Skills for Life, Skills for the Industry
FilmworQ subjects directly target and teach the screen-based reality of today’s industry. Learners of any age can master how to create and understand the content and performances they see on screen, developing the technical awareness, language and creative discipline required for success both in front of and behind the camera.
This potent combination of performance and production supports every learner, from beginners building confidence to emerging performers and filmmakers preparing for advanced drama training and professional work.
What to Expect During a Performance Exam
Performance grades (like Screen Acting) assess your on-camera craft, your delivery, reactions, listening, timing, and ability to perform naturally to camera and adapt according to frame.
To make the experience realistic, you’ll often work with an off-camera partner who reads the lines opposite - in the case of Screen Acting, this mirrors industry practice, the performer is on camera, the reader stays off-screen, mirroring an actor's self-tape.
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Only you are assessed. Your partner isn’t graded; they’re simply there to help the scene feel real.
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Who can your partner be?
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In class: another student or your teacher.
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At home: a parent, sibling, or anyone who can read the lines.
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How is the exam taken? Performance exams are completed remotely, either via live video call or a recorded submission. Your teacher will decide which option fits your exam format.
The focus is always on you, your performance, your choices, your ability.
Our exams are designed to be flexible and easy to access. For performance-based subjects, you/your child only need a small, quiet space, even a corner of your living room, to take their exam at home. Alternatively, your teacher may choose to run it at their school or another suitable location.
Simply chat with your teacher to decide what works best.
PERFORMANCE
HOW PERFORMANCE EXAMS ARE DELIVERED
(Such as Screen Acting)
All exams, whether live or pre-recorded, are completed in one take. Your teacher will explain exactly how your exam will work closer to the time, so there’s no need to worry. The process is simple, supportive, and designed to help you do your best.
Live Exam: These take place over a video call. Sometimes an MN Examiner will be on the other end of the call, conducting or observing the exam in real time. In other cases, the MN Examiner is not present on the call - the session is recorded automatically by our system and submitted for an MN Examiner to assess later.
Your teacher will decide on the format.
Recorded Submission: This option does not take place over a video call. Instead, the student’s teacher records the performance in person and then uploads the video to MN for assessment. The Examiner watches and marks the submission remotely, following the same grading criteria as the live exams. This format offers flexibility for teachers and students who prefer to film their exam at a time that best suits their schedule.
OPTION ONE
HOW PRODUCTION EXAMS ARE DELIVERED
(Such as Filmmaking)
Coursework-Based: All Filmmaking exams are pre-recorded and then uploaded for assessment. There is no live option for these grades, as students are assessed on their completed film projects. This allows time to plan, shoot, and edit work before submitting it for marking, reflecting the real process of creating for screen.
PRODUCTION
OPTION TWO
What to Expect During a Production Exam
Production grades (such as Filmmaking) assess the creative and technical decisions that happen behind the camera, planning, directing, shooting, and editing.
Even though your mark is individual, the tasks reflect how real productions operate:
you may collaborate with classmates, friends, or family to help make your project, because even small films need more than one pair of hands.
You’ll be assessed on things like:
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How well you lead or organise a small team,
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How clearly you communicate your ideas, and
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How effectively you complete your own assigned role.
It’s a realistic introduction to how Film & TV is actually made, independent decision-making supported by teamwork.
EXAM CONTENT & HOW WE ASSESS
We offer two types of qualifications: Performance and Production. Performance subjects, like Screen Acting, focus on being in front of the camera, while Production subjects, like Filmmaking, teach the creative and technical skills that happen behind it.
Use Of Language
All MN Awards qualifications are conducted in English only, this applies to spoken performance, written submissions, filmed coursework and all examiner communications, even when the school is overseas (no dubbing, no subtitles).
I'm based outside of the uk. Can I take exams?
Yes! All exams are 100% remote, meaning you can take them from anywhere in the world. Speak with your school or teacher to find out more. Need help finding a teacher? Click here.
Results & Certification
We’re committed to a smooth and reliable turnaround. Each assessment is carefully reviewed and quality-assured before results are released, with digital certificates issued within two weeks of submission. Every certificate carries the same official recognition as a printed version, just faster, greener, and easier to share.
As part of our sustainability pledge, we plant a tree for every certificate awarded, meaning every achievement contributes to a growing global impact. Our two-week turnaround ensures learners are recognised promptly while helping keep the creative industries, and the planet, thriving.
Marking & Attainment Bands
Each MN Awards qualification is built around a clear framework of learning outcomes and assessment criteria that define the skills, knowledge, and understanding expected at each level. Each criterion carries an allocated maximum score, and examiners apply evidence-based judgements to determine whether a learner’s exam submission meets the required standard, using the published mark descriptors to maintain accuracy and fairness.
Upon completion, the average mark across all criteria is calculated and combined to determine the learner’s overall percentage and grade outcome. This structured approach ensures that all learners are evaluated equitably and consistently - whether the assessment takes place under exam conditions or through coursework submission - upholding the validity, reliability, and integrity of every MN Awards qualification.
OVERALL PERCENTAGE
86 – 100%
56 – 85%
33 – 55%
0 – 32%
GRADE AWARDED
DISTINCTION
MERIT
PASS
STANDARD NOT YET ATTAINED
Exam Fees
GRADE
GRADE 1
GRADE 2
GRADE 3
GRADE 4
GRADE 5
GRADE 6
GRADE 7
GRADE 8
MIN AGE
APPROX 8+
APPROX 8+
APPROX 8+
APPROX 12+
APPROX 12+
APPROX 14+
APPROX 14+
APPROX 14+
COST
£38.00
£42.00
£46.00
£53.00
£58.00
£63.00
£73.00
£83.00
UCAS & UCAS POINTS
Ofqual Regulated Graded Examinations and UCAS Points
All of our graded exams are regulated by Ofqual, ensuring that our Level 3 qualifications carry UCAS points. This accreditation aids learners in progressing into higher education by providing recognised credentials that universities value.
Understanding UCAS and UCAS Points
UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, is the UK's central organisation responsible for managing applications to undergraduate courses at universities and colleges. UCAS points are a numerical system used to measure the relative value of post-16 qualifications, such as A-levels and BTECs. Points are allocated based on the grades achieved, enabling universities to assess and compare applicants effectively for their undergraduate programmes.
MN Qualifications That Carry UCAS Points
UCAS Tariff points are awarded only for Level 3 regulated examinations. Non-regulated examinations are ineligible for UCAS points. All subjects state their regulated status. By completing these qualifications, learners earn points that enhance their university applications, providing a competitive edge in the admissions process. This integration of UCAS points into our qualifications underscores our commitment to supporting learners' academic and professional aspirations within the film and television industries.
QUALIFICATION
PASS
MERIT
DISTINCTION
Grade 6
8 UCAS POINTS
PASS
8 UCAS POINTS
MERIT
10 UCAS POINTS
DISTINCTION
12 UCAS POINTS
10 UCAS POINTS
12 UCAS POINTS
Grade 7
12 UCAS POINTS
14 UCAS POINTS
16 UCAS POINTS
Grade 8
24 UCAS POINTS
27 UCAS POINTS
30 UCAS POINTS
PASS
12 UCAS POINTS
MERIT
14 UCAS POINTS
DISTINCTION
16 UCAS POINTS
PASS
24 UCAS POINTS
MERIT
27 UCAS POINTS
DISTINCTION
30 UCAS POINTS
UCAS POINTS
QUALIFICATION & UCAS POINTS
Screen Acting Grade 6
PASS
8 UCAS POINTS
MERIT
10 UCAS POINTS
DISTINCTION
12 UCAS POINTS
Screen Acting Grade 7
PASS
12 UCAS POINTS
MERIT
14 UCAS POINTS
DISTINCTION
16 UCAS POINTS
Screen Acting Grade 8
PASS
24 UCAS POINTS
MERIT
27 UCAS POINTS
DISTINCTION
30 UCAS POINTS
Kit Requirements
It's not as complicated as you might think!
PERFORMANCE EXAMS
Such as Screen Acting
Essentials
For in-person classes, your teacher supplies everything you need. For ‘at home’ rehearsal or for remote online lessons, you need a smartphone and tripod. That’s it!
Ideally, you want enough clear space for a wide shot (about 2–3 metres from the camera).
Nice to Have
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Lapel microphones for clearer, more professional sound quality.
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Ring light or softbox for even lighting during performances.
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Neutral backdrop to help keep the focus on the performer.
PRODUCTION EXAMS
Such as Filmmaking
Essentials
You don’t need special equipment for production exams; a phone or tablet works perfectly as your camera, especially with a simple tripod. Basic editing software like iMovie, DaVinci Resolve, or CapCut is all you need, and from Level 3, a small mic or spare phone can handle your sound. Add headphones for editing and a little extra storage to back up your footage, and you’re good to go, simple, accessible, and easy for homeschooling parents.
Nice to Have
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Lighting equipment to enhance the look and feel of your scenes.
Note: Students are encouraged to get creative and embrace guerrilla filmmaking techniques. If you don’t have a dolly - use a chair with wheels! Think outside the box and make the most of what’s around you.
