Do you have current teaching experience? We recruit approximately 11,000 markers for the National Qualification exams each year. Markers ensure the consistent application of national standards. We provide full training and support.
Being an SQA marker offers a range of benefits.
Benefits
Professional development - get insight into assessment and QA processes.
Improved skills - gain knowledge that will support your students.
Confidence - help colleagues implement and understand SQA processes.
Satisfaction - work with a supportive team delivering high quality assessments and supporting students across Scotland.
Rewards - additional income for your hard work and commitment.
Flexible working - work hours that suit you.
How to apply
Applying to become a marker couldn’t be easier.
Submit an online application
Our Appointee Management team processes your application and invites you to mark (or lets you know if you've been added to a reserve list)
Attend marker training/meeting (online or in person)
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Role details
Markers mark candidates’ work in line with detailed marking instructions and in accordance with SQA policy and procedures. The prime role is to ensure consistent application of national standards. This is done under the direction of the Principal Assessor or one of their senior team, and staff from SQA’s Qualifications Development and Operations business directorates as appropriate.
Outline of duties
Attend standardisation meeting(s) as required
Mark to national standards in line with general marking instructions
Complete marking duties in accordance with specified procedures and timescales
Submit a detailed marker report in accordance with specified procedures and timescales
Ideally, markers should currently be delivering the qualification at the level they wish to mark and have at least one additional year of delivery experience (this can include a probation year if the whole course has been delivered)*. The two years don’t need to be consecutive and private tutoring can’t be considered as additional experience.
There may still be an opportunity to mark if you’re not currently delivering the qualification. However, you must be able to demonstrate that you’ve delivered the qualification in the previous two years.
*Please note: if you’re delivering on a part time basis you must have delivered the full course.
To be a marker, you need:
to demonstrate excellence in assessing to the national standard.
to work professionally and co-operatively with other appointees and SQA staff.
to demonstrate excellent organisational and administrative skills with an ability to meet deadlines.
a home computer or laptop with internet connection and a private email address.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What experience do I need to have?
Ideally, you should be teaching the subject/level you wish to mark and have an additional year of delivery experience. The two years don’t need to be consecutive. This can also include a probation year, if the whole course has been delivered.
There may still be an opportunity to mark if you’re not currently teaching the subject/level, however, you must be able to demonstrate that you’ve delivered the subject/level in the previous two years.
Can I mark more than one subject/level?
Yes, you can mark more than one component. If you’re invited to mark multiple components, you should consider the time commitment involved.
If I am on the reserve list, will I get to mark?
This varies from component to component. We contact as many reserves as possible but often have more reserves for some subjects/levels than others. We would encourage applicants to apply for as many subjects/levels as they can for a better chance of being contacted.
Do I have to re-apply every year?
No, you don’t need to re-apply. Additional marking applications are only required for subjects/levels you’ve not previously applied for.
I can’t see an application form for the subject/level/component I want to mark.
There is only one application form. You can select the subject and level you wish to mark when completing the application. We don’t accept applications for specific components.
What training and support is there?
Training is normally a centralised marker’s meeting which can be a half or full day event. Centralised markers will work collaboratively with other markers/senior markers. Electronic markers are assigned a Team Leader for additional support.
What happens if I accept then withdraw?
You’ll be placed on the reserve list for the following year.
Key Performance Measures for markers
On completion of the duties outlined in the marker contract, markers are measured against the following Key Performance Measures (KPMs).
Mark the agreed allocation in line with detailed marking instructions.
Submit marks, return marked materials where appropriate, and complete administrative tasks by specified dates and in accordance with SQA policy and instructions.
Submit a detailed marker report on completion of marking allocation, providing feedback on examination performance.
Demonstrate behaviours outlined in the Terms and Conditions of Appointment which support SQA’s values.
What our markers say
Becoming a marker for SQA has benefited me in so many ways – it is the best CPD I have ever done! It has allowed me to deepen my knowledge of the SQA exam system, gain invaluable experience, improve my teaching, network and make new connections.
It’s 100% an opportunity I would recommend, especially those in the early stages of their careers who want to upskill themselves on certificated awards.
I have become a more confident teacher, as I have a better understanding of what the standard is and how to apply it, which I can then pass onto my pupils who also benefit.
The professional development you receive from marking the scripts (QPs) and also partaking in professional dialogue with colleagues who share your passion, in my opinion is the best CPD you can receive.
