# RCM Certificate Level 5: Choose Violin or Cello

Canonical: https://arcosounds.com/exam-prep/rcm-certificate/5

Updated: 2026-09-06

Pick violin or cello for RCM Certificate Level 5 preparation. Open the instrument landing for a 12-week outline, free sample drills and package links. Viola and bass pages come later.

RCM Certificate Level 5 preparation differs by instrument even when the board format is shared. Choose violin or cello to open the dedicated landing with component guidance, a free five-item sample and current Arco package options. Viola and double bass landings are planned for a later release; until then, use the pathway overview and your teacher’s instrument syllabus.

## Before you build a plan

- Choose violin or cello for this grade or level landing.

- Viola and double bass pages are planned for a later release.

- Keep the official instrument syllabus beside your plan.

## Original exercise: Instrument choice for RCM Certificate Level 5: Choose Violin or Cello

1. Open the violin landing if that is your exam instrument.

2. Open the cello landing if that is your exam instrument.

3. If you play viola or bass, use the pathway overview with your teacher until those landings ship.

### Check your work

The chooser does not replace the instrument-specific landing. Pick the instrument you will enter, then follow that page’s sample and package links.

## A common mistake

Bookmarking only the chooser and never opening the instrument landing that holds the sample and weekly outline.

## What the package does and does not include

Arco is independent of the exam boards and institutions. Packages provide preparation planning, requirements links and weekly task tracking, not exam entry, teacher assessment, official papers or a guaranteed result. Only published original knowledge-support collections are scored in question sessions; no question bank is promised for other selections. Instrument learning is a separate $15/month package. Each selected package is billed separately; review its terms before purchasing.

## Official source and verification scope

[RCM: syllabi, errata and Musicianship Addendum](https://www.rcmusic.com/learning/examinations/academic-resources-and-policies/syllabi-and-syllabi-errata)

Checked 31 August 2026: RCM lists its 2013 cello syllabus and musicianship changes effective 1 September 2024. Read the errata and addendum as well as the syllabus.

## Continue learning

[Compare frameworks](https://arcosounds.com/exam-prep)

[Compare violin pathways](https://arcosounds.com/exam-prep/compare/violin)

[Compare cello pathways](https://arcosounds.com/exam-prep/compare/cello)

[Free scales reference](https://arcosounds.com/learn/scales)

[Free metronome](https://arcosounds.com/tools/metronome)

[RCM Cello Certificate Preparation: Levels 3–8 Planning Guide](https://arcosounds.com/exam-prep/rcm-certificate)

[RCM Level 5 Violin: Certificate Plan and Free Sample](https://arcosounds.com/exam-prep/rcm-certificate/violin/5)

[RCM Level 5 Cello: Certificate Plan and Free Sample](https://arcosounds.com/exam-prep/rcm-certificate/cello/5)

Canonical source: https://arcosounds.com/exam-prep/rcm-certificate/5