Become a marker

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

Learn more about being a marker

Further information can be found by visiting our marking course on SQA Academy.

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.

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.

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.