What training do exam markers get before they start?
Exam markers do not begin marking exam papers without first completing structured training provided by the awarding organisation, which is designed to ensure that marking is aligned to agreed standards.
Here at Eduqas, we provide extensive training and support which includes learning about the internal systems and processes and undertaking standardised marking activities.
In this blog, we’ll explore how exam marker training works, who’s responsible for delivering it, and the steps Eduqas takes to ensuring our marking is accurate and fair.
Who provides training for exam markers?
This responsibility sits with the awarding organisation to ensure that marking is carried out consistently and is in line with national assessment standards.
By providing and overseeing examiner training directly, the exam board retains full responsibility for the quality and consistency of marking, helping to maintain confidence in the accuracy and reliability of exam results.
What does exam marker training involve?
Exam marker training is designed to make sure every examiner understands exactly how marks should be awarded and applies the mark scheme consistently. While the detail can vary 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 – the exam marker will be introduced to the qualification and the specific exam paper they will be marking, including how marks are awarded and what students are expected to demonstrate in their answers.
- Learning how to apply the mark scheme – the exam marker will receive detailed guidance on interpreting the mark scheme correctly and how to award marks for different levels of response. They’ll also learn about the common marking issues to be aware of/ how to avoid them.
- Standardisation and practice marking – exam marker training will involve practice marking using sample or real candidate scripts as well as discussion of borderline or ambiguous responses.
- Training on marking systems – the training will also include guidance on using different online marking platforms and data security.
Exam marker training at Eduqas
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 general best practices.
Before any live marking takes place, all Eduqas markers must complete the required training, ensuring that every marker is applying the mark scheme in the same way, regardless of their background or previous marking experience.
Markers are only approved to begin marking once they have demonstrated that their marking decisions meet Eduqas’s required standard.
Do exam markers have to pass training before marking?
The simple answer is – yes! Exam markers must successfully complete all required training and standardisation activities before they are permitted to begin live marking.
At Eduqas, markers are required to demonstrate that they can apply the mark scheme accurately and consistently during training. As we touched on above, this is usually done through standardisation exercises, where a marker’s marking decisions are compared against agreed senior examiner marks.
Only once a marker has met Eduqas’s required standard are they approved to mark live exam scripts. The accuracy of marking continues to be monitored throughout the marking process by continuous standardisation reviews.
Is exam marker training the same across all exam boards?
While exam marker training is broadly similar across all exam boards in the UK, it is not identical.
For example, Eduqas provides training and support for markers through a structured programme led by senior examiners, including standardisation activities and ongoing guidance during live marking. However, the training and support provided by other exam boards across the country may differ in structure.
Become an Examiner With Eduqas
If you’re interested in becoming an examiner, check out our Examine With Us page where you will find all of our vacancies (both examiner and moderator vacancies and senior appointee vacancies).
You can also head over to our appointee FAQ’s page which will provide you with guidance on all things related to the application process.