How many scripts will I have to mark?
This varies depending on the type of paper you will be marking (e.g. whether the paper has short questions, long questions, is essay based etc). Between 100-250 papers per exam series is an approximate average.
How much will I get paid?
Assessment Specialists can usually expect to be paid anywhere between £1.00 and £5.00 per script depending on the syllabus and type of script.
Are the papers marked online? If so what does that mean?
Many of our papers are now marked online, with many more set to be transferred over the coming years. This means that most Assessment Specialists are able to mark for us from home without the need to attend meetings in Cambridge. If you apply to examine for a subject that is marked online you will need access to a private PC and a good broadband connection.
Will I have to come to Cambridge for meetings, such as moderation meetings?
There are times when you will need to attend meetings in Cambridge, although this varies from syllabus to syllabus. If you are required to attend a meeting you will be invited with plenty of notice and any transport fees will be reimbursed by us.
What training will you give me as a first time examiner?
We offer support to all new assessment specialists in the form of user guides, manuals and online training. Your team leader will also be on hand to offer additional support and advice as and when required.
Does it help my teaching of the subject?
We would answer that with a resounding ‘yes’ – but don’t take our word for it!
'I started marking as a relatively inexperienced teacher to improve my understanding of the specification and inform my teaching of the course. I soon realised that it also gave me an expertise that many of my senior colleagues did not possess and found that my advice was often sought, despite being the youngest member of the department.'
Helen Rees-Bidder, Cambridge Assessment Specialist
'I would say that examining is invaluable to both individual teaching and to the development of department teaching for the examination. It has taught me to understand the very specific focus of the Cambridge IGCSE as a whole, on reading for true understanding and perception of any text, not just surface comprehension and certainly not basics skills focus.'
Gaynor Deoraj, Cambridge Assessment Specialist
What other examining opportunities are there?
Some of our Assessment Specialists develop their role as there are widespread opportunities to progress to more senior positions. If you are already an experienced examiner, you might be interested in some of these roles which are currently available with Cambridge. Select any of the links on the left to find out more about these opportunities and hear from those already within the role.
If you have any more questions about examining with Cambridge, or would like more details, our Examiner Helpdesk is happy to take any questions. Please email Examiner.Recruitment or telephone +44 1223 553500.