Grade Exams
​Sponsored by the Early McLoughlin School of Irish Dance 

- ​Upcoming Grade Exams are scheduled for:
  • Saturday, December 7, 2024
  • Sunday, December 8, 2024 

​Exams will be held at:
1029 MacArthur Blvd, Mahwah, NJ 07430

Further information to come! (this website will be updated accordingly)
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Grade Exams will be held on Saturday, December 7th and Sunday, December 8th at 1029 MacArthur Blvd, Mahwah, NJ 07430.

Permission:  Please consult your TCRG for information and permission to participate in the Grade Exams before applying. Dancers who have successfully completed prior grades must be prepared to present those certificates at the exam. A minimum of three months is required between Grade Exam attempts.

Please be aware that due to a recent CLRG Rule Change following the COVID Pandemic, Grade Exam applicants are only allowed to sit a maximum of 3 Grade Exams at a time in one sitting. The applicable forms have been updated to reflect this rule change. 

Levels: Grades 1 - 10 (possibly 11 & 12 pending enough candidate interest) will be available at the event. 

Examiner:  
Grades 1-12: TBC

Registering:  Use the Application button below to download the application form. All applications (with the exception of Grades 11 and 12) must be postmarked by November 25, 2024; there is no online registration. Checks must be made payable to James Early. 
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​GRADES 11 & 12:
Applications for Grades 11 and 12 are due to James Early via email at [email protected], by October 3, 2024 - NO EXCEPTIONS as all applications and necessary documents need to be sent to Ireland to determine Grade Examiner. Please provide PDF electronic record of all previous exam score sheets and certificates via email to James Early.    

Any potential candidates for Grades 1-12 should not wait until the last minute as there will be a cap put on the exams.  

Attire: Candidates should wear a top and skirt, shorts or long pants suitable for dancing. 

If in the event exams have to be postponed due to State or City COVID restrictions, refunds will be made accordingly. Grade exams will be conducted employing social distancing and all other guidelines set by the state. 

What is the Grade Exam?

The purpose of the Grade Examinations Scheme is to provide a structured framework within which dancers can progress towards an achievable goal.  The syllabus has been designed to provide a strong foundation in Irish Dance by developing a candidate’s physical skills, stamina, expression, musicality and an appreciation and knowledge of the traditional dances and culture.  It provides a worthwhile sense of achievement for individuals whether they dance solely for health, recreation or competitive reasons or hope to pursue a career in Irish Dancing.

Grade examinations are unlike competitions in that each candidate is individually examined and receives a detailed written assessment of their performance and knowledge of the grade being attempted. They are open to both male and female candidates regardless of age and ability.   

The scheme consists of an optional Preliminary Grade followed by a further 12 grades with each grade becoming increasingly more demanding on the candidate’s skill, knowledge and ability. Each Grade must be passed and certificate awarded before a candidate may attempt the next level.  A dancer who successfully completes all Grades will be awarded “The Diploma of the Irish Dancing Commission”.

All 12 Grade Examinations must be completed to be eligible to apply for the TCRG Examination effective from January 1st 2018. 

All candidates must produce previous reports before proceeding to higher grades. Reports must be presented at examinations