An examination supervisor is responsible for monitoring students during exams to ensure that no cheating occurs and that someone is available to answer any questions. Despite the fact that teachers frequently proctor exams for students, some schools hire an outside examination supervisor for larger testing events, such as when the entire school is taking an exam. Depending on whether the school requires it or not, students who pursue online or distance learning may also need to hire a proctor to independently proctor exams. It’s a straightforward job, but it necessitates a high level of honesty.
Initially, the examination supervisor may need to ensure that all of the materials students require, such as writing materials and calculators, are readily available. He or she must also make certain that there are enough exams available and that they have not been tampered with in any way. When students arrive to take the exam, the examination supervisor must take attendance and ensure that everyone is present. Depending on the type of test, this may include verifying student identification to ensure that the correct students are taking the test.
The examination supervisor will then hand out the tests, explain the instructions, and keep an eye on the students as they complete the exams to ensure no one is cheating. To ensure that all students are behaving honestly, this is the most important part of an examination supervisor’s job description. If students have any questions about the exam or need to leave the room for any reason, they must first consult with the examination supervisor to see if it is permissible. Students may not be allowed to leave for the duration of the test without their scores being invalidated, depending on the test.
The supervisor’s job then is to notify students when time is up and collect the exams, making sure they are handled properly — for example, if they must be sealed in an envelope. The examination supervisor is responsible for the exams until they are submitted to whomever is supposed to receive them, and they should not be left out of sight. Because no one else will be directly supervising him or her, anyone who wants to supervise exams should be very responsible and capable of working independently. It is not a difficult job, but it does necessitate the development of certain important qualities in order to be successful.