sit the remaining components. Please consult the Regulations for further details.
Successful candidates will be invited to receive their Diploma or Certificate at the first Conferment ceremony following their examination (or the following year). Those who cannot attend an awards ceremony will receive their qualification by post.
RCO Accreditation welcomes candidates from outside the UK.
All RCO qualifications can be completed without attending a UK centre. In these instances, you are able to:
International candidates are advised to pay particular attention to:
The RCO is committed to making its accreditation accessible to all candidates, regardless of disability or specific learning needs.
Where a candidate has a disability, medical condition or specific learning need that may affect their ability to demonstrate their skills in a standard examination format, arrangements may be made to ensure that assessment reflects their abilities fairly.
Candidates who wish to discuss accessibility requirements should contact the RCO Accreditation team at accreditation@rco.org.uk as early as possible, and before submitting their entry.
The RCO is committed to making accreditation as accessible as possible, regardless of location or ability to travel.
Where location or ability to travel for the performance section of practical examinations is an issue (especially for overseas candidates), exceptions are available. Where an exception has been applied for and granted in advance, this section may be completed through audio-visual submission. See the individual examination regulations for more details.
The RCO recognises the Associateship diplomas of the American Guild of Organists (AGO) and the Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO) as exemptions from the requirement for FRCO candidates to hold the ARCO diploma. Prospective candidates who wish to enter the examination on this basis should contact the RCO Accreditation team on accreditation@rco.org.uk in the first instance, providing confirmation of their diploma details.
The RCO is committed to making accreditation as accessible as possible, regardless of background.
Where the cost of preparing for and taking an examination could be a barrier, the College is able to consider applications to its awards and bursaries scheme for assistance. Typically, the awards and bursaries can contribute to lessening the burden of course, tuition and examination fees, and help with the building of relevant resources.
Awards are made possible through the generosity of benefactors and are available across a wide range of ages and stages, with many open to both students and adult learners. In addition, the College highlights and signposts external scholarships and funding opportunities where relevant.
A range of grants and bursaries may be available to help meet the cost of examination entry, preparation and support.
Explore funding opportunities >>
“Preparing for the exams was hard work, but there is a lot of incredibly helpful information on the iRCO website, and the past papers were very useful in helping me to focus my preparation. I cannot recommend the diplomas highly enough.”— Suzanne Blagg (UK)
You are not expected to prepare alone! RCO qualifications are demanding, but there is substantial support available.
Each qualification has published regulations outlining:
These should be read carefully before entry and referred to throughout your preparation, to ensure that you understand the required standard, select appropriate repertoire, and prepare fully for every component of the assessment.
Guidance sheets are available to help you prepare for set works and history periods in the written papers. These are available in the Resources section at the foot of this page (you will need to be signed in as a Member to access these).
Past papers and aural recordings are available to purchase in the Members area. Please note you will need to be signed in as a Member to access these resources.
Much support material is available for borrowing (note that some restrictions may apply) and reference in the College’s library collections.
The RCO’s virtual campus, iRCO, contains more than 500 films, downloads and recordings, including:
RCO Members have 100% free access to everything within iRCO — visit i.rco.org.uk.
RCO Academy offers an annual programme of events including:
All RCO Academy events provide valuable opportunities to engage with peers and broaden your musical experience within a supportive and ambitious community. In addition, specific events are scheduled throughout the year to provide structured preparation, practical guidance and insight for examination candidates.
View the current programme of RCO events >>