PDQB Exams

The Celtic Arts Winter School is very pleased to offer the opportunity for students to participate in the Piping and Drumming Qualifications Board, or "PDQB"  Exam, formerly known as the "IOP" exam.  PM Roddy MacLeod, the Principal of the National Piping Centre in Glasgow administers the exam to students interested in pursuing this certification, while at Winter School.

If you are interested in participating in the certification process, please make sure to indicate that on your registration form.  If you are uncertain or would like additional information, you can review the website link below, and still sign up to get started on the exam process at Winter School.

Succesful participants work toward completing seven certificates of piping ability, four certificates of pipe band drumming ability, three certificates in pipe band studies, and two certificates for teaching of piping.

The organizations represented on the Piping and Drumming Qualifications Board (PDQB) are:

  • The Army School of Bagpipe Music and Highland Drumming
  • The College of Piping
  • The National Piping Centre
  • The Piobaireachd Society
  • The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association

Here is a link to the Piping Centre's page on the PDQB exam that contains additional information. 

At Winter School during check in, please ask for additional information about this program.