How Much Do ABRSM Theory Exams Cost? Fees Breakdown 2026
Introduction
One of the most common questions from students and parents is: how much does an ABRSM Music Theory exam cost? While the exam fees themselves are straightforward, there are additional costs to consider — study materials, practice resources, and potentially tuition. This guide breaks down everything so you can budget accurately.
ABRSM Theory Exam Fees 2026
ABRSM reviews its fees annually. The following table shows the approximate fees for UK candidates in 2026:
| Grade | Exam Fee (UK, approx.) |
|---|---|
| Grade 1 | £43 |
| Grade 2 | £43 |
| Grade 3 | £46 |
| Grade 4 | £52 |
| Grade 5 | £60 |
| Grade 6 | £75 |
| Grade 7 | £82 |
| Grade 8 | £90 |
Important notes:
- These are approximate figures — check the ABRSM website for the most current fees
- Fees may differ for candidates outside the UK
- Fees are non-refundable once the exam has been booked (except in specific circumstances outlined by ABRSM)
What the Exam Fee Includes
Your exam fee covers:
- The exam itself — access to the online exam platform (Grades 1-5) or a place at an exam centre (Grades 6-8)
- Marking — your paper is assessed by qualified examiners
- Results — available online through your ABRSM account
- Certificate — a certificate confirming your grade and result (Pass, Merit, or Distinction)
The fee does not include study materials, practice resources, or tuition.
Additional Costs to Consider
Study Materials
Most students use one or more of the following:
| Resource | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| ABRSM Theory Workbook (per grade) | £8-£12 |
| ABRSM Theory Past Papers | £7-£10 per set |
| ABRSM Theory in Practice (workbook series) | £8-£10 per grade |
| Third-party textbook (e.g., Eric Taylor "Music Theory in Practice") | £7-£10 |
You do not need to buy all of these. A single workbook for your grade plus practice questions is sufficient for most students.
Practice Resources
| Resource | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Go Music Theory practice platform | Free for Grade 1; subscription for full access |
| ABRSM Theory Trainer app | £4.99 (one-off) |
| Practice papers (print) | £7-£10 per set |
Online practice platforms offer the advantage of immediate feedback and adaptive learning, which makes your study time more efficient. Try our free practice questions to see the difference structured practice makes.
Tuition (Optional)
| Tuition Option | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Private theory tutor (per lesson) | £20-£40 |
| Group theory class (per term) | £50-£120 |
| Online video course | £15-£40 (one-off) |
Tuition is optional. Many students pass Grade 5 Theory through self-study with good materials and practice questions. However, a tutor can be particularly helpful for topics like composition and cadences, which benefit from personalised feedback.
Total Cost: What to Budget
Here is a realistic breakdown of the total cost for a student taking Grade 5 Theory:
Self-Study Route (Most Affordable)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Exam fee | £60 |
| Theory workbook | £10 |
| Online practice platform (subscription) | £10-£30 |
| Total | £80-£100 |
Self-Study with Some Tuition
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Exam fee | £60 |
| Theory workbook | £10 |
| Online practice platform | £10-£30 |
| 5-10 tutor sessions | £100-£400 |
| Total | £180-£500 |
Full Tuition Route
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Exam fee | £60 |
| Theory workbook and materials | £20-£30 |
| Term of group classes or extended tutoring | £150-£500 |
| Total | £230-£590 |
Comparing Theory Exam Costs to Practical Exam Costs
For context, ABRSM practical exam fees are significantly higher than theory fees:
| Grade | Theory Fee | Practical Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | £43 | £56 |
| Grade 3 | £46 | £68 |
| Grade 5 | £60 | £82 |
| Grade 8 | £90 | £110 |
Theory exams represent good value compared to practical exams, and the knowledge gained supports your practical performance as well.
How to Reduce Costs
Use Free Resources
There are free resources available to supplement your study:
- Free practice questions on Go Music Theory — start with our free tier
- ABRSM's own sample papers and resources on their website
- Free music theory websites and YouTube tutorials for concept explanations
Study Efficiently
The most cost-effective approach is efficient self-study:
- Buy one good workbook for your grade — you do not need multiple textbooks
- Use online practice questions for active revision — this is more effective than buying multiple books
- Focus your revision on weak areas rather than studying everything equally
- Set a realistic timeline — rushing leads to failed exams, which means paying the fee again
Consider Group Classes
If you want tuition, group classes are typically much cheaper than private lessons. Many music schools and community groups offer theory classes, particularly in the run-up to popular exam periods.
Pass First Time
The most expensive thing you can do is fail and have to retake. The retake fee is the same as the original fee. Investing in proper preparation — particularly practice questions — is far more cost-effective than paying for a second attempt.
Fees for Multiple Grades
If you are taking multiple theory grades (for example, working from Grade 1 to Grade 5), the total exam fees add up:
| Route | Total Exam Fees |
|---|---|
| Grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (all five) | Approx. £244 |
| Grade 3 and Grade 5 only | Approx. £106 |
| Grade 5 only | £60 |
You are not required to take every grade in sequence. Many students skip directly to Grade 5 if they have the underlying knowledge. This saves both time and money. However, if you are starting from scratch, taking Grade 1 or 3 first can build confidence and ensure you have solid foundations.
Is It Worth the Cost?
For students who need Grade 5 Theory to progress with their practical exams, the question is not whether to take it, but how to prepare efficiently. The exam fee of £60 is modest compared to the cost of instrumental lessons, and the knowledge gained is genuinely valuable for your wider musical development.
Even for students who do not strictly need it, understanding music theory makes you a better musician and a more confident performer. The cost is a small investment for a qualification that stays with you for life.
Get the Best Value from Your Preparation
The most effective — and most cost-efficient — way to prepare for any ABRSM Theory exam is through structured practice questions. You learn faster, retain more, and identify your weak areas before the exam rather than during it.
Start with free practice questions and see how much you already know. Then build a focused revision plan for the topics that need the most work.