Examination assistants
Examination assistants are members of staff who work in the examination room to:
- ensure that all University examinations are conducted in accordance with the University of Leeds rules and regulations.
- provide candidates with every opportunity, within the rules, to complete their examinations.
- ensure all candidates are treated in a fair and consistent manner.
- enhance the experience of candidates who require assistance in examinations, both temporarily, and on a permanent basis.
- make sure the examinations operate smoothly.
Examination assistants commonly work with students who have additional exam arrangements and who sit their examinations in special circumstances conditions.
Types of examination assistant
There are three types of examination assistants, each with different duties. They are as follows:
Amanuensis (also known as a scribe)
An amanuensis is a person employed to write on behalf of a candidate in an examination. The amanuensis will hand write answers in most cases.
The amanuensis:
- can handwrite the answers the candidate dictates, recording these in the examination script book.
- cannot ask questions, including checking spelling, nor make any comment when the candidate is dictating.
- cannot give advice or influence the candidate’s answers.
- must be independent and objective.
- may not have subject knowledge or familiarity with subject-specific terminology and spelling.
- may have a 15-minute break.
- will also work as an invigilator in exams.
The candidate:
- must work within the allocated time for the examination.
- must tell the Amanuensis the appropriate punctuation and spelling.
- must not consult with the Amanuensis about their answers.
- must check their work within the time allocated – including reading and making corrections.
- may choose to write their examination themselves.
The candidate and the Amanuensis should have the opportunity to meet before the examination.
Reader
A reader is a person employed to read on behalf of the candidate in the examination. The reader will read the instructions and the questions aloud. They can also read what the candidate has written aloud.
The reader:
- can read the questions and instructions to the candidate as often as necessary.
- must read the questions and instructions exactly as they are written on the question paper.
- can read what the candidate has written back to them, when they have finished writing.
- must not ask any questions relating to the candidate’s understanding of the examination.
- must not give any advice to the candidate.
- must be independent and objective.
- may not have subject knowledge or familiarity with subject-specific terminology and spelling.
The candidate:
- must work within the allocated time for the examination.
- must not consult with the Reader about their answers.
- must check their work within the time allocated – including reading and making corrections.
- may choose to read their examination themselves.
Prompter
Prompters assist candidates in monitoring the passage of time in an examination so that the candidate can manage their time effectively.
The prompter:
- should alert the candidate at regular interviews that they have agreed beforehand. For example, every 10 minutes.
- should alert the student as to when they should move from one task to another. For example, when a pre-arranged amount of time has elapsed.
- must not provide any other information or assistance.
The candidate:
- must agree the specific transitions and timings with the Prompter before the exam.
If you would like further information about the individual Examination Assistant roles, please email the Exams Office at examinations@leeds.ac.uk.
Obtaining a recommendation for an Examination Assistant
There are two routes for obtaining a recommendation for an Examination Assistant, depending on whether your requirements are temporary or ongoing.
Temporary requirements
If you require support from an Examination Assistant on a temporary basis, for example, as the result of a short-term injury such as a broken arm, you should discuss this with your schoo
Ongoing requirements
If you require support from an Examination Assistant on an ongoing basis, as the result of a disability or long term condition, you must:
- register with Disability Services by completing the sign-up form.
- provide Disability Services with suitable evidence of your disability or long term condition.
- complete both steps before the published deadlines, usually the Friday of teaching week four in each semester.
Disability Services will contact you to advise you of appropriate examination arrangements, including accessing support from Examination Assistants.
Finding out if you’ve been recommended an examination assistant
You should have received an email from Disability Services confirming your exam recommendations. However, you can also review the recommendations we have made by visiting the ‘Examination Arrangements’ area on Minerva.
To do this:
- Go to Minerva
- Log into Student Services
- Click on ‘Examinations’
- Select ‘Examination Arrangements’
- You will see a list of the recommendations Disability Services has made. You can find out more about checking you exam recommendations on our examination arrangements page.
Contact Disability Services
If you require further information about your exam arrangements, please contact your school or Disability Services.