Exam supervisors, also known as exam invigilators or proctors, play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and fairness of the examination process. They ensure that students adhere to exam rules and procedures, monitor for any signs of cheating, and handle any issues that arise during the exam.
In Australia, exam supervisors can work in various settings, including schools and universities, and professional testing centers. Some organisations, such as Pearson, have test centres all around Australia, and administer a wide range of exams and tests. This includes English language tests, examinations such as the UCAT for medical applicants, examinations for healthcare students and professionals, and entrance testing for Fire Rescue Victoria.
Most positions involve a combination of administration work (checking ID beforehand, registering candidates etc), and supervision of exams. This involves sitting in the examination room for the duration of the exam, and monitoring for signs of cheating, assisting students who may encounter IT issues etc. There are also remote proctoring jobs, which involve monitoring students via webcam to check for signs of cheating.
How much can I get paid as an exam supervisor?
The pay for exam supervisors in Australia varies depending on the employer and the nature of the role. Generally, exam proctors earn between $25 to $50 per hour. Some positions may offer additional benefits such as salary packaging and flexible working hours. The other thing to point out is that many of the positions are casual, but there are some positions that are part-time (or even full-time if it’s something you’d like to explore as more than just a side hustle).
Who can apply?
Some positions require previous experience in exam supervision or teaching, however many companies accept applicants without any relevant experience and will provide training.
If you’re interested, you’ll need to have the following skills:
- Attention to Detail: Supervisors must be vigilant and notice any signs of cheating or misconduct
- Integrity: Proctors need to be honest and uphold the rules of the exam.
- Communication Skills: Clear communication is essential for explaining exam rules and addressing student concerns. Some students and applicants may also have a non-English speaking background, so good communication skills are very important.
- Interpersonal Skills: Supervisors interact with students before, during and after exams, so good interpersonal skills are vital. Often students are feeling nervous, so it’s important to be friendly, approachable and also professional.
- Organisational Skills: For in-person exams, the role usually involves setting up the exam venue, managing the paperwork such as ID documents beforehand, and managing exam materials. This requires good organisational skills to make sure there are no admin errors. Time management skills are another essential skill that will be required, as most exams are run to a strict schedule.
- Patience: Proctors must remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. Exams can be a high-stress environment, and proctors may be required to intervene if they detect cheating or if there is a sudden IT issue with a student’s computer during an exam.
- The ability to sit still for long periods of time: Some exams run for several hours. It might seem like times flies for the students taking the exam, but for the person supervising the exam, it can seem like a very long time to remain sitting, with the occasional walk around the room.
In addition to the following skills, the roles vary slightly depending on whether the exam is in-person, or remote.
Supervising Face-to-Face Exams and Tests
When supervising face-to-face exams, proctors are responsible for setting up the examination venue, checking student identification, distributing exam materials, and monitoring students throughout the exam. They must ensure a quiet and orderly environment, assist students with any questions or issues, and report any irregularities to the relevant authorities.
Supervising Online or Remote Exams
With the rise of online education, the role of exam proctors has expanded to include remote proctoring. Remote proctors use specialised software to monitor students during online exams, ensuring that they do not use unauthorised resources and follow exam rules. This role requires a reliable internet connection, a quiet environment, and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues. It’s perfect for people who may already work in IT roles, who are experienced in assisting with computer issues remotely, via webchat or phone.
Where can I find Exam Supervisor Jobs in Australia?
Several companies and institutions in Australia hire exam supervisors. Seek is a great place to find jobs, by searching ‘exam supervisor’, ‘exam invigilator’, ‘test administrator’ or similar. If you set your search to Australia-wide, it’ll also show online opportunities.
Otherwise, there are a few companies that accept direct applications. These include:
- Pearson VUE: Test Administrator jobs are published here: https://pearson.jobs/locations/aus/jobs/
- IDP International Education Specialists: IDP administer English language testing at a number of locations in Australia. A list of their current Australian job listings for Invigilators can be viewed here
- Janison: Provides opportunities for Exam Invigilators/Supervisors for computer-based tests. You can read more about the roles here https://www.janison.com/exam-management/exam-invigilators/, or browse their current positions here: https://www.janison.com/about/careers/#open-positions
- ACER: ACER are currently accepting expressions of interest from practicing or retired teachers for their Marking and Invigilator roles. Positions are casual and full training is provided. To apply, visit https://acer.bamboohr.com/careers/196
- Contour Education: Offers positions for Live UCAT Mock Invigilators. For these roles, you’re required to have previously completed the UCAT. To find out more, visit https://www.contoureducation.com.au/work-with-us/
- NSW Government: Casual opportunities are available for HSC support workers and exam supervisors. To find out more, visit this page for supervisor positions, and this page for casual support officer positions
- Australian Universities: Many universities hire casual invigilators and exam supervisors via their websites. Some that are currently accepting expressions of interest include University of Queensland, University of Wollongong, and Bond University.
Overall, working as an exam proctor can be a rewarding experience, providing an opportunity to contribute to the education system and ensure fair testing practices. If you have the necessary skills and a passion for maintaining academic integrity, this could be a great side hustle (or even a full time job, if you enjoy it!) for you.