What Skills Make a Great Examiner?

If you’re thinking about developing your teaching career and becoming an examiner, you might be wondering what specific skills you’ll need. In short, a great examiner is someone who applies assessment criteria accurately and fairly, while using strong subject knowledge and professional judgement.

In this blog, we look a little deeper into what skills you can expect from a great examiner, We also answer some of the most frequently asked questions, such as ‘what training do examiners get before they start?’ and ‘what qualifications do you need to become an examiner?’.

At WJEC, we work with teachers and education professionals who are passionate about supporting fair and accurate assessment.

The 5 key skills that make a great examiner

While every examiner brings their own experience, the best examiners share 5 core skills that are fundamental to success in the role.

1.     Strong subject knowledge

One of the most important skills and qualities of a great examiner is a thorough understanding of their subject and the qualification they are marking. This enables them to recognise valid responses and apply the mark scheme accurately and fairly, even when candidates express ideas in different ways.

Strong subject knowledge provides the foundation for confident, consistent marking.

2.     Attention to detail

Each mark can make a difference to a learner’s final result, so careful attention to detail is essential. Great examiners will read each response thoroughly, ensuring no marks are missed or awarded incorrectly.

3.     Consistency

Another crucial skill to have as an examiner is consistency. Every candidate who completes an exam deserves to have their work marked to the same standard, regardless of when or where it is assessed. As we touched on previously, great examiners will be able to follow the mark scheme closely and apply the same principles to every script, fairly.

4.     Professional Judgement

Not every answer fits neatly into a textbook example. Great examiners use professional judgement to interpret candidate responses while remaining within the guidance provided by the mark scheme.

5.     Time management

Marking papers requires careful planning and the ability to work to deadlines without compromising quality.
 

Can examiner skills be developed?

Absolutely! Through experience, training and ongoing professional development, anyone with the right foundation can develop the skills needed to become an effective examiner.

Many education professionals already use these skills in their day-to-day roles. Assessing learners' work, providing feedback, applying assessment criteria and making balanced professional judgements all help build a strong foundation for examining. Becoming an examiner allows these skills to be refined further in a different assessment context.

WJEC also provides comprehensive training and standardisation before marking begins, helping examiners understand the mark scheme and apply it consistently.

Examiner FAQ’s

Do examiners receive training before marking begins?

Yes - exam markers do not begin marking exam papers without first completing structured training, designed to ensure that marking is aligned with agreed standards.

What qualifications do you need to become an examiner?

You will typically need suitable academic qualifications and experience in the subject you want wish to examine.

Is teaching experience important for examiners?

Teaching experience is highly valuable for examiners, as it provides a strong understanding of subject content and how learners demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

How do examiners make sure marking is fair?

Fairness is at the heart of the examining process. Before marking begins, examiners complete training and standardisation to ensure they understand the mark scheme and can apply it consistently. Throughout the marking period, examiners follow detailed marking guidance and receive ongoing support from Team Leaders. Quality assurance processes are also carried out to maintain accuracy and consistency across all examiners.

Can examiner experience improve teaching?

The great news is – yes! Many teachers find that examiner experience has a positive impact on their classroom practice. By gaining a deeper understanding of mark schemes and how marks are awarded, examiners can better prepare learners for assessments and help them demonstrate their knowledge more effectively.

Examiner training with WJEC

At WJEC, examiner training is led by senior examiners and subject specialists who have in-depth knowledge of the qualification, the assessment objectives, the mark scheme and examining best practice.

Before any live marking takes place, all WJEC markers must complete the required training. This ensures that every marker applies the mark scheme consistently, regardless of their background or previous marking experience.

Markers are only approved to begin marking once they have demonstrated that their marking decisions meet WJEC's required standard.

To apply to be an examiner with WJEC, please complete your application via the Appointees system. 

Should you have any queries about examining with us, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 029 2026 5457 or appointees@wjec.co.uk.