Owing to the rise in the number of the participants of the Teachers' Examination*, the complete examination which upskills multiple elements in piano teaching, PTNA makes it more comprehensive and systematic. The examination becomes clearly divided into four categories; 1.piano performance 2. submission of reports on seminars 3.demonstration of teaching 4.written examination in theory, music history, harmonization and sight reading. 

The certificate is provided on the completion of all categories. Among 3,000 candidates in the last 10 years, 87 teachers received the complete certificate.

From the year 2011, the prize of excellence is given to the successful candidates who record high scores. And those who have already obtain certificates of certain level, can try the examination again in order to maintain their professional teaching skills.

 

* What is 'Teachers' Examination' and how it works?

Teachers' Examination was inaugurated in 1996 in order to encourage piano teachers to continue learning and improving their teaching skills and to certify their achievements. Those over 18 years old are eligible to take part in the exam, irrespective of educational background and  nationality. (any advantageous exemptions are abolished) 

Three levels of curriculum are provided depending on the level of students; curriculm for teaching elementary, intermediate, and advanced students.  And each curriculum is formed by four examinations as follows:

1.Piano performance: This is to examine the capability of performance indispensable for teaching. Candidates can choose pieces from the listed repertoires comprised of baroque, classic, roman or modern periods.

2. Submission of seminar reports : Candidates must submit hand-written reports after the audition of seminars by senior lecturers. It encourages them to listen intensively and think how they make use of the professional advices and suggestions in their own lessons.

3.Demonstration of teaching : Candidates must give 10-15min lessons to a student of their first encounter. 

4.Written examination: Examinations in theory, music history, harmonization and sight reading. (examples) 

Those examinations have no specific order, thus candidates are free to choose which one to begin with. Those who pass four requisite exams within 7 years can obtain the certificate. The names of successful candidates are introduced on the PTNA website, and certificates are given at the ceremony once a year.