This guidance relates to the following qualifications:

• AS and A Level Music – H143, H543
• GCSE Music (9-1) – J536

In AS and A Level Music, the digital listening audio tracks are operated by individual candidates (personal playback machines used must have a fast-rewind facility).

For GCSE Music, the examination can last up to 1 hour 30 minutes. However, the time allowed is the duration of the digital audio track. The audio track contains pre-recorded pauses at the beginning to read the questions and at the end to complete responses. Once the audio track has finished playing, this is the end of the examination. Where a candidate is entitled to extra time, please refer to our access arrangements guidance.

We strongly advise holding listening tests in a room which is suitable for no more than 30 candidates:

• If a centre has equipment which is especially powerful, more candidates may be accommodated without special permission, applications for special consideration will not be considered on the grounds of inaudibility. 
• IT/Media suites and language laboratories may be used, but particular care must be taken to ensure adequate supervision. 
• The use of digital playback is permitted and the normal security requirements apply. 
• AS and A Level specifications allow the use of personal devices with headphones. 

You will receive an automated email when we have prepared your audio files for GCSE, AS and A Level Music. We recommend you check all the materials you need have been prepared.

Two working days before the exam, you will receive an automated email when the files become available to download from Digital File Despatch (DFD).

You must download and check the quality of the music track in advance of the listening exam.

We recommend you test the music track using the equipment you intend to use during the exam, preferably in the exam room using the playback equipment that will be used for the tests. The music track must be tested under secure conditions within your centre.

Digital audio files must not be removed from the centre for checking.

After each check, music recordings must be stored securely within the centre (either on a secured computer or in your centre’s confidential exam materials store if the audio tracks have been transferred onto a USB or other storage device).

For GCSE Music, where recordings are controlled by the invigilator, the audio track must not be stopped except in the case of a serious emergency.

Noise from outside the exam room does not constitute a serious emergency and the recording must not be stopped. Please warn candidates of this before the test begins.

In the event of the audio track being stopped in a serious emergency, it should be restarted at exactly the same place.

You must complete JCQ Form M2 to tell us at which point on the recording the interruption took place, the nature of the incident and the length of the interruption. Please email your completed form to us.

If there is good reason to doubt whether certain items have been heard by all candidates, these items should be identified in the report and the reason for doubt given.