As an awarding body, the Royal Academy of Dance Examinations Board offers an internationally recognized portfolio of examinations and assessments. They are designed to motivate and encourage students of all ages and levels of ability, through a systematic measurement of progress and attainment.

Students may start with the Pre-School Curriculum, move up through Pre-Primary and Primary levels and then into eight Graded levels. In the Graded syllabi, students are offered alternative options of an Examination, Class Award or Presentation Class.

The Pre-School Dance Curriculum develops basic movement skills, musical awareness, expression and creativity. Themed classes encourage class participation, focus and confidence that prepare students for entry to the Pre-Primary levels. This curriculum is appropriate for students between the ages of two and a half and five years.

Graded Syllabi, Pre-Primary and Primary levels, develop students' physical skills, stamina, creativity, expression and musicality using a range of sounds and musical styles. This strong foundation prepares students for a successful transition to ballet and other dance genres. These levels are appropriate for students between the ages of five and eight years.

Graded Syllabi, Grades 1 — 8 Award, provide a broad practical dance education, progressively developing the technical, musical and performance skills of the student. They incorporate Classical Ballet, Free Movement and Character. Classical ballet is the core of the syllabus. Free Movement incorporates movements in common with dance genres such as Natural Movement, Contemprary and Classical Greek. Character is the theatrical presentation of national dance using ethnic dance and music, which has been freely adapted for the theatre. Three styles have been selected for study: Hungarian, Russian and Polish. These levels are appropriate for students from the age of six years and upwards, and can provide challenging and rewarding training to the end of high school.

Examinations are open to both male and female candidates. Candidates may take any Grade without having passed previous examinations, provided they satisfy the minimum age requirements. Candidates may also re-take an examination as many times as they wish, regardless of the result.

Demonstration Classes are an optional part of the Pre-School Dance Curriculum. They are conducted by the teacher and students demonstrate a selection of material covered in the Curriculum to an RAD examiner. An invited audience may be present to observe the demonstration. All candidates receive an RAD Certificate of Participation. Students can be assessed by their teacher on their class work using an optional Progress Report.

Class Awards are the latest addition to the Academy's portfolio of assessments and are available at Pre-Primary in Dance and Primary in Dance levels. They are conducted by the teacher. Students are assessed by an RAD examiner through observation of performance of all exercises and a dance. All candidates receive an Assessment Report, a Certificate, and a Medal from the RAD.

Presentation Classes enable teachers to offer all students in their school a target to work towards, irrespective of their physical ability or pace of learning. Each Presentation Class is based on the work from the relevant Grade and content is a reduced form of the Grade syllabus examination. Presentation Classes are of particular advantage to students, who for one reason or another may be unable to prepare for a full Graded Examination.