The role of the Exams Officer in the UK has undergone a significant transformation. Once viewed as a seasonal administrative task, it is now a year-round, high-stakes management position. With the introduction of digital-first assessments and increasingly complex JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications) regulations, the “Exams Office” is now the central hub of school operations.
Whether you are looking to enter the profession or you are a Headteacher benchmarking your staff for the 2026/27 academic year, here is our Pineapple Recruitment guide to exam officers’ duties and pay in the UK.
The Core Duties: What does a UK Exams Officer do?
In 2026, the duties of an Exams Officer are split across a rigorous annual cycle. The role requires a unique blend of data management, legal compliance, and people leadership.
1. Digital & Technical Management
As of 2026, the transition to digital GCSEs is well underway.
- Secure Platform Oversight: Managing multi-factor authentication (MFA) and secure user accounts for UK Awarding Bodies (AQA, OCR, Pearson/Edexcel, and WJEC/Eduqas).
- Digital Infrastructure: Working with the IT Support team to ensure “lockdown browsers” are installed and that 1:1 devices are fully charged and compliant for live exams.
2. Compliance & The ‘Secure Room’
- JCQ Inspections: Maintaining the “Secure Room” to meet stringent JCQ requirements for the storage of confidential materials. An Exams Officer must be “inspection-ready” at all times.
- Access Arrangements: Working closely with the SENCo to facilitate “Reasonable Adjustments,” ensuring students with special educational needs have the correct provisions (such as 25% extra time, a reader, or a scribe).
3. Personnel & Invigilation
- Invigilator Recruitment: Sourcing, vetting, and training a reliable team of external invigilators.
- Safeguarding: Ensuring all external staff have enhanced DBS checks and have completed the 2026 mandatory safeguarding and “Instructions for Conducting Examinations” (ICE) training.
The 2026 Salary Landscape
Salaries for Exam Officers have seen a steady increase as the role has professionalised. To combat high turnover, many schools have moved away from “term-time only” contracts in favour of All Year Round (AYR) or “Term Time Plus” agreements (typically adding 3–4 weeks for the August results period).
The NAEO (National Association of Examinations Officers) Annual Survey shows that Exams officer salaries have continued to rise, with 62% now earning over £30,000 per year.
Roles within Inner London often command an additional £4,000 – £6,000 in London Weighting, with Lead Exams Managers in large MATs often reaching the LSO (Local Salary Outreach) upper bands.
Key Skills for the Modern Candidate
To secure the top end of the salary scale in 2026, candidates must demonstrate more than just “organisation.” High-value skills include:
- MIS Proficiency: Expertise in Cloud-based Management Information Systems like Arbor, Bromcom, or SIMS Next Gen.
- Pressure Management: The ability to remain calm during the “Summer Series” when a digital platform fails or a paper delivery is delayed.
- Regulatory Knowledge: A deep understanding of the latest JCQ “General Regulations” and “Instructions for Conducting Examinations.”
A Career with Impact
Choosing a career as an Exams Officer means being the guardian of a student’s hard work and future prospects. In 2026, an exam officer role that offers job security, a clear professional pathway, and the opportunity to be at the forefront of the digital revolution in UK education. To look at our latest vacancies click here.
