Of the qualifications listed below, the Graded and Vocational Graded Examinations are accredited
by the Regulatory Authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (QCA, DELLS
and ACCAC). The Creative and Media Diploma is accredited by the Regulatory Authority
in England.
Graded and Vocational Graded Examinations
The ISTD offers students a chance to recognise their achievements in dance through
entering into examinations. ISTD Graded and Vocational Examinations are approved
by the Regulatory Authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and have been
designed in order to develop skills in dance in a structured way from Primary level
to Advanced 2.
Examinations can be used to document progress or as a way to build confidence in
ability. All these examinations can also be used to show learning outside of formal
education. The Vocational Graded Examinations also offer students a route to professional
training either as a dancer or dance teacher.
Grades and Vocational Grades can be taken in Classical Ballet (Cecchetti and Imperial
methods), Classical Greek Dance, Disco/Freestyle, Latin American, Modern Ballroom,
Modern Theatre, National Dance, Sequence Dance, South Asian Dance (Kathak and Bharatanatyam),
and Tap Dance. All genres have Grades from 1–6, but some also have Primary. Most
genres also have Vocational Grades from Intermediate to Advanced 2.
Class Examinations
The ISTD offers Class Examinations for students who participate in dance as a recreational
pursuit and wish to acknowledge their achievements in their genre. Class Examinations
can be taken in Classical Ballet (Cecchetti and Imperial methods), Classical Greek
and Modern Theatre.
Medal Tests
The ISTD offers medal tests in various genres to promote enjoyment, understanding
and performance in dance. These tests were devised for students studying dance for
recreational purpose, but are also useful for students wishing to pursue a career
in dance.
Medals can be taken in Classical Greek, Club Dance, Country/Western, Disco/Freestyle,
Jazz, Latin American, Modern Ballroom, National Dance, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Sequence and
Tap Dance. The levels can ascend from Pre-Bronze through to Gold Star and Supreme
Award although this will vary between genres. Some faculties also have special awards,
mainly in the Dance Sport Faculties, and performance awards are available in Classical
Ballet (Cecchetti and Imperial Ballet).
Diploma
The ISTD offers courses that can be undertaken as part of the 14-19 Diplomas in
England. The Diploma offers an alternative to traditional education and qualifications,
moving towards vocational studies to give students a more rounded education.
The Diploma includes Grades, Vocational Grades and component qualifications which
make up the Foundation in Dance Instruction and can be taken as Additional and Specialist
Learning within the Diploma.