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 2025, 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 10 March 2025.

Home-Based Marking
Marking will begin as soon as marker training is completed. Training sessions will be conducted in the week of 10 March 2025.

*Note: 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: How do I apply for NAPLAN Marking?

A: Click here to apply for NSW NAPLAN Marking.

Q: Do I need to re-apply if I've marked NAPLAN in the past for Pearson?

A: Yes. You are required to apply to confirm that you are available and willing to commit to the dates for marking. Reapplying should take only a few minutes as you will have an existing profile in our recruitment system.
Click here to apply for NSW NAPLAN Marking.

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 been teaching English or Social Sciences in an Australian Primary or Secondary School for at least 1 year, or hold NESA Conditional or Provisional Accreditation.

Q: I am new to NAPLAN Writing. Are there any prerequisites for me to be eligible to mark?

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 via the NESA Learning Webpage:
Assessing writing using the NAPLAN writing marking guide – narrative
OR
Assessing writing using the NAPLAN writing marking guide – persuasive

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 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.
Prerequisite course must be complete by 28 February 2025.

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

Each course will contribute 11.5 hours of NESA Professional Development Log 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.

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 Online Writing course prior to the commencement of live training.

Q: Will it be advisable for me to complete the NAPLAN Online 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. The NAPLAN Writing Course must be completed by 28 Feb 2025.

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.

Each course will contribute 11.5 hours of NESA Professional Development Log 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."

Q: I have marked NAPLAN previously. Do I have to complete the NAPLAN Online 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 Online Writing Course. However, you are more than welcome to access the NAPLAN Online Writing Courses as a refresher to your previous NAPLAN Writing training.

Each course will contribute 11.5 hours of NESA Professional Development Log 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.

Q: When will I find out if my application has been successful?

A: Main applications close on 27 January 2025. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application on a rolling basis by 14 February 2025.

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. 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.

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. 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 go towards maintaining your NSW Proficient Teacher accreditation upon completing either of the writing courses through NESA Learning hub.

Centre 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 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

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)
Morning 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 2025, 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 live in the ACT. Can I apply for marking in NSW?

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 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 2025, 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 encouraged to attend face-to-face training. 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: Please note in your application that you are interested in a Group Leader position.
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 (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.

Training
Q: What training will I be required to complete?

A: In 2025, all markers are required to complete the ACARA online module AND attend a live training session. New markers are encouraged to attend face-to-face live training. Specific training dates and requirements will be updated when available.

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.

NB: 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.

Q: What are the training dates and times?

Training sessions will be conducted in the week of 10 March 2025. Further information will be provided in early 2025.

Q: Where should I attend training?

Centre-based markers will attend training at the Sydney Marking Centre.

If you are a home marker, you will be attending training either online or at one of the training centres around NSW or ACT. More information will be provided closer to the training dates. New markers are encouraged to attend face-to-face training.

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, training is compulsory for all markers and group leaders regardless of whether you are new or have worked with us before. You will be required to complete the training program prior to the start of marking. New markers are encouraged to attend face-to-face live training.

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 to be eligible for live marking, regardless of whether they have completed the NESA NAPLAN Writing Course, Assessing Writing using the NAPLAN marking guide. New markers are encouraged to attend face-to-face live training.

Pay
Q: What are the remuneration rates?

A: The current pay rates for NAPLAN 2025 are detailed below:

Centre-based marker: $54.64 per hour
Home-based marker: $5.40 per script, $1.00 per blank script (live marking); $54.64 per hour (training)
Group Leader: $65.71 per hour
Professional Leader: $78.40 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 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.

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 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

Q: How many professional development hours am I eligible to receive for completion of a NESA Learning writing course?

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.

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.

Please note that Pearson will be closed from 25 December 2024 to 1 January 2025 (inclusive).