Dancers Certificate and Diploma Examinations

Grade Examinations

In all there are 12 grades plus a Preliminary grade. Different dances are specified for each grade and are listed below.

Each grade must be passed before a dancer may attempt the next grade.

A certificate is awarded for each grade passed. A dancer who passes all twelve grades receives

“The Diploma of the Irish Dancing Commission”

(Scrúdaíthe Teastais agus Dioplomaí Rinceoirí)

Grade examinations are unlike competitions in that each dancer is individually examined and also receives a detailed written assessment.

The examinations are intended for dancers of all standards, whether or not they compete regularly.

Dancers passing their Grade examinations will benefit from a partial exemption if they should decide to take their TCRG (see here for TCRG exam) or ADCRG examinations at some stage. The system of Credits towards the TCRG and ADCRG will be awarded as follows, thereby exempting the candidate from re taking the Solo Dancing section of each exam.

• TCRG - 70% or over needed on Grades 6 – 12 inclusive.
• ADCRG - 80% or higher needed on Grades 6 – 12 inclusive.

1. Only basic steps may be danced in Grades 1, 2, 3 and in the Preliminary Grade.
2. The number of bars of music to be danced for all reels, jigs and hornpipes is 40.
3. Set-dances in Grades 4, 5 & 6 must be performed in the traditional style and manner.
4. From Grade 7 upwards only non-traditional sets can be danced. Once performed a set-dance cannot be repeated in a higher grade
5. The same set-dance must not be performed in more than one of the Grades from 7 to 12 inclusive.
6. A dancer must take all grades in order, beginning with Grade 1, the Preliminary Grade being optional. However, any number of consecutive grades may be taken on the same occasion.
7. Candidates must know (orally & practically) all céilí dances from the book
   “Ár Rincí Foirne”** specified for Grades 5 – 12 inclusive.
8. Dance costumes should not be worn at what are examinations, not competitions.
9. Grade 9 may not be taken under 16 years of age, and Grade 10 under 17 years
10. A special application form will apply for Grades 11 and 12.
11. Candidates must be in their 19^th year to sit Grade 11 and in their 20^th year to sit Grade 12

** If you require a copy of the “Ár Rincí Foirne” book you can now buy a copy here