Students with strong music backgrounds may use their knowledge and skills to Challenge for Credit in any prescribed New Brunswick music course. The criteria for challenge are outlined below.

Challenge for Credit is an opportunity to recognize prior learning and to acknowledge this through the granting of credit(s). The Challenge for Credit program is available in any prescribed course in the New Brunswick public school system in Grades 11 and 12. There is a limit of two challenge credits for graduation purposes. A student wishing to obtain a challenge credit must apply in writing to the principal, prior to or within two weeks of the beginning of a course. The application should indicate clear evidence of appropriate outside learning, congruent with the outcomes and requirements of an identified New Brunswick course and should be supported by at least one pedagogical professional.

Students whose practical and theoretical work has been professionally examined and officially certified by a nationally recognized institution within the Challenge for Credit process no longer have to be re-examined as part of the challenge process. The marks earned by a student on music examinations may be included in the calculation of the student's grade for the music course being challenged.
Students pursuing music through private study and examinations with RCM Examinations may use the following certification as part of their portfolio:

Music 10
Grade 6 Practical + Grade 1 Rudiments + Grade 3 History
Music 11
Grade 7 Practical + Grade 2 Rudiments + Grade 3 History
Music 12
Grade 8 Practical + Grade 2 Rudiments + Grade 3 History

Students should consult their school guidance counselor for more information about obtaining credits for music examinations.