NAPLAN Marking FAQ Page
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Click on a question for the most up-to-date information. Please note that information is subject to change.
General
Q: What is NESA?
A: NESA is the acronym for the NSW Education Standards Authority. They are previously known as the NSW Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES).
Q: How will marking be conducted this year?
A: In 2024, 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.
Q: When will marking begin?
A: Centre-Based Marking (Sydney)
Marking will begin as soon as marker training is completed. Training sessions will be conducted in the week of 11 March 2024.
Home-Based Marking
Marking will begin as soon as marker training is completed. Training sessions will be conducted in the week of 11 March 2024.
*Dates and times may be subject to change.
Q: When will marking conclude?
A: Marking generally runs for approximately 4 to 6 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.
Q: Will there be marking over the Easter break?
A: There will be no marking during the Easter public holiday.
Recruitment
Q: When will the main applications close?
A: Main applications closed on 11 February 2024. If you missed out on the main application window, we encourage you to apply for the reserve and we will notify you if any marking positions become available.
Q: I am new to NAPLAN Writing. What qualifications do I need to be eligible to mark NAPLAN Writing?
A: You will need to have a teaching qualification or be in your final year of study for a teaching degree in Australia to be eligible for the role.
Q: I am new to NAPLAN Writing. Are there any prerequisites for me to be eligible to mark NAPLAN Writing?
A: Please refer to the relevant job descriptions for the eligibility criteria.
Centre-Based Marker
Home-Based Marker
It is a NESA requirement for all new markers to complete one of the following free courses available on the NESA Learning Webpage:
- Assessing writing using the NAPLAN writing marking guide – narrative.
OR - Assessing writing using the NAPLAN writing marking guide – persuasive
NESA - Teachers will require a eTAMS number (NSW teacher accreditation number) to login.
Each course will contribute 11.5 hours of NESA Accredited professional development in the priority area of Delivery and assessment of NSW Curriculum/Early Years Learning Framework addressing standard descriptor 5.1.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW.
You will be required to provide us with proof of completion prior to attending live training.
Q: What is the recruitment process like for NAPLAN marking?
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.
Q: Since the completion of the NAPLAN Online Writing course does not guarantee me a position for marking, can I complete the course after I have received confirmation of employment for NAPLAN marking?
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 NAPLAN Writing course prior to attending live training.
Q: Will it be advisable for me to complete the NAPLAN Writing course prior to receiving a job offer?
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.
If you would like to complete the course for your own professional development, you can do so at any time that is suitable for your purposes. Completion of each course will contribute 11.5 hours of NESA Accredited professional development for teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW.
Q: I have marked NAPLAN previously. Do I have to complete the NAPLAN Writing Course video on the NESA learning webpage?
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 NAPLAN Writing Courses as a refresher to your previous NAPLAN Writing training.
Completion of each course will contribute 11.5 hours of NESA Accredited professional development for teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW.
Q: When will I find out if my application has been successful?
A: Main applications closed on 11 February 2024.
Applicants will be notified on a rolling basis by 25 February 2024 of the outcome of their application.
Q: I've forgotten my password to the recruitment webpage - what should I do?
A: You can access the recruitment website at: www.pearsonra.com.au/people. Enter your email user ID, then 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).
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.
Q: I would like to withdraw from this marking project. How do I inform Pearson of my withdrawal?
A: Please email: naplanmarking@pearson.com with your full name, shift and marking location. It would be very helpful for us if you could also include a brief explanation of the reason for your withdrawal.
Q: I no longer want to be contacted in the future for NAPLAN marking. How do I inform Pearson about this?
A: Please email: naplanmarking@pearson.com with your full name and state that you do not wish to be contacted in the future.
Q: I do not have a NESA accreditation number. Can I still apply for NAPLAN marking?
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. However, please be aware that no PD hours will be accredited for completing either of the writing courses through NESA Learning hub.
Marking
Q: What are the shift times required of centre-based markers during the live marking period?
A: The shifts for centre-based markers are as follows:
Weekday Day 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
Q: Where is the Sydney Marking and Training Centre?
A: The Sydney Marking and Training Centre is located at:
Canterbury Park Racecourse
King Street
Canterbury, NSW 2193
Q: Will parking be available at the venue?
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.
Q: What are the break times for centre-based marking?
A: Centre-based marking (Sydney)
Day Shift
30 minute lunch break
15 minute tea break
Evening Shift
30 minute dinner break
Home Marking
Q: Can I mark from home?
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.
Q: I live in the Sydney metropolitan area, can I apply for home marking this year?
A: In 2024, 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.
Q: I am a home-based marker. How much time am I expected to commit to marking from home?
A: It is expected for home-based markers to commit to at least 4 hours of marking (including 2 hours of continuous marking during the mandatory marking period) per day, for a minimum of 6 days per week during the live marking period.
Q: What are the shift times required of home-based markers during the live marking period?
A: Home-based markers are required to commit to at least 4 hours* of marking (with appropriate breaks) for a minimum of 6 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.
Q: I am a home-based marker. Do I need to attend training at the Sydney Marking Centre?
A: In 2024, live training for home-based markers will be conducted in multiple formats, both on location at training centres around NSW, and remotely online. New markers are expected to attend training on location at one of our several training centres. Further details will be provided closer to the training date.
Q: I am applying for a home marker position. How can I check if my PC is suitable for marking?
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.
Q: I am applying for a home marker position. How can I check if my MAC is suitable for marking?
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.
Group Leader
Q: I have marked previously and would like to apply for a Group Leader position. How do I do this?
A: Click here to apply for NAPLAN Group Leading & Professional Leading.
Q: What are the shift times for Group Leaders during the live marking period?
A: All group leaders are required to work a 5-day weekday shift (Day or Evening), AND one weekend shift (Saturday or Sunday) during the live marking period.
The shifts for Group Leaders are as follows:
Weekday Day 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.
Training
Q: What training will I be required to complete?
A: In 2024, all markers are required to complete the ACARA online module AND attend a live training session. New markers are expected to attend training on location at one of our several training centres.
Group Leaders and Professional Leaders will also be required to attend role specific training in the lead up to live marking.
Please see below for additional information.
Q: What are the training dates and times?
Markers are required to complete the ACARA online training modules at their own pace starting from 13 March 2024. This must be completed before you attend live training.
Sydney Training and Marking Centre
Group Leader Training
Date: 16 March 2024
Time: 9:30am - 3:00pm
Centre Marker Training
Date: 18 March 2024
Time: Day 8:00am - 3:00pm OR Evening 4:00pm - 8:45pm
Note: Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of your shift for registration.
Home Marker Training
Following the completion of the ACARA online training module, home markers are required to attend online live training event or attend a training venue in person. We strongly encourage all markers to attend a training venue, however, new markers are expected to attend training in person. Please email naplanmarking@pearson.com to request for a change if you wish to attend a training venue instead.
Date: 17 March 2024 (onsite Sydney & Regional Areas)
Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm
OR
Date: 18 March 2024 (Online)
Time: Day 9:00am - 1:30pm OR Evening 4:00pm - 8:30pm
*Dates/times subject to change.*
Q: Where should I attend training?
Centre-based markers will attend training at the Sydney Marking Centre (refer to venues). We highly encourage all markers to attend a training venue, however, new markers are expected to attend training in person.
If you are a home marker, you will be attending training at training centres around NSW. Training venues are:
Sydney: Canterbury Park Racecourse
Newcastle: Novotel Newcastle Beach
Canberra: Thoroughbred Park
Orange: ibis Styles Orange
If you are unable to attend a training venue, a remote training session is available. Please email naplanmarking@pearson.com at least 5 days before the start of training to request for this change.
Q: Will I be paid for attending training?
A: Please refer to the 'Pay' section in this FAQ.
Q: Do I have to attend training?
A: Yes, attendance for training is compulsory for all Markers and Group Leaders regardless of whether you are new or have worked with us before. New markers are expected to attend training on location at one of our several training centres. You will be required to complete the training program prior to marking.
Q: I have completed the NESA NAPLAN Writing Course online. Does this mean that I do not have to attend live training?
A: It is compulsory for all markers to attend live training at their registered training centres to be eligible for live marking, regardless of whether they have completed the NESA NAPLAN Writing Course.
Pay
Q: What are the remuneration rates?
A: Pay rates for 2024 NAPLAN marking are as follows:
Centre-based marker: $53.05 per hour
Home-based marker: $5.25 per script, $1.00 per blank script (live marking); $53.05 per hour (training)
Group Leader: $63.80 per hour
Professional Leader: $76.11 per hour
Q: Will I be paid for attending training?
A: Yes, you will be paid at the hourly rate that applies to your role.
If you are a centre-based marker, please also 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.
Q: Am I paid for breaks?
A: Meal breaks (lunch and dinner) are not paid. Morning tea break is paid.
Q: I do not have my payroll (ADP) login details. Who should I contact?
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. If you cannot find the email, you may contact prapayroll@pearson.com with the subject line: Payroll Login Details - Your full name.
* Please allow up to 5 business days for your request to be processed.
Q: When is the pay date?
A: Payments are made on a fortnightly basis; the first fortnightly payment will be on 28 March 2024. 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.
NESA & PD Hours
Q: I am having difficulties accessing the NESA NAPLAN Writing Course, who should I contact for assistance?
A: Please direct your queries regarding the NAPLAN Writing Course to the NAPLAN Writing Course Helpdesk.
Email: naplan.nsw@nesa.nsw.edu.au
Telephone: (02) 9367 8382
Q: How many Accredited professional development hours am I eligible to receive for completion of a NESA Learning writing course?
A: Completion of each course will contribute 11.5 hours of NESA Accredited professional development for teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW.
Contact Us
Q: What do I do if I have any general recruitment/payroll questions?
A: In the first instance, please check our FAQs for recruitment and payroll: https://www.pearsonra.com.au/casualstaff
Q: My question is not answered here, how can I contact you for more information?
A: Please direct your queries regarding recruitment to: naplanmarking@pearson.com (preferred) or contact our helpdesk at 1800 959 427.