EXAMINATION ASSISTANTS

 

What is an Examiniation Assistant?

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

What does an Examination Assistant do?

An examination assistant acts as a reader or writer for the candidate in the examination. They are there to act as the candidate's 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 Poutama Academic Learning Services.

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 + 8% holiday pay per hour. The examination assistant will be provided with a time-sheet to be completed and returned to the Poutama Academic Learning Service 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 be 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 Poutama Academic Learning Services Manager or Academic advisor (disability).
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 the Academic advisor (disability) 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.