How To Become An Exam Invigilator

An exam invigilator holds significant value when conducting any exam. Exam invigilators are highly valued in the UK. Moreover, becoming an exam invigilator in the UK is a relatively straightforward process, but it requires you to meet certain qualifications and skills. In this blog, we will explore the role of an exam invigilator and the steps to becoming one.

What is an exam invigilator?

An exam invigilator, or proctor, serves as a critical functionary in the academic assessment process. They are entrusted with the responsibility of upholding the integrity and fairness of examinations by ensuring a controlled and secure testing environment. Invigilators act as impartial observers, carefully monitoring students to prevent any disruptions or misconduct that could compromise the validity of the exam results.

Exam invigilator job description

Exam invigilator duties are generally performed before the exam, during the exam, and after the exam. Moreover, they have to manage several situations that occur in the exam hall. Some of the essential duties include:

Before the Exam

• Preparation: This may involve setting up the exam room, arranging furniture, and ensuring sufficient exam materials (papers, answer booklets, and stationery) are available.
• Familiarisation: Reviewing exam regulations and procedures to ensure proper understanding and consistent application.
• Checking Equipment: Verifying if any technological aids (projectors, clocks) needed for the exam are functioning correctly.

During the Exam

• Candidate Verification: Checking student IDs and ensuring they are registered for the exam.
• Distributing Materials: Distributing exam papers, answer booklets, and any other permitted materials to students.
• Maintaining Order: Monitoring the exam hall to ensure a quiet and focused environment. Addressing any disruptions or inappropriate behaviour from students.
• Responding to Inquiries: Answering any student questions regarding exam procedures or clarifications on instructions, but without revealing exam content.
• Enforcing Regulations: Enforcing exam rules, such as preventing unauthorised communication, use of mobile phones, or possession of unpermitted materials. Dealing with suspected cheating according to established procedures.
• Maintaining Security: Safeguarding exam materials throughout the exam, preventing unauthorised access to question papers or student work.

After the Exam

• Collecting Materials: Collecting completed exam papers and answer booklets from students, making sure they are properly accounted for.
• Verifying Attendance: Checking attendance records against the number of collected exams.
• Reporting: Completing any necessary reports on the exam session, including details of attendance, incidents, or irregularities.

How to become an exam invigilator: Step-by-step instructions

There are several steps that you must follow to become an exam invigilator. Moreover, following these steps properly may rule out errors during the job. Here are the step-by-step instructions to be followed:

Educational Qualifications

The educational qualifications required to become an exam invigilator are generally minimal. In most cases, you won’t need a specific degree or diploma. However, higher qualifications are needed for certain positions, especially in specialised roles.

Gain Experience

Gaining experience is very important to becoming an exam invigilator. Individuals can gain experience through schools, colleges, and other institutes. Real life experience plays a significant role in fulfilling your duties.

Online Courses and Certifications

Besides educational qualifications, many online courses provide invigilator courses that certify you as an exam invigilator. In fact, you can visit the Wise Campus and explore our invigilator course, which is CPD accredited. Our courses are entirely knowledge-based and focused on. Moreover, you can also enrol in our safeguarding and prevention courses, as these certificates will help you elevate your career. 

Apply for exam invigilator jobs

After completing all the steps, you will have to apply for jobs via online or offline channels. Many educational institutions directly advertise for recruitment. You have to be patient when searching for jobs. If you have the necessary qualifications and certification, then getting a job is no brainstormer.

What makes a good exam invigilator?

A good exam invigilator possesses several key skills. So, in order to become a successful one, you must have these skills:

• Attention to Detail: Be observant to ensure all exam rules are followed and spot any irregularities.
• Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication with examinees and colleagues to convey instructions and address issues.
• Composure: Remaining calm and composed throughout the exam duration, especially when assisting nervous candidates.
• Systematic Organisation: Monitoring time, managing exam resources, and maintaining a tidy and orderly exam setting.
• Problem-Solving: Quickly and effectively addressing any problems that arise, such as technical issues or candidate queries.
• Integrity: Upholding the principles of fairness and confidentiality in all aspects of the examination process.
• Reliability: Being punctual and dependable to ensure exams run smoothly.
• Interpersonal Skills: Engaging with candidates in a respectful and supportive manner.

Exam Invigilator Job Positions, Salary, and Working Hours 

The job position and salary of an exam invigilator in the UK depend on various factors, such as location, qualifications, experience, and the organisation in which you work. The working hours of an exam invigilator are flexible, and it is a part-time job. Some of the job positions and their average salaries are given below:

• Entry-Level Exam Invigilator: Entry-level exam invigilators in the UK can expect to earn between £8.50 to £10.50 per hour.
• Senior Exam Invigilator: Senior exam invigilators often have more experience and may be responsible. They may earn between £10.50 to £12.50 per hour.
• Lead Exam Invigilator: Lead exam invigilators are experienced professionals who take on leadership roles within exam administration teams. They may earn between £12.50 to £15.00 per hour.
• Exam Centre Manager: Exam centre managers oversee the overall operation of exam centres. In the UK, they may earn salaries ranging from £25,000 to £35,000 per year, depending on their experience and the size of the centre.
• Examinations Officer: Examinations officers are responsible for coordinating all aspects of exam administration within educational institutions. In the UK, they may earn salaries ranging from £20,000 to £30,000 per year.