A: NESA is the acronym for the NSW Education Standards Authority. They were previously known as the NSW Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES).

A: In 2026, the marking of NSW NAPLAN Writing assessments will be conducted in two streams: 
Centre-Based Marking (Sydney)
Home-Based Marking

Markers will have the option to work from our marking centre at the Canterbury Park Racecourse in Sydney, or to work from home. Markers who opt to work from home must have their own device that fulfills the requirements detailed in I am applying for a home marker position. How can I check if my PC/MAC is suitable for marking? below.

A: Training sessions will be conducted in the week of 9 March 2026. Marking will take place from Monday 16 March for approximately four to six weeks. There will be no marking over the Easter break.

A: Marking generally runs for approximately four to six weeks. We are unable to provide a fixed end date as we complete marking once all scripts in the system have been marked. You will be notified of a completion date closer to the end of the marking operation.

A: There will be no marking during the Easter public holiday.

A: You need to have a teaching degree specialising in English or be in your final year of studying a relevant teaching degree. It is also helpful to have experience teaching English in an Australian Primary or Secondary School for at least one year, or hold NESA Conditional or Provisional Accreditation. Relevant and recent marking experience is also taken into consideration. Current and retired English teachers are encouraged to apply.

A: Please refer to the relevant job descriptions for the eligibility criteria.
Centre-Based Marker
Home-Based Marker

In order to be eligible for NAPLAN marking as a new marker, you MUST have successfully passed the screening process AND completed one of the courses prior to attending training:
Assessing writing using the NAPLAN writing marking guide – narrative
OR
Assessing writing using the NAPLAN writing marking guide – persuasive

As completing this course does not guarantee you for the role, we are happy for you to complete and submit your certificate of completion to us at the contract stage. All new markers are required to complete one of the above courses by 27 February 2026.

Instructions on how to access the course can be found below in How do I access the NESA NAPLAN Writing course? below. Once you have completed the course in full, please send a copy of your certificate of completion to naplanmarking@pearson.com.

NB: NESA has changed the requirements for 'accredited PD'. https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/nesa/teacher-accreditation/maintain-accreditation/changes-to-maintenance-of-accreditation

A: Teachers will require an eTAMS number (NSW teacher accreditation number) to login. The following procedure is for teachers without an eTAMS number to complete the NESA course:

1. Email the NESA NAPLAN team at naplan.nsw@nesa.nsw.edu.au
2. Subject: New NAPLAN marker LMS access
3. Provide the following details:
   • Outline the reason: for example, I am a new NAPLAN marker and I do not have an eTAMS number. Please organise my access to the NESA course.
   • email address
   • first name
   • last name
4. You will receive a confirmation email from NESA Learning with instructions for logging on to the platform.

To access the course:

• Log into NESA Learning
• Select 'Hub'
• Search for 'Assessing writing using the NAPLAN marking guide'
• Select either narrative or persuasive

Once course has been completed in full, please send a copy of your certificate of completion to naplanmarking@pearson.com.

NB: NESA has changed the requirements for 'accredited PD'. https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/nesa/teacher-accreditation/maintain-accreditation/changes-to-maintenance-of-accreditation

A: The recruitment process for NAPLAN marking is slightly different depending on whether or not you have marked with us before.

If you are a new marker, you will be undergoing the following recruitment steps:-

1. Submission of your application - Your application will be reviewed by our recruitment team to assess your eligibility based on the requirements of the role.
2. Phone screening - If you are successful in the initial review of your submitted application, we will advance you on to phone screening where we will conduct a one-on-one phone interview with you. We will make a second assessment of your application based on the information provided during the phone screening stage.
3. Notification of application outcome - Once we have reviewed your entire application, we will advise you of the outcome of your application (successful/unsuccessful) via phone or email.
4. Employment contract - If successful, you will receive the employment contract as well as new hire documentation for you to complete. You will need to accept and complete all paperwork and return them as soon as possible to enable us to set you up in our payroll system. You will also need to complete and bring along your Right to Work in Australia form and appropriate identification (i.e. passport) with you on the first day of training at your allocated training centre.**

**Please note that your eligibility to begin marking is contingent upon you completing the NESA NAPLAN Writing Course even after you have accepted the employment contract. However, completion of the NAPLAN Writing course prior to Step 3 does not guarantee your employment in NAPLAN marking.

If you have previously marked with us as a Pearson marker, you will be undergoing the following recruitment steps:-

1. Submission of your application - You will be required to submit your application through the same recruitment portal so that we are aware that you are interested in NAPLAN marking for the current year. We will assess your application accordingly.
2. Notification of application outcome - Once we have reviewed your application, we will advise you of the outcome of your application (successful/unsuccessful) via phone or email.
3. Assignment letter - If you are successful, we will send out an assignment letter for the current project for you to accept through the recruitment portal. You will also need to advise us of any changes to your right to work, tax declarations and/or superannuation via email. You will also ensure that your contact and banking details are up-to-date on the ADP Employee self-service platform.

A: We are happy for you to complete and submit your certificate of completion to us at the contract stage. Please bear in mind that your job offer is contingent upon you completing the NESA NAPLAN Writing course by 27 February 2026.

Instructions on how to access the NESA NAPLAN Writing course can be found in How do I access the NESA NAPLAN Writing course? above.

A: In order to be eligible for NAPLAN marking as a new marker, you MUST have successfully passed the screening process AND completed the NAPLAN Writing Course 

prior to attending training. Completion of the NAPLAN Writing course prior to completion of the screening process will not guarantee you a position in NAPLAN marking. The NAPLAN Writing Course must be completed by 27 February 2026.

Instructions on how to access the NAPLAN Writing Course can be found in I am new to NAPLAN Writing. Are there any prerequisites for me to be eligible to mark? above.

A: If you are a previous NAPLAN marker, you will NOT be required to complete the NAPLAN Writing Course. However, you are more than welcome to access the NESA NAPLAN Writing course as a refresher to your previous NAPLAN Writing training.

A: Main applications will close on 26 January 2026. Applicants will be notified by 28 February 2026 of the outcome of their application.

A: You can access the recruitment website at: www.pearsonra.com.au/people. Click on "Forgot your Username or Password?" (please bear in mind that the email address for login may not be the same as your contact email address). Fill in the details requested.

Allow up to 15 minutes for the system to send a temporary password to your contact email. Once you have logged in using your temporary password you will be prompted to set a new password.

A: Please email: naplanmarking@pearson.com with your full name and state that you do not wish to be contacted in the future.

A: It is not mandatory to have the NESA accreditation number to apply for marking. Please type 'N/A' in the NESA number box if you do not have a current NESA number.

A: The shifts for centre-based markers are as follows:

Weekday Morning Shift:
8AM - 3PM Monday to Friday, plus one nominated weekend shift

Weekday Evening Shift:
4PM - 8:45PM Monday to Friday, plus one nominated weekend shift

Weekend Shift:
8AM - 3PM Saturday or Sunday (in addition to your scheduled weekday shift)

Note: Marking shift dates and times may be subject to change

A: The Sydney Marking and Training Centre is located at: 
Canterbury Park Racecourse
King Street 
Canterbury, NSW 2193

A: Sydney Marking and Training Centre
Yes, parking at the Racecourse is available at no cost. Please do not park at the front of the building as that is reserved parking.

A: Centre-Based Marking (Sydney)
Morning Shift
30 minute lunch break
15 minute tea break

Evening Shift
30 minute dinner break

A: Home marking is available to markers residing in both metropolitan and regional NSW and ACT who find it difficult to mark from the Sydney Marking Centre.

A: For security reasons, all marking activities must be conducted within Australia.

A: In 2026, home marking is available to candidates including those who reside in the Sydney metropolitan area. Candidates from ACT and regionally based in NSW are still eligible to apply for home marking as with previous years.

A: Yes. Home marking is available to markers residing in both metropolitan and regional NSW and ACT who find it difficult to mark from the Sydney Marking Centre.

A: Home-based markers are required to commit to at least four hours of marking* (with appropriate breaks) for a minimum of six days a week.
*Marking hours must include the mandatory marking times of 8:00am - 10:00am OR 4:00pm - 6:00pm on each marking day.

**Note: Marking shift dates and times may be subject to change

A: In 2026, live training for home-based markers will be conducted in multiple formats, both on location at training centres around NSW and ACT, and remotely online. All new markers are expected to attend face-to-face training. Further details will be provided closer to the training date.

A: These are the basic computer requirements for the purposes of home marking:

System Type: PC
Operating System: Windows 7 or later
Display requirements: 1366 x 768 minimum resolution*
Internet Browser: Google Chrome (recommended)
Mozilla Firefox
Microsoft Edge

Network: Broadband (2.5 Mbps or higher)**

*Due to resolution and display requirements, tablets (including iPads) are not supported.
**During the course of online marking, markers can expect to download up to 700MB of data. No reimbursement is available for data usage.

A: These are the basic computer requirements for the purposes of home marking:

System Type: Mac
Operating System: Mac OS X 10.10 or later
Display requirements: 1366 x 768 minimum resolution*
Internet Browser: Google Chrome (recommended)
Mozilla Firefox
Microsoft Edge
Safari

Network: Broadband (2.5 Mbps or higher)**

*Due to resolution and display requirements, tablets (including iPads) are not supported.
**During the course of online marking, markers can expect to download up to 700MB of data. No reimbursement is available for data usage.

A: All group leaders are required to work a five-day weekday shift (morning or evening), AND one weekend shift (Saturday or Sunday) during the live marking period. Group leaders can be located in the marking centre or be home-based. The shifts for Group Leaders are as follows:

Weekday Morning Shift:
8AM - 3PM Monday to Friday, plus one nominated weekend shift

Weekday Evening Shift:
4PM - 8:45PM Monday to Friday, plus one nominated weekend shift

Weekend Shift:
8AM - 3PM Saturday or Sunday (in addition to your scheduled weekday shift)

Note: Marking shift dates and times may be subject to change

A: In 2026, it is expected that NAPLAN training will be delivered in mix mode including self-paced courses, face-to-face/online workshops and a component of practice marking. New markers are expected to attend face-to-face live training.

Training will take the equivalent of up to two days, beginning the week of 9 March. This is a compulsory requirement set by ACARA. Specific training dates and requirements will be advised upon appointment.

Group Leaders and Professional Leaders will also be required to attend role-specific training in the lead up to live marking. Group Leaders are encouraged to attend face-to-face live training.

A: Centre-based markers will attend training at the Sydney Marking Centre (refer to Where is the Sydney Marking and Training Centre? above).

If you are a home marker, you will be attending training either online or at one of the training centres around NSW or ACT. We highly encourage all markers to attend a training venue, however, new markers are expected to attend training in person. Specific training dates and requirements will be advised upon appointment.

A: Yes. Please refer to the 'Pay' section in this FAQ for more details on how training is paid.

A: Yes, training is mandatory for all  roles in NAPLAN marking, regardless if you have previously been employed for NAPLAN marking.

A: All markers are required to complete two days mandatory training, mixed mode delivery including self-paced course, face-to-face/online workshops and a component of practice marking. This is a compulsory requirement set by ACARA.

New markers are expected to complete a prerequisite NESA course and attend face-to-face training.

A: The current pay rates for NAPLAN 2026 are detailed below:

Centre-based marker: $56.28 per hour
Home-based marker: $5.56 per script, $1.00 per blank script (live marking); $56.28 per hour (training)
Group Leader: $67.68 per hour
Professional Leader: $80.75 per hour

A: Yes, you will be paid at the hourly rate that applies to your role.

If you are a centre-based marker, please enter your training hours into the timesheet system.

If you are a home-based marker, you will be paid at an hourly rate up to the completion of training. Your script rate will be applied once you commence marking the practice scripts.

A: Meal breaks (lunch and dinner) are not paid. Morning tea break is paid.

A: New hires
Once your new hire paperwork has been completed and lodged, you will receive payroll login details at the start of marking.

Previous employees
These details were emailed to you in the previous year at the start of marking. This will be emailed to you again prior to the commencement of marking.

A: Payments are made on a fortnightly basis; the first fortnightly payment will be on 26 March 2026. If you are new to Pearson, then we will need to have received all your completed new hire documents before training to be included in the first fortnightly pay cycle.

A: Please direct your queries regarding the NESA Assessing writing using the NAPLAN marking guide course to the NESA NAPLAN team.
Email: naplan.nsw@nesa.nsw.edu.au
Telephone: (02) 9367 8382

A: Only the NESA Learning writing courses, Assessing writing using the NAPLAN marking guide, persuasive or narrative, will automatically be reflected in your eTAMS Professional Development Log. For further details on Teacher accreditation please refer to https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/nesa/teacher-accreditation.

A: Please check our Casual Staff FAQs for recruitment and payroll: https://www.pearsonra.com.au/casualstaff

A: Please direct your queries regarding recruitment to: naplanmarking@pearson.com (preferred) or contact our helpdesk at 1800 959 427.

Please note that Pearson will be closed from 25 December 2025 to 4 January 2026 (inclusive).