🎬 UMA Film & Media Music Proficiency Certification – Official Examination Guide
United Musicians Association
1. Overview
The UMA Film & Media Music Proficiency Certification is designed for composers, producers, and musicians active in film scoring, game music, advertising, and other multimedia music creation and production fields. This certification evaluates candidates’ comprehensive abilities in composition, arrangement, recording, synchronization, and emotional expression.
The certification consists of nine graded levels (Grade 1–9) and a Performance Diploma for professionals, with exams submitted online in audio and video formats. Assessments are conducted by UMA-certified film music experts and industry professionals.
2. Certification Specializations
Candidates may select one or more of the following specializations:
Film Scoring
Original compositions synchronized precisely with visual pacing, mood, and narrative context.Game Music Composition
Focus on adaptive music design, thematic development, multi-track arrangements, and looping structures.Commercial & Promotional Music
Emphasizes brand identity, rhythmic appeal, including electronic music production and mixing skills.Trailer Music & Sound Design
Includes emotional build-up, dynamic structuring, reverb, sampling, and layered percussion elements.
3. Examination Requirements
| Grade Level | Number of Works | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Grades 1–3 | 1 work | Submit an original 30–60 second music segment; emphasis on complete melody and accurate rhythm; may be a draft or standalone work. |
| Grades 4–6 | 2 works | Each 60–120 seconds, showing thematic development, orchestration layers, basic sound effects; recommended with visual synchronization demonstration. |
| Grades 7–9 | 3 works | Each 90–180 seconds, presenting multiple moods and tempos; demonstrates scene recognition, orchestration skills, and emotional control. |
| Performance Diploma | 4 works | Submit at least four original projects covering film clips, game segments, commercials, or scoring demos, showcasing diverse styles, precise synchronization, and mixing mastery. |
4. Submission Materials and Technical Specifications
Required submissions per work:
Audio/Video File
Formats accepted: MP3, WAV (audio); MP4 (video with synchronized scoring)
Video submissions must show synchronization of music with voice-over or images
No AI-generated music or direct use of commercial loop libraries allowed
Written Description Document
Includes: creative concept, orchestration structure, emotional intent, tools/software used
Written in English, uploaded as Word or PDF file
5. Evaluation Criteria
| Evaluation Dimension | Points | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Musical Creativity & Theme Development | 30 | Melody conception, rhythmic organization, style appropriateness, originality |
| Orchestration & Sound Layering | 20 | Instrumentation, timbral processing, range and spatialization, mix adaptability |
| Rhythm & Visual Synchronization | 20 | Accuracy of timing with visual pacing, mood, and actions |
| Technical Presentation & Completion | 20 | File quality, audio processing, dynamic range, fade-in/out, layering |
| Documentation & Professionalism | 10 | Clarity, terminology, conceptual explanation, technical completeness |
Passing Score: 75 points
Distinction: 90 points and above
6. Target Audience and Certification Use
Film composers, independent music producers, game sound designers
Advertising music contractors, broadcast and TV professionals, multimedia arts students
Suitable as supporting documentation for film music graduate applications, game industry employment, and professional portfolios
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