ARIAM – Associate Diploma
The ARIAM (Associate of the Royal Irish Academy of Music) is a self-accredited Diploma offered in Music or Speech & Drama,
with distinct pathways in Teaching and Performance. This widely respected Level 6 NFQ Equivalent qualification is designed for
advanced learners ready to teach up to Grade VIII standard or perform with confidence at a high level.
As a flexible, nationally recognised award, the ARIAM supports musicians, performers, and educators in gaining deeper subject mastery,
academic grounding, and real-world teaching or performance experience.
Why Choose the ARIAM?
- Choice of Pathways: Specialise in Teaching or Performance across Music and Speech & Drama disciplines.
- Comprehensive Assessment: Combines practical performance or teaching demonstration with viva-voce and written exams.
- NFQ Level 6 Equivalent: A credential that opens doors for further study or professional teaching.
- National Recognition: A long-standing qualification trusted by teachers, schools, and employers across Ireland.
- Support Materials Available: Past papers, sample questions, and syllabi available to help you prepare with confidence.
Perfect for: Experienced students and early-career teachers looking to advance their qualifications and professional recognition.
How to Apply (2-Step Booking Process)
The dates for the December 2025 Exams Session are Monday 1st - Friday 12th Dec 2025.
The deadline for registration is Friday, 26th September 2025 (4:00 PM).
Step 1:
Click “Register” on our booking platform, fill in your details, and select your exam option.
Note: Exam types are listed in order of fee (lowest to highest), not grouped by discipline.
Pay online by Credit or Debit Card.
Step 2:
Once payment is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation email containing a link to the Online Application Form.
Complete the form in full and submit your application before the stated deadline.
Assessment Overview
The ARIAM exam includes the following components:
- Section I – Theory: A written exam covering subject-specific academic content.
Exemptions may be requested via the application form; transcripts must be submitted by email. - Section II – Aural Tests: Candidates choose either Syllabus A or B and indicate at the time of entry from
which syllabus they wish to be examined. - Section III – Practical: Performance or teaching demonstration of set repertoire from your chosen syllabus.
Scheduling:
Sections I & II are usually scheduled on the same day (10:00 am – 5:00 pm), with Section III taking place on a separate day. Candidates will be notified of their individual timetable in advance.
All scales and arpeggios are to be played from memory. A/LRIAM Performance Diploma candidates (Piano) have to perform all of their pieces from memory). For all other Diploma types and instrumentation, please check the valid requirements in the respective section of the syllabus.
[All music performed during your exam needs to be brought as an original score or verifiable sheet music (whether it is being used to play from or not). If you use music scores for playing, please bring an additional copy of each piece for the examiners.]
You can apply for an exemption through the application form. Transcripts or proof of passed exam sections will then need to be submitted by email to diplomaexams@riam.ie. (Note: All exemption requests are subject to approval)
For additional information please check the syllabus.
The scheduling of the exams is subject to various factors and personal preferences cannot be guaranteed. As a rule, Sections I and II are usually scheduled on the same day (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM) with Section III generally happening on a separate day.