An Exams Officer is responsible for the planning, administration, and secure delivery of examinations in a school, college, or training centre, ensuring all exams run fairly and in line with awarding-body regulations.

• Exam administration

  • Enter candidates for exams accurately and on time

  • Manage exam timetables, rooms, seating plans, and invigilation

  • Liaise with awarding bodies (e.g. JCQ, AQA, Pearson, OCR, WJEC)

• Compliance & regulations

  • Ensure exams follow strict exam-board and JCQ rules

  • Maintain exam security (papers, storage, access)

  • Manage access arrangements and reasonable adjustments

• During exams

  • Brief and supervise invigilators

  • Handle incidents, emergencies, and malpractice procedures

  • Ensure correct conduct and reporting

• Post-exam duties

  • Dispatch scripts securely

  • Manage results days, enquiries about results (EARs), and appeals

  • Oversee certificates distribution and records retention

• Data & communication

  • Maintain accurate candidate records

  • Communicate clearly with staff, students, parents, and exam boards

• Excellent organisation and attention to detail

• Strong administrative and IT skills

• Ability to work under pressure and meet fixed deadlines

• Clear communication and diplomacy

• Integrity and understanding of confidentiality

• No single required qualification, but:

  • GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths are usually expected

  • Experience in school administration is highly valued

  • Training in JCQ regulations and exam-board systems (e.g. A2C, EDI)

• Many Exams Officers gain certification through local authorities or professional bodies

• Often term-time plus, with peak workloads during exam seasons (e.g. May June, January)

• Can involve early starts and occasional extended hours during exams