As part of its ongoing programme to improve examination administration, Edexcel launched a new BTEC qualification for examinations officers at the Association of Colleges’ Conference in London.

Since Curriculum 2000 dramatically increased the number of examinations, the role of an examinations officer has become more complex and the qualification is designed to prepare them to cope with increased demands.  The BTEC short course, which has been welcomed by the AoC, will involve up to 120 hours of guided learning and is part of a strategy to improve communications with exams officers that has included focus groups and extra training courses.

Jerry Jarvis, General Qualifications Director at Edexcel said: “Today’s exam system is large and complicated and the role exams officers play is vital.  By creating a formal qualification in the BTEC suite we can ensure that they are fully equipped for the challenges they face and that the work they do is professionally recognised.

“We hope that exams officers in our 5,500 centres will register for the qualification as it will benefit them and the system as a whole.”

The qualification will be set initially at Level 4 and aimed at those with experience and senior responsibility.  Throughout 2003, this will be extended to include a full suite of qualifications that will cover all staff who work in schools and colleges managing and administering examinations.  It will be launched with the assistance of Guildford College who will handle registration during the pilot.

Judith Norrington, Director of Curriculum and Quality at the Association of Colleges said: "The AoC welcomes this new BTEC qualification, which is an important step in recognising the important college role of Examination Officer.  It will add to the professionalism of staff and provide a valuable goal for both new and experienced staff.  AoC has been pleased to support the development of the qualification.  Having a suite of qualifications will provide essential continued professional development - from newly-recruited staff to the most experienced - and we have already received expressions of interest from colleagues keen to have their expertise recognised in this way."

In addition to the Exams Officers BTEC course, Edexcel has been piloting a series of processes that will improve the whole system, including the electronic entering of students for examinations and marking of scripts online.