What is the process for applying to be an exam marker in the UK?
Becoming an exam marker, also known as an ‘examiner,’ in the UK is an incredibly rewarding way to deepen your subject knowledge and contribute directly to the education system.
Whether you’re an experienced teacher or just starting to explore professional development opportunities, understanding the process can open the door to valuable new skills and career progression.
In this guide, we’ll dive into exactly what the role of an exam marker involves, how you can become an exam marker, and what you can expect at each stage - from application all the way to marking your first script.
What does the role of an exam marker involve?
In short - the role of an exam marker is to assess students’ work accurately and consistently using a set mark scheme. Each script is reviewed against clear criteria, ensuring that every student receives the mark they deserve based on their performance.
Markers are responsible for applying the mark scheme exactly as trained, and may assess written exams, coursework, or practical assignments depending on the subject and level of study.
At Eduqas, we provide extensive training and support, which includes learning about the internal systems and processes and undertaking standardised marking activities. Learn more about what training exam markers get before they start in our blog.
How do I become an exam marker in the UK?
Becoming an exam marker in the UK is a straightforward process, particularly if you already have experience in teaching or assessing a subject.
The process of becoming an exam marker in the UK is as follows:
1. Ensure you meet the basic requirements
All exam boards set basic eligibility requirements to ensure that marking is accurate, and consistent.
Typically, applicants are expected to have strong subject knowledge, practical teaching or assessment experience, and be UK residents with access to the necessary technology for online marking.
For Eduqas specifically, the requirements are:
• Relevant qualifications: You should have suitable academic qualifications in the subject, such as a degree and a teaching qualification.
• Teaching or assessment experience: You should be a current or retired teacher or lecturer with teaching and assessment experience in the subject and level you are applying for
• UK residency and tech access: Markers must reside in the UK and have access to a computer with reliable internet that meets Eduqas’s online marking system requirements, i.e. you’ll have your own Windows PC/laptop with Windows 10 or above and secure broadband access).
• Evidence of expertise: You’ll need to provide references or other evidence that demonstrates your competence and experience in the subject. Referees should be your current or most recent head teacher or head of department.
2. Apply online
Once you’ve confirmed that you meet the eligibility requirements, the next step is to submit an application through the exam board’s official online channels.
For Eduqas, all applications to become an Examiner should be made online via the Appointees Portal. To register, you simply need to create an account by providing your full name, email address and select a password and security question. You will then be issued with a username.
Make a note of the username to be able to proceed with the submission of your full application.
Details of referees are required at the point of application so please ensure that you have all the information needed when starting the process.
3. Approval
After submitting your application, it will be reviewed by a Subject Specialist and if successful, the exam board places you in a pool of approved examiners. You may then be contacted when marking opportunities for your subject become available.
This online process ensures the recruitment of qualified, reliable markers while maintaining high standards across all assessments. This means you are recognised as suitable for the role and can be selected when marking opportunities become available in your subject area.
This leads us onto a very important fourth step…
4. Training
As mentioned above, exam markers cannot begin marking exam papers without first completing structured training provided by the awarding organisation, designed to ensure that marking is aligned to agreed standards.
While the detail varies slightly by subject and qualification, training generally follows the same core stages across UK exam boards.
The key stages of training typically include:
• Understanding the qualification
• Learning how to apply the mark scheme
• Standardisation and practice marking
• Training on marking systems
At Eduqas, exam marker training is led by senior examiners and subject specialists who have in-depth knowledge of the qualification, the assessment objectives, the mark scheme and best practices.
All required training and standardisation activities must be successfully completed before you are permitted to begin live marking.
5. Begin marking & receive ongoing support
Once you have successfully completed training and standardisation, you can begin marking live exam scripts.
For Eduqas, many of the subjects are marked through an online marking system, allowing you to work remotely and manage your own time within set deadlines.
Your marking will also be monitored throughout the process. Senior examiners may review samples of your work to ensure it remains consistent with the agreed standard.
If needed, you’ll receive feedback or guidance to help you stay on track. This support system is designed to help you feel confident in your marking and ensure that all students are assessed fairly.
What qualifications/experience do you need to become an exam marker in the UK?
In general, most exam boards (including Eduqas), look for the following:
• A degree or equivalent qualification in the subject you wish to mark, to ensure you have a strong academic understanding of the content.
• Teaching or assessment experience in that subject area is often essential, as it shows you understand how students learn and how their work should be evaluated.
• You should have a good understanding of how exams are structured and what examiners are looking for in student responses.
• You’ll need a referee (such as a headteacher or line manager) who can confirm your experience and suitability for the role.
• You must also live in the UK and have access to a computer and reliable internet to complete online marking.
Learn more about Eduqas’s examiner criteria here, and you can find answers to all your questions in our Appointee FAQs.
Our Appointees team are on hand to answer any queries you may have about examining with us, so feel free to give us a call on 029 2026 5457 or email Appointees@eduqas.co.uk.