How to Become an Exam Invigilator in the UK: Qualifications, Checks & Training
Have you ever sat in an exam and wondered who those calm, organised people are at the front of the room? You’re not alone. Exam invigilators quietly keep the entire exam process running smoothly, ensuring everything is fair, stress-free, and compliant with strict regulations.
And the good news? Becoming an exam invigilator in the UK is surprisingly simple.
If you’re looking for flexible work, experience in education, or a meaningful role that fits around your lifestyle, invigilating could be a brilliant option. Demand has never been higher either. With nearly 5.8 million GCSE entries and over 825,000 A-Level entries in the summer 2024 (Ofqual, 2024), schools rely heavily on trained invigilators every exam season.
In this blog, we’ll break it all down for you, what the job is like, what qualifications and checks you’ll need, and the training that gets you prepared for your first exam season.
What Does an Exam Invigilator Do?
Many people imagine exam invigilators simply ‘watching’ a room, but the role involves far more than pacing between desks. You’re the person who ensures every exam runs calmly, fairly, and in line with official JCQ regulations (JCQ, 2024-2025).
Typical responsibilities include:
- Preparing exam rooms to meet JCQ requirements
- Checking student IDs and assisting them into the room
- Distributing papers and reading out announcements
- Managing timing and keeping the session on track
- Monitoring behaviour and reporting and malpractice
- Supporting students with access arrangements
- Collecting papers, completing forms, and organising materials afterwards
It’s structured, detail-focused work. Perfect if you enjoy routine and supporting students during a stressful time.
Why Exam Invigilators Are in Such High Demand?
Exam season places schools under enormous pressure. As cohort sizes grow and more rooms run simultaneously, organising enough staff for every exam has become quite the challenge.
Some key trends:
- Around 65% of secondary schools report ongoing shortages of exam invigilators (ASCL Worforce Snapshot, 2023)
- A large proportion of invigilator workforce works seasonally, so turnover is naturally high (DfE Workforce Trends, 2023)
- More students now sit exams with access arrangements, which requires additional staff such as readers, scribes, and smaller-room support (JCQ Access Arrangements Data, 2024)
- JCQ regulations require multiple invigilators depending on room size, which further increases staffing demand (JCQ ICE Regulations, 2024-2025)
This creates plenty of opportunities for new invigilators, especially during peak seasons like May, June, November, and January.
Do You Need Qualifications to Become an Exam Invigilator?
Here’s the best part… you don’t need any formal qualifications to become an exam invigilator. No degree, teaching experience or exam knowledge is required. Schools and agencies are far more interested in your attitude, reliability, and ability to follow procedures carefully.
The key skills schools look for include:
- Attention to detail
- Clear communication
- Ability to stay calm under pressure
- Confidence reading announcements aloud
- Reliability and punctuality
- Professionalism and a reassuring manner
If this sounds like you, you’re already well suited to the role.
Ready to explore opportunities?
What Background Checks Do Exam Invigilators Need?
As you’ll be working directly with students, there are a few essential compliance checks you’ll need to complete before you start.
Enhanced DBS Check
An Enhanced DBS check is a legal requirement for exam invigilators.
If you don’t currently have one, Prospero Teaching can help you apply. Many invigilators also choose to use the Update Service, which keeps the certificate active for future work.
You can read more about how DBS checks work and how long they last in out guide: How Long Does a DBS Last?
Right to Work Check
You’ll need to show official documents such as passport, visa share code, or birth certificate.
Reference Checks
Most schools and agencies ask for two references covering the past two years. If you haven’t worked before, academic, or character references are often accepted.
Safeguarding Training
Safeguarding training is an important part of working in schools.
Many exam invigilator roles require you to complete a short course before you start, though requirements vary by school.
Prospero Learning offers:
Introductory Safeguarding 2025–2026
Intermediate Safeguarding 2025–2026
Your consultant will let you know whether safeguarding training is needed for your specific role.
Do You Need Training to Become an Exam Invigilator?
Yes, but the training is straightforward and often fully provided.
Schools follow JCQ guidance, which sets nationwide rules for how exams should run. As an invigilator, you’ll complete initial training before starting the role and then refresh this each year.
Your training covers:
- JCQ rules and expectations
- Exam room setup and equipment
- How to manage timings and announcements
- Dealing with malpractice or disruptions
- Supporting students with special arrangements
- Emergency and evacuation procedures
Prospero Teaching also provides:
- Online training modules
- In-person or virtual refresher sessions
- Safeguarding updates
- First-day guidance and support
Even experienced invigilators must refresh their training annually, JCQ requires this to ensure confidence and consistency.
How Long Does It Take to Become and Exam Invigilator?
Once your DBS, references and training are complete most invigilators are ready to get started within 1-2 weeks. During peak exam seasons, schools are particularly eager to onboard new people quickly, so the process can be even faster.
How Much Do Exam Invigilators Earn?
This will vary depending on the school, region, and responsibilities involved.
Typical hourly rates:
- £11-£15 per hour for general invigilating
- £15-£18 per hour for lead invigilators or support roles
- London rates are often slightly higher
Invigilating works well around other commitments, loads of people fit it in alongside Uni, part-time work or family life. May-June is the main exam season, but November, January and the spring mocks keep things busy too.
Who Is the Exam Invigilator Role Best Suited For?
One of the best parts of exam invigilating is its flexibility. This attracts a wide variety of people, including:
- Retirees– A great way to stay active without long-term commitment
- University Students– Ideal for earning around lecture, and the summer season often lines up perfectly with university semesters
- Career Changers– A simple way to experience school life before moving into a role like teaching assistant, cover supervisor or trainee teacher
- Parents– Term-time daytime hours work well with childcare schedules
- Freelancers or Part-Time Workers– Perfect for supplementing income
- Existing School Staff– Many TAs and support staff invigilate alongside their normal roles
It’s a genuinely rewarding role where you support young people through some of their most important academic moments.
How to Apply for Exam Invigilator Jobs: Step-by-Step Guide
Are you feeling ready to take the next step? Here’s a simple breakdown of the application process:
- Register with Prospero Teaching– Explore current roles and register your interest. View Exam Invigilator Jobs.
- Complete Your Compliance Checks– This includes your DBS, references and right-to-work documents.
- Complete Your Safeguarding Training– Many invigilating roles require a short online course before you begin, but requirements can vary, so always check what is needed for your specific role
- Attend Invigilator Training– You’ll learn everything you need to feel confident before your first exam session
- Start your First Session– Most schools pair new invigilators with experienced staff on day one
Start Your Flexible Work Journey with Prospero
Looking for flexible, meaningful work that actually fits around your life? Then becoming an exam invigilator might be exactly what you need. It’s a role where you can support students during key academic moments, all while building real experience in schools.
There are no formal qualifications required, the training is quick and simple, and opportunities appear across the UK throughout the year. Whether you want more flexibility, new experience, or a first step into education, invigilating could be the perfect fit.
Prospero Teaching will guide you through the entire process, from initial checks right through to your first exam day. Ready to get started? We’d love to support you.
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