Have questions about becoming an examiner?
Here are the answers to some of our frequently asked questions.
Questions about the roles
Examiners mark written assessments via our online marking platforms. Moderators standardise marks given by schools and colleges for non-exam assessment. Visiting examiners visit centres to assess practical, performance or spoken components, depending on the subject.
Most examining takes place between May and July. Visiting examiner roles usually take place between January and June.
This varies by role and subject. See the 'Which role is right for you?' section on our examiner vacancies page for an overview of the different commitments involved.
Vacancies open throughout the year. Register your interest and we'll let you know when opportunities become available in your subject area.
Fees vary according to the role, subject and qualification, but are typically in the region of £900 to £1200. The fee applicable to your appointment will be included in your contract. Fee rates are reviewed annually to ensure they remain fair, competitive and sustainable.
Questions about who can apply
For most subjects, you'll need at least three full terms of teaching experience in the subject and level you'd like to examine, gained within the last five years. You should have gained this experience after gaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or have taught in the UK for at least three full years without it. For some subjects, we may consider a wider range of teaching experience and accept some PGCE and ECT applications for a small number of subjects.
Not always. For most subjects, you'll need at least three full terms of teaching experience in the subject and level you'd like to examine, gained within the last five years. So, if you've recently retired or left teaching, you may still be able to examine. We also accept university lecturers, PGCE and ECT applications for a small number of subjects. Visit our vacancies page for more information.
Only for a small number of selected subjects. Please visit our vacancies page to view current opportunities and eligibility requirements. Contact our team if you still have questions.
No. We'll provide full training and support to help you feel confident and prepared.
Yes. Examining is designed to fit around a school schedule and your existing commitments while helping you build valuable assessment knowledge and skills.
If you’ve examined within the last seven years, and you’d like to update your details or discuss additional subjects, please contact your subject team or ar@aqa.org.uk and quote your examiner PIN. If you last examined seven or more years ago, please complete a new application on our examiner vacancies page
Due to the smaller number of entries, existing examiners tend to mark during the autumn series.
Yes, but only if you’re on holiday within the EEA and you’re able to meet all marking deadlines and security requirements. If you're planning to be away during the marking period, consider whether you'll have the time, equipment and reliable internet access needed to complete your work.
This will depend on your individual circumstances and employment arrangements. We recommend checking your organisation's policies before applying.
Yes. We can accept applications from EEA countries (EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and certain other countries that meet our data protection requirements. Visit our vacancies page for more information.
Questions about the application process
Once you've applied, we'll guide you through referencing, appointment and training before you begin examining. See the 'Your examiner journey' section on the vacancies page for detail of each stage.
Please contact us at examinerrecruitment@aqa.org.uk.
Appointment dates vary by subject and vacancy. If your application is approved, we'll contact you when suitable opportunities become available.
No. Once approved, your application will remain in our system, and you'll be contacted when suitable opportunities become available.
You'll complete training and standardisation activities before you begin, helping you understand the role and build confidence. Our experienced teams will support you throughout your examiner journey, from training through to marking and moderation. You will only be able to access the training once you’ve received and accepted your contract.
You'll need a reliable internet connection, a suitable computer and a private mobile phone or landline. Most examiners use a Windows PC, although we're also able to support a limited number of Apple Mac users for Economics, Geography and Sociology.
We'll contact you when applications open for your subject. We recommend registering with a personal email address, as vacancies can become available at any time during the year.
Whether you're looking to develop your skills, gain a fresh perspective on assessment or bring new ideas back to your classroom, examining offers benefits that can make a lasting impact on your teaching.
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Contact our team who will be happy to help.