Examiner and moderator myths

You need to have three terms' teaching experience by the time you start marking. If you're a trainee or newly qualified teacher, it's worth thinking ahead about how you can include examining in your future personal development plans.

Myth: Marking is too time-consuming

Examining is hard work for around three weeks. However, you'll get excellent support at every stage of the process. If you're well organised, it's a flexible way to earn money while gaining valuable professional development. You can request a reduced allocation of scripts in your first year. To check timetables for training and marking contact us in advance.

Myth: People only become examiners for the money

Most examiners cite professional development as the key reason for getting involved in examining in the first place. Benefits include the insight gained into mark schemes, the stimulation of exercising professional judgement and the chance to network with subject colleagues.

Myth: Examining is badly paid

Coupled with the professional development benefits, it's a great way to earn extra income which will always come in useful. See the Payment section to check some examples.

Myth: Examining is a lonely activity

All new and returning examiners attend face-to-face standardisation meetings and receive follow up support. Your Team Leader is available by telephone or email to give advice and guidance at every stage of the marking process. Examiners cite the opportunity to network with peers and make new contacts as one of the main benefits of their role.

Myth: Examining involves too much admin

The process of marking is becoming more efficient. AQA is streamlining procedures to reduce the administrative burden on examiners. There are plenty of opportunities to use new technology to reduce the amount of paperwork involved.

Myth: My school loses out if I'm away from the classroom on examiner training

If you attend a meeting on a school day, you can claim a Teacher Release Voucher. The voucher will cover the cost of a supply teacher but your centre can use it in whatever way it wishes. An increasing amount of training takes place at weekends now, so a fee will be paid to you rather than your centre. And examiners and markers add value to schools by sharing their knowledge of what's needed to get the results that students' work deserves.

Myth: It's the wrong time of year to apply

You can make your application at any time of year. AQA welcomes applications in all subjects, and there are key vacancies in some subjects. You can contact us to request an application form or request more information. Alternatively, download an application form or apply online.