Gauteng Department of Education Exam Assistants 2026 (x1,537 Posts)

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) is inviting applications for Examination Assistant and Quality Assurer opportunities for the 2026 examination period.

A total of 1,537 opportunities are available across Gauteng, comprising 277 Examination Assistant positions and 1,260 Quality Assurer positions.

These opportunities may be particularly suitable for registered tertiary students, unemployed graduates and unemployed people with tertiary qualifications who meet the academic requirements.

Applications opened on 26 August 2026 and will close on 08 September 2026.

Importantly, applicants must use the correct reference number for the district, Head Office or marking centre where they are applying. The Gauteng Department of Education warns that failure to quote the specific reference number may result in an application not being processed.

Quick Overview

Department: Gauteng Department of Education
Directorate: Examinations Management
Province: Gauteng
Opportunities: Examination Assistants and Quality Assurers
Examination Assistants: 277 positions
Quality Assurers: 1,260 positions
Total opportunities: 1,537
Package: As per applicable Personnel Administrative Measures (PAM) rates
Opening date: 26 August 2026
Closing date: 08 September 2026
Enquiries: Mr Harry Culling
Telephone: 010 601 8082
Email: ExamAssistants@gauteng.gov.za

Who Can Apply?

The Gauteng Department of Education requires applicants to have an appropriate recognised academic qualification.

Applicants should have one of the following:

Senior Certificate;
National Senior Certificate;
National Senior Certificate Vocational; or
an equivalent recognised qualification.

However, having Matric alone does not necessarily mean that every applicant qualifies.

The advert specifically states that applications are open to:

registered students at tertiary institutions;
unemployed persons with one or more tertiary qualifications; and
unemployed graduates.

Applicants must also possess advanced numerical skills, with Mathematics or Accounting as a compulsory subject.

Students who are in their second year of tertiary study or above will be advantaged.

Previous experience in examinations administration as an Examination Assistant, whether at a marking centre or in an office-based environment, should also be indicated when applying.

Who May NOT Apply?

Applicants should pay careful attention to the exclusions contained in the advert.

The following people may not apply and will not be considered:

Persons writing the National Senior Certificate examinations in 2026;
Persons writing Senior Certificate examinations in 2026;
Persons writing AET examinations in 2026;
Persons who have taken the VSP; and
Persons who are employed elsewhere.

This means the opportunity is primarily targeted at eligible tertiary students and unemployed applicants who can participate in the examination administration process without a conflict of interest.

Examination Assistant Positions x277

Examination Assistants will be placed at the Exams District Offices and Head Office.

Applicants must use the reference number corresponding with the location for which they are applying.

Location	Reference Number
Head Office	HO26
Gauteng North	GN26
Gauteng West	GW26
Tshwane North	TN26
Tshwane South	TS26
Gauteng East	GE26
Ekurhuleni North	EN26
Sedibeng East	SE26
Sedibeng West	SW26
Johannesburg East	JE26
Johannesburg North	JN26
Johannesburg South	JS26
Johannesburg Central	JC26
Johannesburg West	JW26
Tshwane West	TW26
Ekurhuleni South	ES26

What Will Examination Assistants Do?

Successful Examination Assistants will support the administration, movement, checking and safekeeping of examination scripts.

Their responsibilities include:

Receiving examination scripts daily;
Checking and controlling scripts;
Scanning scripts;
Packing scripts for marking;
Indexing and archiving scripts after marking;
Checking that the correct number of scripts and marksheets are received for each batch, subject, paper and examination session;
Ensuring scripts are packed for the correct marking venue;
Identifying and helping resolve discrepancies;
Ensuring script bags contain the required MP Flow control lists;
Ensuring bags are tagged with the correct colour-coded marking venue labels;
Creating marking centre files for scripts being dispatched;
Assisting with the dispatch of scripts to marking venues; and
Receiving, controlling and archiving marked scripts at Head Office for retrieval when required.

Accuracy is extremely important because Examination Assistants work with official examination material.

Quality Assurer Positions x1,260

The Gauteng Department of Education is also recruiting 1,260 Quality Assurers who will work at designated marking centres.

Applicants must use the reference number corresponding with their selected marking centre.

Marking Centre	Reference Number
Alberton High School	Alberton High School26
Allen Glen High School	Allen Glen High School26
Hoerskool Garsfontein	Hoerskool Garsfontein26
Hoerskool President	Hoerskool President26
Nokuthula Special School	Nokuthula Special School26
Bracken High School	Bracken High School26
Bryanston High School	Bryanston High School26
Florida High School	Florida High School26
Hoerskool Alberton	Hoerskool Alberton26
Hoerskool Birchleigh	Hoerskool Birchleigh26
Hoerskool Dinamika	Hoerskool Dinamika26
Hoerskool Voortrekker	Hoerskool Voortrekker26
Parktown Boys High School	Parktown Boys High School26
Queens High School	Queens High School26
Rand Girls High School	Rand Girls High School26
Rand Park Ridge High School	Rand Park Ridge High School26
UJ Metropolitan High School	UJ Metropolitan High School26
Hoerskool Elspark	Hoerskool Elspark26
Hoerskool Florida	Hoerskool Florida26
Ferndale High School	Ferndale High School26
Greenside High School	Greenside High School26
Mondeor High School	Mondeor High School26
Sir John Adams High School	Sir John Adams High School26

What Does a Quality Assurer Do?

Quality Assurers play an important role during the examination marking process.

Their duties include:

Receiving, controlling and distributing scripts to marking teams;
Checking the number of scripts and marksheets in each batch;
Assisting with the control, distribution and scanning of examination scripts;
Checking that all questions have been marked;
Checking that marks have been added correctly;
Ensuring marks are correctly transferred to the front cover of each examination script;
Checking that the total mark on each script is correct;
Ensuring the total is correctly transferred to the marksheet;
Identifying discrepancies;
Ensuring marking teams make the necessary corrections to scripts and marksheets;
Reconciling the number of examination scripts; and
Arranging scripts numerically according to subject and paper for indexed archival after marking.

The work therefore requires a high level of concentration, numerical ability and attention to detail.

Why Mathematics or Accounting Matters

The GDE specifically requires applicants to possess advanced numerical skills, with Mathematics or Accounting as a compulsory subject.

This requirement makes sense considering the nature of the work.

Quality Assurers, for example, may need to check whether marks have been added correctly and whether totals have been accurately transferred from scripts to marksheets.

A small numerical error could affect examination records, which is why accuracy is essential.

You Must Be Able to Work Under Pressure

The Gauteng Department of Education states that the nature of examination administration is linked to tight deadlines.

Successful applicants must therefore be able to work under pressure.

Candidates should be comfortable working in an environment where:

accuracy is critical;
large numbers of examination scripts are processed;
deadlines must be met;
documents must be carefully controlled; and
mistakes must be identified and corrected quickly.

Questions You May Be Asked During the Application

Applicants should be prepared to answer eligibility questions including:

Have you passed Matric or an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification?
Are you currently registered as a tertiary student?
What is your current or highest year of study at tertiary level?
Have you passed Mathematics/Mathematical Literacy at Matric or tertiary level?
Have you passed Accounting at Matric or tertiary level?
How many years of experience do you have as an Examination Assistant or Quality Assurer?

Applicants should answer these questions accurately.

Previous Examination Assistant Experience

Previous experience is relevant to this recruitment process.

If you previously worked as an Examination Assistant, indicate whether your experience was:

office based;
at a marking centre; or
in another examination administration environment.

Do not claim experience you do not have.

How to Apply

APPLY FOR THE GAUTENG EDUCATION EXAM ASSISTANTS 2026 HERE

Applications opened on 26 August 2026.

The closing date is: 08 September 2026

No applications were to be considered before the official opening date.

When completing your application, make sure you select the correct position/location and quote the corresponding reference number.

This is extremely important.

The Department specifically states that:

The specific reference number of the post must be quoted. Failure to comply with this instruction will disqualify applications from being processed.

Applicants interested in an Examination Assistant position should therefore use the applicable district or Head Office reference number.

Those applying to become Quality Assurers should use the reference number corresponding with the relevant marking centre.

Enquiries

For enquiries relating to the Gauteng Department of Education Examination Assistant and Quality Assurer recruitment:

Contact person: Mr Harry Culling
Telephone: 010 601 8082
Email: ExamAssistants@gauteng.gov.za

Applicants should use the official application process rather than sending applications to the enquiry email unless specifically instructed to do so by the application platform.

Before Submitting Your Application

Edupstairs recommends checking the following before submitting:

You meet the academic requirements.
You fall within one of the eligible applicant categories.
You are not writing NSC, Senior Certificate or AET examinations in 2026.
You are not currently employed elsewhere.
You have correctly stated your Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy or Accounting background.
You have accurately indicated your tertiary year of study.
You have included previous Examination Assistant/Quality Assurer experience where applicable.
You have selected the correct location.
You have entered the correct reference number.
You submit your application before 08 September 2026.

Employment Equity

The Provincial Government of Gauteng states that it is committed to achieving and maintaining diversity and equity in employment, particularly in relation to race, gender and disability.

Applicants should nevertheless ensure that they meet the specific eligibility and academic requirements of the opportunity.

Tools you may find useful:

View Other Employment Opportunities here

Need Help?

Edupstairs Advice

With 1,537 opportunities available, this recruitment drive may attract a very large number of applicants.

Do not rush through the application simply because you meet the basic requirements.

Pay particular attention to your reference number, tertiary study information, Mathematics/Accounting background and previous examination administration experience.

The work itself also carries considerable responsibility. Examination Assistants and Quality Assurers handle sensitive examination material and help ensure that scripts and marks are properly controlled during one of the most important stages of the academic year.

Applicants should therefore approach these opportunities as professional examination-administration roles requiring accuracy, reliability, confidentiality, numerical ability and the capacity to work under pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many GDE Exam Assistant opportunities are available?

The recruitment includes 277 Examination Assistant positions and 1,260 Quality Assurer positions, giving a combined total of 1,537 opportunities.

When do applications close?

Applications close on 08 September 2026.

Can Matriculants apply?

Applicants must have passed Matric or an appropriate equivalent qualification, but the advert further limits eligible candidates to registered tertiary students, unemployed people with tertiary qualifications and unemployed graduates. Applicants should therefore assess themselves against the complete requirements rather than the Matric requirement alone.

Can first-year university students apply?

Registered tertiary students may apply, but the Department states that second-year and above tertiary students will be advantaged.

Can unemployed graduates apply?

Yes. Unemployed graduates are specifically included among the eligible applicants.

Can employed people apply?

No. The advert states that persons employed elsewhere may not apply and will not be considered.

Can Grade 12 learners writing Matric in 2026 apply?

No. Persons writing the National Senior Certificate, Senior Certificate or AET examinations during 2026 may not apply.

Do I need Mathematics?

Applicants need advanced numerical skills, with Mathematics or Accounting as a compulsory subject, according to the advertised requirements.

Do I need previous Examination Assistant experience?

The advert asks applicants to indicate previous examinations-administration experience as an Examination Assistant where applicable. Applicants without previous experience should not falsely claim experience.

Where will Quality Assurers work?

Quality Assurers will work at designated marking centres across Gauteng, including schools in Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Tshwane and surrounding areas listed in the advert.

What happens if I use the wrong reference number?

The Department warns that the specific reference number must be quoted and failure to comply will disqualify applications from being processed. Applicants should double-check this before submitting.

When will successful applicants hear back?

Due to the anticipated large volume of applications, applications will be electronically acknowledged.

The Department states that if you have not received a response by 01 December 2026, you should accept that your application was unsuccessful.

You can also:

Application Outcome Tracker (anonymous)

No names collected. This helps future applicants understand real-world timelines.

Have you applied for this opportunity?

Total responses: 0

Disclaimer

Edupstairs is an independent information platform and is not the Gauteng Department of Education or the Gauteng Provincial Government.

Applicants should always verify application instructions and information on the official Gauteng Government/Gauteng Department of Education recruitment platform before submitting an application.

Never pay anyone to secure an Examination Assistant or Quality Assurer position.

Opening date: 26 August 2026
Closing date: 08 September 2026

EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY

Gauteng Department of Education Exam Assistants 2026: X1,537 Examination Assistant and Quality Assurer Opportunities