TQUK Certificate in Graded Examination in Visual Art
Grade 1 - Grade 8
The TQUK Certificate in Graded Examination in Visual Art is an international visual arts assessment framework designed for children and young people and recognised by Training Qualifications UK (TQUK) in the United Kingdom. The examination combines on-site practical work, a portfolio and, at the higher grades, written reflection, enabling candidates to demonstrate not only drawing and painting skills but also observation, composition, use of media, creative thinking and understanding of art. Through a clearly structured series of grades, candidates can progress according to their age and ability, build a comprehensive record of their artistic learning, and use the certificate as evidence of attainment for reference by schools, organisations and parents.

Recognised by TQUK in the UK
Internationally Recognised Certificate
Clear Progression Across Eight Grades
Professional Dual-Assessment System


TQUK (Training Qualifications UK) is a UK awarding organisation recognised by Ofqual. Ofqual is the UK Government’s qualifications and examinations regulator, responsible for regulating qualification standards and examination quality in England.
This qualification is awarded by TQUK. As TQUK is regulated and recognised by Ofqual, the programme structure, assessment standards and quality assurance arrangements have undergone independent review and meet TQUK’s requirements for programme design and assessment quality. Candidates who complete the examination and meet the requirements will receive an official certificate recognised by TQUK.

TQUK International Graded Examination in Visual Art
The examination comprises three stages and eight grades, providing candidates of different ages and at different stages of learning with a progressive pathway in visual arts assessment. Grades 1–4 focus primarily on still-life drawing from observation; Grades 5–8 focus primarily on theme-based creative work.
You may first review Grades and Assessment, Dates and Fees, Portfolio Requirements, and Results and Certificates, or download the Candidate Handbook and Annual Administrative Notice directly.
*For the first examination session in 2026, only Grades 1–5 are provisionally open; Grades 6–8 will be announced for a subsequent examination session.