The Piano Performance Examinations from Northern Lights Canadian National Conservatory of Music are designed to provide students with a graded performance system. Launched in 2003, this system develops performance skills beyond the traditional graded examination. It allows candidates the opportunity to share their performance with family and friends in a positive environment. Candidates develop a personal recital program based on traditional period repertoire or through a theme examination of their choice. Students develop life skills, performance etiquette and skills in a comfortable and supportive environment. Repertoire may be selected from any source.
The Northern Lights Canadian National Conservatory's Piano Workshop Examination Program is a program which is designed to offer thorough training, flexibility, creativity and choice for both the student and the teacher. A portion of the examination is reserved for a teaching forum in the form of an interactive "workshop".

CNCM Coaching Classes are another aspect to their holistic approach to music education. Students may apply for a Coaching Class during regular examination sessions for an interactive session with a CNCM examiner. Coaching Classes create the ideal opportunity for audition preparation, short term goal setting, adult students, and students preparing for future examinations and festivals

CNCM’s latest piano Northern Lights Music For Everyone Programs are innovative and inspiring assessments for all students of all ages and all abilities. Northern Lights Music For Everyone Programs provide beginner to adult to busy students with an opportunity to set and attain goals in a manageable and enjoyable format. Each level offers two streams: Northern Lights Star Performance and/or Northern Lights Popular Program. Students may select their own repertoire and ‘mix and match’ programs with CNCM Musicianship Examinations and programs from other schools.

CNCM currently offers both theory and history programs which are as creative and user-friendly as previously existing CNCM programs.