ABRSM Introduces Digital Certificates from April 2024

What are digital certificates?

Digital certificates are what Kenyans know best as 'soft copy' certificates.

ABRSM Digital Certificate will be sent via mail and the learner or institution will be able to print them out on their preferred paper quality.

Starting in April 2024, ABRSM will issue secure digital certificates for most exams.

These certificates will be available at the same time as your results and can be easily downloaded and shared electronically.

Each certificate includes a unique QR code that anyone can scan to verify its authenticity online.

This measure helps safeguard against fraud and maintains the high standards associated with ABRSM.

Why go digital?

There are many benefits to digital certificates. 

By reducing paper usage and transportation, ABRSM's says that its shift to digital certificates aligns with its sustainability goals - this is a nice way of saying that it saves them some pennies. 

This will reduce the amount of labor that goes into packing those certificates one by one and sending them to thousands of students all over the world.

Think about the shipping costs and all that goes with it!

But that is one side of this. There are numerous benefits to Kenyans as well:

Faster access

No more waiting for paper certificates to arrive in the mail!

You'll have your digital certificate as soon as your results are released.

We had a learner who applied for a teaching job in Nairobi one day before taking his grade 5 exams, and when he went for the interview 2 weeks later, he had his grade 5 certificate.

Makes sense, right? Why should results come first then wait for certificates?

Convenience

Digital certificates are easy to store and share electronically.

No more worrying about losing your paper certificate.

Plus, you can print your certificates on a preferred paper quality – a big improvement over the previous certificates!

You can request for minor changes on the digital certificate in case of errors.

Security

ABRSM Digital certificates are tamper-proof and include a QR code for verification.

The QR Code will be used to confirm:

• Candidate name and Contact ID 
• Exam type 
• Instrument/subject 
• Grade 
• Year of exam 
• Result 

Sustainability

This move helps reduce paper usage and transportation emissions.

Each presenter, received a similar package as the one below

Imagine sending 650,000 of these to more than 90 countries every year!

Re printability

In case your certificate gets destroyed, reprinting is possible through your ABRSM account.

What about paper certificates

If you still prefer paper certificates, don't worry. You can still order a paper certificate if you prefer, for a small fee of about KSh 550.

When will digital certificates start for Kenya?

ABRSM is introducing digital certificates in stages. Kenya is among the first countries to receive digital certificates, starting on 4th April 2024.

How to access your ABRSM digital certificate

The person who booked your exam will receive the digital certificate via email as soon as results are released. Candidates with ABRSM accounts will have access to their certificate and results seven days later.

You can also access your certificate by logging into your ABRSM account and following the instructions provided.

Ordering a paper certificate

While digital certificates are the primary offering, candidates have the option to order a paper certificate for a small charge of approximately KSh 550.

If you want a paper certificate, you can order it through your ABRSM account.

Follow the following steps to order your paper certificate

• On your dashboard, go to the bottom of the page and click: ‘Order printed certificate’. 
• Use the search boxes to find the candidate/exam. If the boxes are empty, all your exam bookings will appear.  
• Select the candidate/exam. Then click ‘Save’ at the bottom of the screen. 
• On the ‘Order printed certificates’ page you will now see the exam under ‘Selected exams’.  
• Click ‘Submit and pay’ at the bottom of the screen. 
• On the ‘Summary’ screen check your order and add or edit your postal address.  
• Select your payment method at the bottom of the screen and pay for your order.  

No second paper certificate

There's only one paper certificate issued per exam, so be sure to check the digital copy for accuracy before ordering.

You may not have the previous benefit of requesting for a second paper certificate with minor corrections.

This makes sense because you have the leisure of checking the certificate for errors before requesting for a paper certificate.

We at Cheza Music School are excited about this move to digital certificates! It's a more convenient, secure, and sustainable way to celebrate your ABRSM exam achievements.

For more information, visit the ABRSM website or contact us at Cheza Music School. We're always happy to help!

If you need assistance in preparation, booking or maneuvering the ABRSM portal, or any other information concerning ABRSM, contact us at Cheza Music School.