Frequently Asked Questions

If this is you have previously marked NSW NAPLAN with Pearson, and are interested in marking with us again, we hope you'll find the answers to your questions here.

We're grateful to have experienced markers return to support NSW NAPLAN each year, thank you for your ongoing efforts to make this important work a success.

Returning markers will need to submit a new application for a marking role each year. Our recruitment team will let you know when applications open and invite you to apply. 

General

Refresh your understanding of the overall approach to NSW NAPLAN marking

Will I need to attend the marking centre, or can I work from home?

You will have the option to work from our marking centre at the Canterbury Park Racecourse in Sydney, or to work from home. We can also change your work location later if your circumstances change.

As a returning marker, you will be able to participate in the training workshop online from home, or in-person at our marking centre.

When will marking begin?

Training sessions will be conducted in the week of 8 March 2027. Marking will take place from Monday 15 March for approximately four to six weeks. There will be no marking over the Easter break.

What does a typical day of marking look like?

We know that many markers will have jobs or other commitments. When marking for Pearson, we expect that you will be available for one shift per day, six days per week during the marking period.

 

There are different shifts for centre-based markers and home markers: please check the FAQs below to see how shifts work for each role. 

When will marking conclude?

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 during the live marking period.

Q: Will there be marking over the Easter break?

There will be no marking during the Easter public holidays.

Do I need to be available for the entire marking period?

Yes, if you are offered a role to mark NSW NAPLAN 2027 we will need you to be available during the entire marking period. We work hard to ensure all exams are marked promptly and the results are shared back with NESA and the schools as quickly as possible.

Am I able to travel overseas and continue marking on my trip?

No, all marking must be completed within Australia. Our platforms are geolocked and you will not be able to access the live marking if you're outside the country. International travel may make you ineligible to mark NSW NAPLAN: please discuss any travel plans with our team during your phone interview.

Recruitment

Find out more about the application and recruitment process.

How do I apply for NAPLAN Marking?

Applications are not yet open for 2027 marking roles. Click here to register your interest in applying for a marking role in 2027, and our team will email you when applications open: link

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

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 express your interest in applying for NSW NAPLAN Marking. link

What is the recruitment process like for returning markers?

If you have previously marked with us Pearson, the process will be slightly quicker than the first year that you applied:

  1. Receive invitation to apply: You'll receive an email from our recruitment team when applications open, inviting you to submit an application
  2. Submission of your application: You'll need to submit your formal application for a marking role this year, as we run a new recruitment process each year.
  3. 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. You will not need to complete a phone interview with our team as a returning marker.
  4. 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. 
I've marked before: does that mean my application to mark again will be successful?

Pearson is required to recruit a mixture of returning and new candidates to mark NSW NAPLAN each year, so it isn't guaranteed that you will be recruited again this year even if you have marked for Pearson previously. Returning markers will still need to submit an application to mark again next year to be considered, and each application will be considered on it's unique merits, and the requirements of the project this year.

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

Main applications will close on 27 January 2027. Applicants will be notified via email by 28 February 2027 of the outcome of their application.

If I'm unsuccessful this year, can I apply again next year?

Yes you are welcome to reapply even if you have applied to mark in the past and been unsuccessful. Each year our requirements may differ and each year we run a fresh recruitment process.

I don't know my login details (my username and/or password) to the recruitment portal - what should I do?

Click here to reset your password for our recruitment portal: https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGnewUI/Search/Home/Home?partnerid=25297&siteid=5450#ForgotUsernamePassword

Or you can Contact Us: link

I do not have a NESA accreditation number. Can I still apply for NAPLAN marking?

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.

I would like to withdraw from this marking project. How do I inform Pearson of my withdrawal?

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.

I no longer want to be contacted in the future for NAPLAN marking. How do I inform Pearson about this?

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

I need to travel within Australia and will not have reliable internet access for a few days during live marking, can I still apply?

Yes you can still apply - please make our recruitment team aware of all your planned travel, including school camps and other commitments that will take you away from reliable internet access or otherwise disrupt your regular commitment to marking. 

If we are not notified of periods when you are unable to meet the requirements of the role, you may be withdrawn from marking.

NESA Courses

To be eligible to mark NSW NAPLAN, you must have completed at least one of these free professional accreditation courses that are offered by NESA:

  • Assessing writing using the NAPLAN writing marking guide – narrative
  • Assessing writing using the NAPLAN writing marking guide – persuasive

If you've completed these courses in previous years, you will not need to complete them again.

I have marked NAPLAN previously. Do I have to complete the NESA NAPLAN Writing course again?

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.

I have questions about the NESA Courses, who can I contact?

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

Centre Marking

Find out more about marking NAPLAN from our Marking and Training Centre.

What are the working hours and shift times for centre-based markers during the live marking period?

Centre-based markers work 6 days per week during live marking: Monday-Friday every week, and also work either Saturday or Sunday. 

You can choose to work either Mornings or Evenings, and you can choose which weekend shift works best for you as well.
We all take a break over the Easter holidays.

The shifts for centre-based markers are:

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

Where is the Sydney Marking and Training Centre?

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

Will parking be available at the venue?

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.

What are the break times for centre-based marking?

Centre-Based Marking (Sydney)
Morning Shift

30 minute lunch break
15 minute tea break (paid)

Evening Shift
30 minute dinner break

Can I change from being a centre-based marker to marking from home?

Yes we can usually accommodate changes like this. Please Contact Us to discuss your options: naplanmarking@pearson.com

Home Marking

Find out more about pamarking NSW NAPLAN from home. 

Can I mark from home?

Yes, as a returning marker you can choose to mark from home. Please apply for a role as a Home Marker if you'd like to complete live marking at home.

As a returning marker, you will be scheduled to attend the training workshop online from home: if you prefer to attend the training in person, please contact our recruitment team: naplanmarking@pearson.com

Am I able to travel overseas and continue marking on my trip?

No, all marking must be completed within Australia. Our platforms are geolocked and you will not be able to access the live marking if you're outside the country. International travel may make you ineligible to mark NSW NAPLAN: please discuss any travel plans with our team during your phone interview.

I live in the ACT. Can I apply for marking in NSW?

Yes, we encourage you to apply for a home-marking role if you live in the ACT. Our recruitment team will work with ACT markers to deliver training remotely.

I live interstate, can I apply for NSW NAPLAN marking?

NSW NAPLAN markers will need to have experience teaching the NSW curriculum in either NSW or ACT. If you have experience that matches this requirement, please submit your application for a home-based marking role. If your teaching experience has been entirely based in other states or countries, you will not be suitable for these roles.  

I have marked NSW NAPLAN before, and will be marking from home: do I need to attend any in-person training?

No, as a returning marker, you will be scheduled to attend the training workshop online from home: if you prefer to attend the training in person, please contact our recruitment team: naplanmarking@pearson.com

Will I be reimbursed for my internet usage or home office expenses?

No, Pearson will not reimburse charges for internet usage or home office expenses. If you need Pearson to supply a computer and internet connection, we're happy to accommodate you in-person at our Marking and Training Centre.

Can I change from being a home-marker to a centre-based marker?

Yes we're happy to welcome you to our Marking and Training Centre. If you'd like to change from being home-based to work from our Centre, please Contact Us: naplanmarking@pearson.com

Group Leaders

Group Leaders play a critical role in supporting markers throughout NSW NAPLAN, acting as the first port of call for markers who need help with anything from how to mark a specific question to managing their shifts. Group Leaders are supported in turn by Professional Leaders, our most experienced returning markers. 

What are the shift times for Group Leaders during the live marking period?

All group leaders are required to work 6 days a week during live marking: Monday - Friday (morning or evening shift), AND one weekend shift, either Saturday or Sunday. 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

Are Group Leaders centre-based or home-based?

Group leaders can be located in the Marking and Training centre or be home-based. Please apply for the role that works best for you. 

Do Group Leaders attend training online from home, or in-person?

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 the training workshop in person at our Marking and Training Centre.

What is the Group Leader training schedule?

Date: TBD
Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Location: Sydney Training and Marking Centre

Training

In 2027, NSW NAPLAN marking training consists of three parts:

  • online modules completed at home, at your own pace, within the training week.
  • workshop with Pearson staff: returning markers may opt to join this session online, from home.
  • practical marking practice: completed online in our marking platform. You can complete this training either in-person or from your home.

Please refer to the Calendar section of this website for the detailed training schedule. Your own personalised training schedule will also be shared with you via email.

Training will take the equivalent of up to two days, beginning the week of 8 March 2027.

What are the training dates and times?

Markers will receive emails with information about completing the online training modules in February 2027: these modules should be finished before the training workshop.

Group Leader Training Workshop
Date: TBD
Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Location: Sydney Training and Marking Centre
 
Returning Marker Training Workshop
Date: TBD
Time: 11:00am - 2:00pm
Location: Online
Note:  Please plan to log in at least 30 minutes before the start of your shift for registration.

*Dates/times subject to change.*

Will I be paid for attending training?

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

Q: Do I have to attend training?

Yes, annual training is mandatory for all roles, including for people who have marked NSW NAPLAN previously. Applicants who do not complete training will not be able to begin live marking.

I have dietary requirements - is catering provided at the training workshop?

Yes we provide catering for this workshop. If you have dietary requirements please Contact Us to let us know: naplanmarking@pearson.com

Pay

Find out more about the pay rates for marking roles, timesheeting and the pay schedule.

What are the pay rates for live marking?

The current pay rates for NSW NAPLAN 2027 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

Will I be paid for attending training?

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

Am I paid for breaks?

Centre-based markers will be paid for their morning tea break on the morning shift. Lunch and Dinner breaks are not paid.

Home-based markers are paid per script that is marked, and will not be paid for breaks during live marking.

Do I need to keep a timesheet?

You will need to keep a timesheet if you are marking from our Sydney Marking Centre. Pearson will provide timesheeting software for you to use to track your hours.

If you are marking from home, you will not need to keep a timesheet. Our marking platform will automatically calculate the scripts you have marked and you will be paid accordingly.

I do not have my login details for the payroll portal, ADP. Who should I contact?

Your login details for our payroll portal, ADP, will be emailed to you once marking begins.

If you need help locating your ADP login details please contact us <link>

When is the pay date?

Payments are made on a fortnightly basis; the first fortnightly payment will be on 25 March 2027. 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.

Technical Support

We use a variety of platforms to enable our recruitment, payroll, training and live marking. 

If you need help with our digital tools, please start a live chat with our team now by clicking the widget in the bottom corner of this screen.

Or you can Contact Us: link

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