Examination Centres & Examiners

All PDQB examinations must be arranged through one of the four official PDQB Examination Centres and PDQB Certificates can be issued only by the Examination Centres.  It is also the responsibility of the Examination Centre to appoint Examiners to conduct PDQB examinations from the PDQB-approved list.  Applicants cannot arrange an examination direct with an Examiner.

The four PDQB-approved Examination Centres are:

    The College of Piping

    The National Piping Centre

    The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association

    The Army School of Bagpipe Music and Highland Drumming

      (PDQB Examination Centre for Armed Forces Personnel only)
      Inchdrewer House
      299 Colinton Road
      Edinburgh
      EH13 0LA
      SCOTLAND
      Tel: 0131 310 5561

    NOTE: The Piobaireachd Society does not have the infrastructure to sustain its own Examination Centre and is content for its candidates to be examined through any of the official Examination Centres.

    Applicants can apply to take PDQB examinations directly if they feel that they have the relevant knowledge, understanding and practical ability.  Alternatively they can apply to undertake training programmes run by the partner organisations. Guidance will be provided by the Examination Centres.

    All PDQB examinations incorporate both theory and practical application. With the exception of the Performer’s Certificate, candidates must obtain a pass in both the written and practical sections before a Certificate can be awarded.  Full details are available from the Examination Centres.

Examiners

PDQB-accredited Examiners are currently based in the following countries:

  • United Kingdom
  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Ireland
  • New Zealand
  • Northern Ireland
  • Oman
  • United States of America

It is possible to arrange PDQB examinations virtually anywhere in the world but the initial approach must be made to one of the four official PDQB Examination Centres listed above.  The PDQB may in due course consider the appointment of accredited Examiners in other countries should the need arise.

Please note that only one of the four official PDQB Examination Centres can appoint an Examiner to conduct PDQB examinations. Applicants cannot arrange an examination direct with an Examiner.

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