Unit 1 is a two hour theory paper that tests the candidate's knowledge and understanding of Scottish country dancing. Candidates are assessed on their knowledge of the History of Scottish dancing and the RSCDS, Scottish country dance music and their knowledge and understanding of dancing, including steps and formations, use of hands, general characteristics and particular features. All this material is covered in the Manual, and the precise areas that are examined are specified in Appendix A of the Teaching Certificate Syllabus.
Except in unusual circumstances, Unit 1 must be taken before Units 2 or 3; together these three exams form Part 1 of the Teaching Certificate.
There have been two updates to the Unit 1 Exam in March 2024:
- The Exam became Open Book meaning that a copy of the Manual can be taken into the Exam for reference.
- There will now be an option to sit the Exam online.
Fees
The fee required for the Unit 1 exam can be found here, Exam Fees. These are paid at the time of Application.
Payment can be made through our shop: https://shop.rscds.org/product/examinations/examinations/
Upon payment, you will receive a digital copy of the manual, please ensure you download it within one week of payment.
Upcoming dates
The Unit 1 Exam usually run in March and October each year.
Current dates are:
- 1st March 2025
- 11th October 2025
The Syllabus lays out the requirements of the RSCDS Teaching Certificate and gives specific advice on Unit 1.
Provides useful advice for candidates taking the Unit 1 exam. Further helpful information and guidance is also offered here.
It is important that a candidate familiarise themselves with the Syllabus and Guidelines for Candidates before applying for Unit 1.
Candidates should apply to sit Unit 1 Exam using this Application form:
Applications should be made at least six weeks prior to the chosen Exam date. In circumstances when a paper needs to be translated candidates should apply at least 12 weeks prior to the chosen Exam date. Translated papers are only available for the Paper exam format.
If you have any more queries, please contact [email protected].
Preparation for Unit 1 may be undertaken by self-study through reading and thoroughly digesting the Manual, although it is strongly advised that at least part is undertaken by supervised instruction. It is expected that Branches will help candidates prepare either by running a short course or by arranging guidance from an experienced RSCDS teacher.
Samples of questions, two mock papers and their mark schemes are also available for candidates to consider and can be found below.
Mock Paper A
Mock Paper B
Questions Bank
There are two main ways to organise and sit the Exam:
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With a Branch or Affiliated group
-
Sole Candidate
This gives all the information you need for organising Unit 1. Please familiarise yourself with this before applying to organise a Unit 1 Exam.
Branches and affiliated groups should apply to run a Unit 1 Exam using this Application for.
Sole Candidates should apply solely using the Candidate Application above.
