Grade Examination Scheme:

Grade Examinations were first introduced by An Coimisiun as far back as 1943 and since then have been conducted in Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South America and many parts of mainland Europe.

Classes and schools that have been involved in the examinations are very pleased with them and are happy to recommend them to other teachers and schools. The very attractive and colourful certificates are very popular with dancers and their parents. The comments in writing given to the dancers are very helpful and constructive.

In all there are 12 grades plus a preliminary grade. Different dances are specified for each grade ans are listed hereunder. 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 12 grades receives "The Diploma of the Irish Dancing Commission". Grade examinations are unlike competitions in that each dancer is individually examined and also receives the detailed written assessment already mentioned. There is no cost to teachers organising examinations; items such as examiners' fees, hall charges, administration expenses etc are met from the examination fees paid by the dancers. A current schedule of fees is available from An Coimisiun. The examinations are intended and equally suitable for both dancers who compete regularly and for the many who are not competition orientated. A 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. In recent years may prospective teachers in Europe have begun to take the Grade exams as a means of obtaining Credits towards their TCRG and ADCRG exams. 

Rules and Regulations:

1. Only basic steps may br danced in Grades1, 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 may 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 Priliminary Grade being optional. However, any number of consecutive grades may be taken on the same occasion.

7. Candidates must know (orally and practically) all ceili dances from the book "Ae Rinncidhe Foirne" specified for Grade 5 to 12 inclusive.

8, Dance costumes should not be worn at what are examinations, not competitions.

9. Grade 9 may be taken under 16 years of age and Grade 10 under 17 years.

10. A special application form will apply for Grades 11 & 12.

11. Candidates must be in their 19th year to sit Grade 11 and in their 20th year to sit Grade 12.

Application for Examinations

Teachers interested in arranging grade examinations for their pupils should contact the Udaras Scudaithe (Examination Authority) of An Coimisiun for the official application form. Applications for examinations should give some indication of the number of dancers for each grade and the estimated cost of halls and other expenses. Teachers may come together to arrange joint examinations. Teachers will indicate their preference of examiner on the official application form.Examination applications and general or specific enquiries about the scheme should be made to:

An tUdaras Scrudaithe (Examination Authority)

An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha

6 Harcourt Street

Dublin 2

Phone: +353 1 475 2220

Fax:     +353 1 475 1053

Email: clrg@eircom.net