Are you looking for a reliable casual role?
The Exam Supervisor role at TAFE NSW offers flexible, state-wide opportunities to support students and maintain the integrity of assessment processes across campuses. It’s ideal for people who value reliability, compliance, and education outcomes.
If you’re looking to apply for the Exam Supervisor job in NSW, this guide walks you through everything: key responsibilities, eligibility, how to apply, example cover letter and an example answer to the required target question.
If you’re new to public sector recruitment, check out this unofficial guide to NSW Public Sector recruitment for more insider tips and context.
Table of Contents
Exam Supervisor TAFE NSW Salary and Overview
| Position Title | Exam Supervisor |
|---|---|
| Organisation/Entity | TAFE NSW |
| Job Location | Statewide (Subject to Campus Availability) |
| Work Type | Casual |
| Base Pay | $31.94 per hour |
| Closing Date | 1 June 2025, 11:55 PM AEST |
About the Exam Supervisor Job with TAFE NSW
TAFE NSW is recruiting a state-wide talent pool of Exam Supervisors to support exam delivery across campuses. This is a casual job where you’ll be responsible for setting up exam spaces, checking IDs, monitoring sessions, and ensuring all protocols are followed.
The Exam Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the conduct of examinations, ensuring they run smoothly, fairly, and in line with all relevant rules and regulations. This includes supervising students during exams, providing clear instructions, and performing associated administrative and clerical tasks. The role also supports quality assurance processes to uphold consistency and continuous improvement in exam delivery.
Key challenges include managing irregular work schedules, applying various exam rules simultaneously, and adapting to the needs of students requiring special arrangements.
The position sits within the Class Support team and directly contributes to education integrity. As a public sector employer, TAFE NSW provides training, flexible rosters, and the opportunity to work across multiple sites.
Why The Exam Supervisor Position Is a Great Opportunity
This is a great entry point into the NSW public sector with plenty of flexibility. You’ll gain experience in education operations and compliance, and become eligible for future roles via the talent pool. Benefits include:
- Flexible locations across regional and metro NSW
- Talent pool recruitment with potential for more shifts
- Valuable contribution to education and student outcomes
- Opportunities to work across multiple campuses and teams
TAFE Application Requirements for Exam Supervisor
Exam Supervisor Application Process
- Submit your resume (PDF format)
- Respond to a Target Question (max 300 words)
There is no requirement for a cover letter, but it is always recommended that you write one to introduce yourself. A short, one page cover letter can help you start to build a relationship with your future employer.
Your written response to the target question acts as your primary assessment. You’ll submit your application via I Work for NSW.
Applications close Sunday, 1 June 2025 at 11:55 PM AEST
Exam Supervisor Role Requirements
In your cover letter, make sure you address these essential role requirements:
- Ability to supervise and coordinate groups of students
- Strong attention to detail
- Administrative and clerical task experience
- Flexibility with exam formats
- Working with Children Check clearance
Click here to download a free public sector cover letter template.
Exam Supervisor Target Questions
The target question for this role is:
Please outline your demonstrated ability to supervise and coordinate groups of students.
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) in your response to the target question.
Exam Supervisor Job Application Checklist
| ✅ | Read the full job ad on I Work for NSW |
| ✅ | Download the free cover letter template |
| ✅ | Prepare your 300-word response to the Target Question |
| ✅ | Ensure you have a current Working with Children Check |
| ✅ | Get your cover letter reviewed – only $29 |
Candidate Profile
Amara is a dedicated and organised professional returning to the workforce after raising a family. She brings strong administrative skills from her previous role as an Office Manager in a small business, where she managed day-to-day operations, coordinated schedules, and ensured accurate record-keeping. In recent years, she has remained actively engaged through volunteer roles at her children’s primary school, helping run student events and supporting exam-style activities in the classroom.
Amara is seeking to re-enter the workforce through flexible, part-time opportunities. The Exam Supervisor role at TAFE NSW is an ideal fit—providing meaningful work, exposure to public sector administration, and a structured environment where her strong attention to detail, calm under pressure, and people-focused approach will be valued. She is reliable, confident working with children, and holds a current Working with Children Check. This opportunity will help her build recent experience as she transitions toward full-time work next year.
Example Cover Letter For Exam Supervisor At TAFE
Click here to download a free public sector cover letter template.
Dear Hiring Panel,
I’m writing to express my interest in the Exam Supervisor talent pool at TAFE NSW. I have also attached my response to the target question.
As a reliable and organised professional returning to the workforce, I bring a strong foundation in administration and people coordination, along with a deep understanding of working with children and young adults in structured settings.
In my previous role as an Office Manager, I handled a wide range of administrative and clerical duties—from managing schedules and records to preparing materials for staff meetings. These skills have remained sharp through my recent volunteer work at my children’s school, where I helped coordinate student events and supported assessment-style activities, ensuring instructions were followed and students stayed on task.
During one Year 6 assessment session, I was asked to step in and supervise a group of students with different test formats and timing requirements. I quickly adjusted seating and instructions to support their needs—demonstrating flexibility and attention to detail in a live setting.
I am confident managing small groups, maintaining a calm and professional presence, and ensuring exam environments run smoothly and fairly. I hold a current NSW Working with Children Check, and I’m available to work flexibly across campuses.
This role is an ideal next step as I re-enter the workforce and build experience in the public sector. I’m eager to contribute to the goals of TAFE NSW by ensuring high-quality, compliant exam supervision.
Thank you for considering my application.
Kind regards,
Amara
Response to Target Question for Exam Supervisor
Please outline your demonstrated ability to supervise and coordinate groups of students.
I have supervised and supported groups of students in both formal and informal learning environments, most recently through my volunteer involvement at my children’s primary school. This included coordinating small groups during assessment-style classroom activities and managing logistics for whole-school events such as book parades and sports carnivals. These experiences required clear communication, attention to detail, and the ability to maintain a calm and organised presence—particularly when plans changed at short notice.
In one instance, I was asked to assist with a Year 6 assessment session involving students with varying support needs. I helped set up the classroom, ensured each student had the correct materials, and adjusted seating to support special arrangements. Throughout the session, I provided clear instructions and monitored progress to ensure a quiet and focused environment. The teacher later thanked me for handling the group with confidence and consistency.
Earlier in my career, I worked as an Office Manager in a small business, where I was responsible for scheduling, coordination, and staff support. While this role didn’t involve children directly, it gave me a strong foundation in people management and multitasking—skills I’ve since applied in school-based settings.
I take a professional, empathetic, and fair approach when supervising students. I understand the importance of following exam rules, maintaining integrity, and being approachable while still ensuring compliance. I also recognise that students can feel anxious in exam settings, and I strive to create a calm, supportive atmosphere that helps them focus on doing their best.
I look forward to applying my experience and approach in the Exam Supervisor role at TAFE NSW and contributing to the smooth delivery of assessments.
How to Prepare Your Exam Supervisor Interview
If you’re invited to an interview, here’s how to prepare:
- Review Focus Capabilities – Check the role description and note the skills/behaviours listed.
- Brainstorm STAR Examples – Think of situations where you demonstrated each capability.
- Match to Indicators – Ensure your stories show what the panel is looking for (e.g. “can work under pressure”).
- Use STAR – Structure each answer clearly.
- Practise – You can bring notes if interviews allow it, or just rehearse confidently.
Read this full guide on how to review NSW focus capabilities in the job description.
Possible Exam Supervisor Interview Questions
- Tell us about a time you managed a group in a high-pressure setting.
- How do you handle compliance and attention to detail?
- Describe a time you supported students or clients in a structured environment.
Example Talking Point (STAR)
“In my previous job, I had to manage a quiet study room during assessment week (Situation). My task was to ensure silence and resolve student issues. I set clear expectations, monitored behaviour, and intervened gently when needed (Action). We received positive feedback from students who said the environment helped them concentrate (Result).”
Download the public sector interview workbook here to get more practice interview questions based on the NSW Public Sector Capability Framework.
Get Your Exam Supervisor Application Ready
Click here to apply for the Exam Supervisor role. Make sure you start your application now, as filling out the online application form can take some time.
You can write a quick and effective cover letter using this template.
If you want my help preparing for your interview, you can check out the new Government Interview Practice Session now available for all government jobs.
