Certificates for Pipers, Pipe Band Drummers and Teachers of Piping

Six certificates of piping ability, four of pipe band drumming, and two for teaching are offered. Three certificates in pipe band studies are in preparation. For details of each examination syllabus click here:

The College highly recommends that all candidates seek advice before putting themselves forward for any examination. That way unnecessary expense and dissapointment will be avoided. Examination fees must be paid to the College at the time an examination is booked. Tests for all certificates (less the Performers’ Certificate) will consist in each case of a practical, oral, and written examination. Candidates must obtain a pass in both the practical and written examinations before a certificate can be awarded.  The tests for the Performers’ Certificate will consist of practical and oral examinations. 
A candidate may present himself/herself for any certificate without necessarily being the holder of the certificate which
comes earlier in the Syllabus.  Failure at one level may result in a certificate at a lower level being awarded.
There are many PDQB examiners in other parts of the world. Please email the College for details.
Click here for a flow chart of the new examination structure that will explain at a glance how you can advance
through the certification process.
Institute of Piping and RSPBA Structured Learning certificates ARE still recognised by the PDQB. The Institute of Piping continues to exist as a sub group of the PDQB with responsibity for solo piping.
The organisations represented on the Piping and Drumming Qualifications Board (PDQB) are: