what to expect

The Debut Podcasting exam is typically for candidates who have been learning for a short amount of time. It is intended as an introduction to podcasting. It is expected that candidates are competent in the basics of podcasting prior to entering the qualification. At Debut the coursework submission centres around basic podcast creation and recording of voice using software or hardware. Content covered in the grade will include subject areas such as identifying recording hardware, analogue connectivity, basic computer and digital technology, DAW basics, microphones, podcasting basics and podcast startup basics.

Key Features at: Debut

• Identify the different basic sections of story structure
• Use basic exercises to warm-up your voice

what to expect

The Grade 1 Podcasting exam is for candidates who have mastered the key basic Debut level skills and have developed a basic understanding of the concepts and theory of podcasting. At Grade 1 the coursework submission will centre around podcast creation and basic recording of voice using software or hardware. Content covered will include subject areas such as identifying studio hardware, physical audio formats, analogue connectivity, computer and digital technology, DAW basics, microphones, podcasting basics, basic audio technology and the fundamentals of mono and stereo sound, and podcast startup basics.

Key Features at: Grade 1

• Identify the different basic sections of story structure, from a written example
• Use basic exercises to warm-up your voice

what to expect

The Grade 2 Podcasting exam is for candidates who have mastered the key basic skills up to Grade 1 and are developing a good understanding of the concepts and theory of podcasting. At Grade 2 the coursework submission will centre around podcast creation and basic recording of voice using software or hardware. Content covered will include subject areas such as identifying podcast studio hardware, connectivity, software and hardware components, DAW / hardware recorder concepts and capabilities, microphones, editing concepts, EQ controls and hearing physiology, basic podcast distribution and branding.

Key Features at: Grade 2

• Identify the different methodologies of story structure
• Contrast examples of story structure used in current popular podcasts
• Identify the best place to take a breath when reading
• Use of good posture is important when narrating a podcast

what to expect

The Grade 3 Podcasting exam is for candidates who have mastered the key skills required at Grade 2 and have developed a good understanding of the concepts and theory of podcasting. At Grade 3 the coursework submission will centre around podcast creation and recording of voice and use of audio branding using software or hardware. Content covered will include subject areas such as interpreting the functions of podcast studio hardware, digital protocols, analogue connectivity, computer memory and storage, microphones, using sonic branding, dynamic processing, podcast frequency, podcast distribution and branding.

Key Features at: Grade 3

• Identify the different methodologies of story structure
• Understand three examples of story structure used in current popular podcasts
• Use breathing exercises that can help with your narration

what to expect

The Grade 4 Podcasting exam is for candidates who have mastered the key skills and understanding up to Grade 3. Grade 4 is intended for candidates who have a detailed understanding of podcasting and are able to demonstrate skills and understand content at a depth associated with GCSE, iGCSE and Level 2 Vocational Qualification Units. At Grade 4 the coursework submission will centre around use of equalisation (EQ) for corrective/creative purposes. Content covered will include subject areas such as describing equipment controls, wireless connectivity, podcast editing, software fx plugins, sidechaining, using sonic branding, dynamic processing, remote interview techniques, story development, voice management, podcast frequency, and understanding of what is popular in contemporary podcast culture.

Key Features at: Grade 4

• Analyse different story forms used by any three contrasting Podcasts in the podcast charts.
• Use a microphone to control vocal dynamics
• Ensure consistent vocal tone

what to expect

The Grade 5 Podcasting exam is for candidates who have mastered the key skills up to Grade 4 and understand, in detail, the concepts associated with the process of producing high quality podcasts. At Grade 5 the coursework submission will centre around session management and organisation such as story and character development, podcast miniseries formats, location and equipment planning. Content covered will include subject areas such as signal routing, networking, file and session sharing, outside broadcasting, audio controllers, story/plot/character development, voice control, use of vocal fx, and podcast marketing elements like frequency, platforms, rss and aggregation.

Key Features at: Grade 5

• Analyse different story forms used by any three contrasting Podcasts in the podcast
• Play a pre-prepared suite of audio branding for your own podcast. This should include: a dedicated voice/music (or fx/sound design) introduction, your core brand music and two stings, an explanation of the sonic branding reasons for choosing them
• Using your articulators (mouth/lips/tongue/teeth/jaw), demonstrate how you modify a bright ‘ee’ sound to produce a less bright tone
• Understand how you would you prevent straining during prolonged use of louder dynamics using at least two exercises that can help develop control over dynamics

what to expect

The Grade 6 Podcasting exam is for candidates with an advanced level of skill and conceptual understanding. It is intended for candidates who have mastered a range of techniques of podcasting and can use creativity to enhance their productions. At Grade 6 the coursework submission will centre around session management and organisation, such as story and character development, podcast miniseries formats, location and equipment planning and use. Content covered will include subject areas such as signal routing, networking, file and session sharing, outside broadcasting, audio controllers, story development and planning, voice control, use of vocal fx and podcast marketing elements through trailer creation.

Key Features at: Grade 6

• Choose a favoured method of pre-production planning, execution and post-production. This should reflect any sense of story, scripting, use of audio/sonic branding mechanisms
• Identify story mechanisms how a podcast series could evolve over several episodes, maintaining audience interest and developing format
• Identify which exercises might be safe to perform when your voice is tired or you have a sore throat
• Understand the difference between chest and head voice and how you can balance your voice (on microphone) when switching between them

what to expect

The Grade 7 Podcasting exam is for candidates who are working at an advanced level of skill and an in-depth understanding of the concepts and theory associated with podcasting. They have mastered the key skills up to Grade 6 and are capable of overcoming challenging situations. At Grade 7 the coursework submission will centre around session management and organisation such as story and character development, podcast miniseries formats, location and equipment planning and use. Content covered will include subject areas such as working around equipment faults, connectivity faults, latency, phase, signal noise, sound design, story/plot development and planning, legal issues, creative thinking, voice management, use of vocal fx, mastering techniques and podcast marketing.

Key Features at: Grade 7

• Identify story mechanisms for how a podcast could evolve over 2 series (each consisting of 12 podcasts) maintaining audience interest and developing format
• Identify two examples of vocal effects you might employ while narrating

what to expect

The Grade 8 Podcasting exam is for candidates who have now consolidated their skills to a high level and have an in-depth understanding of the concepts and theory associated with podcasting. They have mastered the key skills up to Grade 7 and are capable of achieving a professional finish to their productions. At Grade 8 the coursework submission will centre around short series management and organisation, such as story and character development, location and equipment planning and use. Content covered will include subject areas such as comparing studio hardware/software, audio mastering techniques, microphone technique choice, vocal technique, acoustic room design, sound design, story/plot development and planning, legal issues, creative thinking, voice management, use of vocal fx and podcast marketing.

Key Features at: Grade 8

• Identify story mechanisms for how a podcast series could evolve over 3 series (each consisting of 5 podcasts) maintaining audience interest and developing format.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of how to communicate your story (or brand) through contemporary podcast marketing techniques
• Analyse the storytelling mechanisms used in the construction of your own podcast trailers
• Demonstrate an understanding of how to further build audience, through targeting different cultures and other areas of interest

what to expect

The Professional Diplomas recognise expertise in people who are already working in the creative arts industries. They provide acknowledgement for high level achievement in either performance, teaching, or creative enterprise. Level 4 is generally for new professionals looking for recognition in their practice as they enter the creative industries.

This qualifications can be completed at your own pace and no specific form of training is required. However, it is recommended that you contact a suitable trainer or mentor who will be able to provide you with opportunities for learning and the practical application of skills.

Designed to allow opportunities for flexible progression routes through the choice of optional units, the pathways can be tailored to meet your own specific needs. Whether that's working within the creative industries or for progression to further training or education.

what to expect

The Professional Diplomas recognise expertise in people who are already working in the creative arts industries. They provide acknowledgement for high level achievement in either performance, teaching, or creative enterprise. Level 6 is typically for experienced professionals looking to enhance their career through the recognition of their current professional practice.

This qualifications can be completed at your own pace and no specific form of training is required. However, it is recommended that you contact a suitable trainer or mentor who will be able to provide you with opportunities for learning and the practical application of skills.

Designed to allow opportunities for flexible progression routes through the choice of optional units, the pathways can be tailored to meet your own specific needs. Whether that's working within the creative industries or for progression to further training or education.