The Exams Office appreciates how daunting taking on a new role can be so offers bespoke support specifically designed for those recently appointed to the role of exams officer/manager


 

I am new to the role, where do I start?

As a starting point, we suggest you first refer to our article – A GUIDE TO STARTING YOUR NEW ROLE 

 

We then suggest you start to take the following steps:

  • Refer to the NEW EXAMS OFFICER: INDUCTION SUPPORT GUIDE (see below)
  • Refer to the latest MONTHLY SUPPORT GUIDE (see below)
  • Refer to the EXAMS KEY TERMS GLOSSARY (see below)
  • View relevant available TRAINING VIDEOS which cover the management, administration and conducting of examinations
  • Dependent on when you are appointed, look to attend a NEW EXAMS OFFICER TRAINING event
  • Follow the 3 Rs approach: Read, Research and Review and start (as a minimum) sections 1, 2 and 8 of the NEW EXAMS OFFICER INDUCTION AND ASSESSMENT MODULE

To access the resources below, login to The Exams Office Hub and go to the Key Documents area

 

NEW EXAMS OFFICER: INDUCTION SUPPORT GUIDE

This is a guide to support you starting in role at any point in the year with content designed to support you in managing your induction and introduction to the exams process by suggesting areas about which you might ask questions, research and gather information (Published each August)

 

NEW EXAMS OFFICER: MONTHLY SUPPORT GUIDES

These are guides, provided monthly, intended to take you through the main aspects of the role highlighting generic key tasks and suggested good practice, confirming JCQ key dates and providing additional hints and tips to support you in dealing with upcoming priorities and meeting key deadlines (Each guide is published by the beginning of the month it relates to)

2023/24 

  • September 2023 
  • October 2023
  • November 2023
  • December 2023 
  • January 2024
  • February 2024
  • March 2024

 

EXAMS KEY TERMS GLOSSARY

When dealing with exams/assessment there are many key terms/acronyms which are used and need to be understood. This glossary is provided to help exams officers understand the ‘language’ of exams and assessment. The regularly reviewed and updated glossary is provided to support exams officers by explaining or defining common exams-related terms and acronyms used in the exams management and administration process

 

For further support within your centre, we suggest you signpost your senior leader/line manager to our CHECKLIST FOR SENIOR LEADERS/LINE MANAGERS (Published each August-September)

 


Locate a locally run exams officer network

For additional support, face-to-face network meetings are a great place to meet fellow Exams Officers and exchange useful advice and guidance – if you’re interested in finding your local network then take a look at OCR’s network map across England

The Exams Office takes no responsibility for any outcomes in centres as a result of the information provided on our website, The Exams Office Hub or within our documentation. It is the responsibility of centres to apply this information as they deem necessary within their own centre. You should always contact/refer to the relevant awarding body for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding their qualifications.