What is an Examination Assistant?

An examination assistant is a trained person who is present in an exam room and provides assistance to a candidate who is sitting an examination.

What does an Examination Assistant do?

An examination assistant is there to follow the candidates direction They may act as a reader or writer for the candidate in the examination. They are there to act as the candidates eyes if he/she has problems with reading or seeing, or as his/her hands if the candidate has trouble with writing answers down eg. dyslexia, visual impairment, or OOS.

Does the Examination Assistant receive training and support?

Yes. There is an initial training session that must be completed. There is support available from the Learning Skills Centre.

Where does the assisted examination take place?

Usually in a room apart from the main examination room and if possible at the same time as the examination is scheduled.

Do Examination Assistants get paid?

Yes, at $15.00 gross per hour. The examination assistant will be provided with a time-sheet to be completed and returned to the Learning Skills Centre Administrator. Both the examination assistant and the candidate receiving the assistance must sign it. Payment can then be made.

Who can become an Examination Assistant?

Examination assistants need to be mature people who communicate well, have good interpersonal skills and able to read and write fluently and spell accurately. They need to also have some time flexibility to be available for their own training and for assisting candidates at examination times

How to become an Examination Assistant

1. You will have an interview with the Learning Skills Manager or Disability Co-ordinator.
2. Initial briefing takes place. This lasts up to one hour in the first instance.
3. If your skills and personality are suited to this work, you will become one of the pool of examination assistants.
4. Your details will be held on file and you will be contacted should you be required.
5. If you are selected from the examination assistant pool, you will be asked to meet with a co-ordinator and the candidate, to discuss the process needed for that particular student. Ideally the candidate will have a trial run before the actual examination or test.
6. Administration requirements are completed, a contract made and a letter of appointment will be sent out.