Becoming an Exam Invigilator: Everything you need to know
Exam season offers a valuable opportunity if you’re looking for flexible, meaningful work within schools. Exam invigilating is a vital role that supports students during key assessment periods, and it’s an option for many teachers, teaching assistants, and education professionals consider each year.
If you’re thinking about becoming an exam invigilator, here’s everything you need to know.
What qualifications do you need to be an invigilator?
You don’t need formal teaching qualifications to become an exam invigilator. However, all invigilators must be JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications) compliant, as schools are required to follow national exam regulations.
JCQ sets out expectations for invigilators in its official Instructions for Conducting Examinations, which cover exam room conduct, safeguarding responsibilities, and how to prevent malpractice. Schools must ensure all invigilators are familiar with this guidance each year.
JCQ training is straightforward, and we can support candidates through this process to ensure they are fully prepared before working in schools.
How can you prepare for an exam invigilator interview?
Invigilator interviews are usually informal and focus on professionalism, safeguarding, and reliability rather than subject knowledge. Schools want to be confident that invigilators understand the importance of following procedures and maintaining exam integrity.
It can help to:
Familiarise yourself with JCQ exam regulations, particularly around supervising candidates, maintaining silence, and responding calmly to incidents
Be ready to demonstrate reliability, organisation, and clear communication
Show an understanding of confidentiality and exam procedures
Many of these expectations are outlined in the ICE guidance.
What months do exam invigilators work?
Exam invigilators are most in demand during nationally set exam periods, which are determined by awarding bodies. These typically include:
May and June: GCSEs and A-levels
January: mock exams and some formal assessments
November: GCSE resits
March: vocational and functional skills exams, depending on the centre
JCQ publishes annual key dates and examination timetables that schools use to plan invigilation cover.
Some schools may also require invigilators for internal assessments throughout the academic year, making this a flexible option for educators seeking occasional or seasonal work.
How long does exam invigilator training take?
Training is relatively short. JCQ requires centres to ensure invigilators are trained annually and understand the current year’s regulations.
Most training can be completed within a few hours, often online
Training must be refreshed each year to stay up to date with regulations
Teaching Personnel supports candidates through this training process, making it accessible even for those new to invigilating.
Can subject teachers invigilate exams?
Yes, but with restrictions. JCQ regulations state that teachers cannot invigilate examinations in their own subject area or any exam where there could be a conflict of interest with their students.
This requirement helps protect exam integrity and ensure fairness for all candidates. Many schools still welcome teachers as invigilators for other subjects, particularly during busy exam periods.
What skills do exam invigilators need?
JCQ guidance highlights that effective exam invigilators should be:
Calm and professional
Confident in following procedures
Highly observant with strong attention to detail
Reliable and punctual
Clear communicators
While JCQ compliance is required, many educators already have the skills schools value most in invigilators.
Is exam invigilating right for you?
Exam invigilating offers flexible work, clear responsibilities, and the chance to continue supporting students during important moments of their education. Whether you are an experienced teacher, teaching assistant, or education professional looking for a different way to work in schools, it can be a rewarding option.
If you’re interested in becoming an exam invigilator this exam season, Teaching Personnel can support you with training, compliance, and placements. Contact us to get started on your invigilation journey.
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