About ISTD Examinations

The examination structure of the ISTD is designed to cater equally for those pursuing dance purely as a leisure activity and for those who wish to progress to making dance their profession, either as a performer or dance teacher.

The teaching qualifications are structured to give the new teacher the best possible foundation from which to work, with a particular emphasis on safe dance practice and the needs of the growing child.

Grades
Grade Examinations may be taken in Classical Ballet (Cecchetti and Imperial methods), Modern Theatre, Tap, National Dance, Classical Greek, South Asian (Kathak and Bharatanatyam), Modern Ballroom, Latin American, Disco Freestyle and Classical Sequence. Grades 1-6 are accredited by Ofqual, but some Faculties have additional Grades prior to Grade 1, that is, Pre-Primary and Primary.

Class Examinations
Class Examinations may be taken in Classical Ballet (Cecchetti and Imperial methods), Classical Greek and Modern Theatre.

Medal Tests
These tests may be taken in Modern Ballroom, Latin American, Sequence, Disco Freestyle, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Country & Western, Classical Greek, Tap and National. The levels progress from Bronze to Silver, Gold, Gold Star and higher awards for Dancesport medals.

Other types of examinations
Some faculties offer other types of qualifications other than those mentioned above so please refer to individual syllabi for full details.

Vocational Grades
The Vocational Grades are accredited by Ofqual and include Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced 1 and Advanced 2. These examinations form a cohesive bridge between the work covered in the Grades and the work of the professional examinations.

Professional Examinations
At present there are various professional examinations on offer, depending on where one lives in the world and there are slight variances between Theatre and Dancesport examinations.

• European Union Theatre Examinations
Within the European Union, the qualifications are the Foundation in Dance Instruction and Certificate in Dance Education and they are accredited by Ofqual and may be taken in all Faculties (except Club Dance). Teachers entering candidates for ISTD examinations need to gain the Certificate in Dance Education and then may choose to progress to Licentiate and Fellowship.

• Rest of the World Theatre Examinations
For the rest of the world the qualifications are the Associate and the Associate Diploma. Teachers can enter students for examinations following their Associate examination and once they have obtained their Associate Diploma can then choose to progress to Licentiate and Fellowship.

• Global Dancesport Examinations
For all Dancesport examinations, regardless of country, the Student Teacher and Associate qualifications can be taken. Candidates within the European Union can also take Foundation in Dance Instruction and Certificate in Dance Education in some dance genres if they wish, however this is not possible for regions outside of the European Union.

Following Associate, candidates may choose to progress to Licentiate and Fellowship.

Syllabus Outlines
Syllabus Outlines for all the examinations mentioned above are available free of charge from the Examinations Departments and most can be downloaded from the Faculty mini websites, accessible from this site. Further technical detail in the form of Examination Specifications can be purchased from the Sales Department.