I don’t see the point about a JG exam either, but I like to emphasize, that’s only my personel opinion! Learning to play guitar, going through the grades and spending time in the community are spare time activities for me, it’s part of my relaxation. Playing guitar and progressing has become a wonderful part of my life and I take it quite “serious” to move ahead, but there are plenty of challenges IRL I have to master, the last thing I need would be an exam with a sticker on my avatar.
I’ve passed quite a lot of exams in my life and don’t see, what a piece of paper on the wall should do for me.
I know where I am, I know my weak spots and whenever I would need some additional support or assessment, I would reach out for an approved teacher or an in person teacher where I live.
What I could imagine is kind of a “are you ready for XY” self test (for me, at a point, that would be e.g. are you ready for BLIM?) But for the Grades, we have that anyway (when are you ready to move on?).
Hi Earl @Chuck_Strut, I’m intrigued by your ideas, and I also think the various responses so far are reasonable. This question and comment resonated with me:
I wonder if this is the primary benefit you seek from an exam? It would be for me! (Well, that and my maybe-weird-but-thankfully-not-unique enjoyment of exams. @mathsjunky) A big issue for me is understanding what level of competence is appropriate given where I am in my guitar journey.
Others have mentioned posting an AVOYP. I haven’t done that yet, mostly because I don’t yet care to given my current competence. And again, I don’t know what’s appropriate competence to aim for as a Level 2-3 beginner.
A personal example: Grade 2 Module 11, Happy Birthday finger style. It took me a long time - about two months I think - to learn this, and even then it wasn’t smooth. I did try playing it for my brother-in-law in March, and froze in the last two measures. I’ve been practicing it daily since then, and am only now fairly confident with it. Was my March “performance” sufficient for a Grade 2 beginner? Is my current level sufficient? And, I learned Justin’s arrangement Silent Night finger style at the holidays in just a few weeks, and played it with my hubby for family. Would that be a reasonable substitute for HBD?
In Grade 2 Module 14, Justin provides a list of elements to “explore”, and some guidance for various guitar elements. There are also caveats in most sections not to go overboard. Could this be refined to become a sort of Grade 2 exam? Perhaps the student would choose a number of items from each section and demonstrate competence (again, with guidance of what that looks like), and also perform one or two songs. Could that be uploaded to an “exam” section, and “graded” by the good members of this community? Clearly this needs refinement, but it’s an idea. Doing this “exam” would not be a requirement for anyone, but for us exam geeks (or those of us who might expect too much of ourselves) it could be great!
Also, maybe this only applies to the beginner Grades 1-3.
Anyway, just my two cents. 
I am just emphasizing here a long-cherished wish of Justin’s (and read it a lot from student here in the past and/or heard that it was from others here (forgot the details)… for most of the old people here it makes no sense …why should you give yourself that amount of stress ( i like short tests about where are you now and with a wrong answer the link to check it out), but if you are young and want to continue in a more highly educated school way and want to learn way more that …well what I know and can… or even when you just want to show something to your family well then it’s nice…
But for the sake of completeness… I initially did not participate in the blues course because Justin asked for a number of commitments, such as writing a monthly essay… that was enough for me to drop out… .well, I had forgotten Wikipedia and all that…but still, just that idea and drowning in over-concentration, super focus and not being able to sleep because of it Brrrrr… I’m so jealous of you liking exams,o my… that had a major impact on my life … and would made it a lot easier
Greetings
That’s a good point. In my work experience teaching software development, I see a few students that would assist to every class and do all assignments even if there were no exams and grades. They learn for the sake of learning.
Though, that’s not the norm in my field. Most students would loose motivation and would not work as hard if there were no exams and graded assignments.
So, I can definitely see that it could help some students (which are probably not the most active here in the community). But, that’s definitely a challenge to implement, specially in online learning. The students that would need it the most are probably not the one who will decide to take the exams as they are optional and stressful.
I learn to play with my friends where I “played”(was tolerated to stand next with) with 32 years ago 
, but they were already pretty good back then…and they haven’t stopped 
Why do you want to play the guitar? There’s a ton of good reasons whether it’s playing in public, song writing, an enjoyable hobby, learning new skills, jamming with friends …
I still think that if you want validation that you are ready to move to the next grade then arranging a 1-2-1 lesson with one of our approved teachers will be the best way to do that, and that also gives you the opportunity to ask other questions and identify things that need work. You could schedule one for a future date and give yourself a target to work towards.
Chalk and slate board?
There has been a couple of folk here that have done the courses and then went onto do Rockschool.
Given the question:
I think Paul’s @mathsjunky reply is spot on:
I’m not sure a better answer exists.
What do you need a certificate for unless you want to teach music at a school already providing accredited diplomas or play in a professional orchestra? In these cases, studying at a real music school would be the best option. Otherwise, I can only repeat the suggestions about one-on-one sessions with one of the approved teachers.
I think that Justin falls on the more spoonfeeding side regarding his teaching method, but in the long run that should teach students to become more independent and be able to judge their abilities. The various grades also have explicit “requirements” that should be met before moving on. Of course, it’s up to everyone to decide when to move on and lessons can be revisited anytime if you think you need to work on something a little more.
Doing a lesson (or more) with one of the approved teachers is a fabulous thing - I’m doing it now. However, it may not be for everyone: scheduling issues are real both in terms of finding a workable time (I’m on the west coast of the U.S.) and availability within those times of the teachers; paying the teacher (resources); paying the teacher (technology); just not having enough bandwidth (kids, job, elder care) in ones life to add yet another (somewhat complicated) task to it.
It seems that having a defined evaluation to work toward might be very helpful to many of these folks. Again, I understand it may not be feasible. And it’s certainly not for everyone.
Hi Judi - I would have thought that if you don’t have the time and resources for an hour’s lesson, then you probably don’t have the time and resources for an exam either.
It’s a difficult issue and is clearly going to divide opinions 
PS I’ve spent most of my career trying to arrange calls with you pesky west coast Americans!
Maybe, maybe not…folks have talked about charging for the exam, but no amount was given. And with Justin’s philosophy of “everyone plays”, there may be a way around that.
Yes, frustrating isn’t it! I’ve had my share of 5am con calls… With our globalized economy, time zones are a challenge for us all these days.
Some discussion on graded exams here including input from our Richard and Jason who have done rock school grades
I can somewhat understand exams within the theory section. ----- In the classical world, there is a huge issue about musicians who have past the exam, though unable to play music! Brandon Acker have recently touched the subject, “”" Are GOOD guitarists POOR musicians? The crisis of classical guitar"“”" in an interview with a person who have exams. I have my own opinion about her playing which I will not post here, as it is not positive at all.
Are GOOD guitarists POOR musicians?
Exams on theory ok, exams on the actual playing…no way IMHO.
Some interesting points/opinions already made.
This would be a big no from me. I’m 70 and started with JG aged 64 and the last thing I would want is to feel I have to sit an exam. I’m well aware of my standard of guitar play without sitting an exam. Posting AVoYPs and getting feedback (even if it does err on the positive😄) is enough.
Guitar is a fun hobby for me and the Community is a fun interaction with like minded friends.
Similar to my thoughts. I’m the wrong side of 50 and play guitar for enjoyment, not to sit exams and collect certificates. I pick the songs I want to learn because I like them, not because they meet an exam criteria. And I’m doing just fine without having to study theory!
I don’t see what it gives you. You sit a driving test so you can drive a car on public roads without supervision but there’s no pay off like that for guitar. Level 6 doesn’t get you a show at Wembley.
I’m not saying it’s a bad idea just not for me
Very creative ideas you have there. But if you’re looking for a way to work within the confines of what is available, until something else can be implemented, I think the easiest solution would be to schedule a single lesson with one of the approved teachers. They’ll surely assess where you are in your journey and have a few constructive suggestions of what you need to improve on. If it’s the notoriety that you’re looking for I recommend playing in front of someone.
I think it’s a fantastic idea. Implementing something like a “Justin Guitar Community Examiner” where students can book a 15-minute online exam for a small fee could be a great way to provide valuable feedback and certificates for progress.
Thank you all for taking the time to respond and give personal input.
I have enjoyed reading all perspectives so far.
Please keep in mind that exams will NEVER be compulsory. (Dont be offended)
Just like you do not have to buy any of the books on the website or the Paid apps.
It’s just adding another possible income stream, Another feature on the site, and maybe attracting more people to the JG.
Most people have not liked the exam idea so far.
This post has gained more attention than I expected hopefully Justin would also see it one day.
Keep posting your thoughts on this topic.
The problem with Justin giving exams and certificates is they would be worthless to anyone but the person receiving the certificate. Yes Justin is a certified music teacher and has taught at well known music institutions. The problem in Justinguitar.com isn’t a certified music institution, it’s a free online guitar website. If you really need to be tested so you can receive a certificate sign-up at your local Community Collage and take music classes.