PISA 2025 - Test Administrator (Main Study - Northern Ireland) Job Description
Background
PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) is the world's largest international study which compares education systems worldwide. The study takes place in over 90 countries every three years and provides a unique insight into how well pupils from all over the world can apply knowledge and skills in mathematics, reading and science at the age of 15.
Pearson is responsible for the delivery of PISA 2025 in schools in Northern Ireland, Wales and England. The Main Study will take place in Northern Ireland in September to October 2025. Pearson is recruiting external Test Administrators to administer the Main study in schools.
Pupils will complete a two-hour online assessment and also a questionnaire. Test Administrators (TAs) will therefore need to be confident using technology. However, training will be given on accessing and using the online platform and schools are asked to have an IT technician available on the day.
Purpose
Test Administrators (TAs) administer the pupil online assessments and questionnaires within designated schools, ensuring that the international prescribed procedures are adhered to in full. Personnel who are engaged for this role will be trained remotely on the procedures and must complete pre-training activities and attend a live training/Q&A session in late August 2025. The exact date and time for this compulsory training will be provided nearer the time. Preparation for the training session will include reading the TA manual and completing online quizzes on the content.
Main Responsibilities
• Liaise with the School Coordinator or Headteacher regarding arrangements for the test day, such as TA
access to the school, room bookings and desk/table layout of the room/s to be used, and access to IT
facilities.
• Ensure that pupils receive the correct assessments on the day.
• Administer the assessments and pupil questionnaires in accordance with the training and instructions
provided, maintaining their security at all times.
• Ensure the correct timing of the sessions, recording the session start and end times on the Session Report
Form.
• Record pupil participation on the Student Tracking Form.
• After completion of the assessments, ensure administration documents are returned securely to Pearson,
using the process outlined in training.
• Ensure teacher and school questionnaires are completed.
• In some instances the Test Administrator will be required to set up, administer and pack away Pearson
supplied laptops couriered to a school for an assessment. Additional instructions for administering such a
school will be provided.
Essential Experience
• Experience of working in a classroom.
• Confident using IT
Desirable Experience
• Experience of working with secondary school aged pupils.
• Experience of invigilating exams
Competencies Required
• Ability to adhere to specified procedural standards.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Good organisation and administrative skills.
• Ability to work to agreed timeframes.
Essential Requirements
• Availability to complete remote training in late August 2025.
• Availability required at least 3 days per week, Monday to Friday, from 15 September to 14 October 2025.
Arrival time at school is usually 08.00 and finish time is approximately 13.00.
• Car and driving license for travel to schools.
• A current Access NI certificate. If you don't hold a certificate issued after 15 October 2023 certification will be
carried out as part of the recruitment process.
• Commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of all pupils.
Desirable Requirements
• Occasionally overnight stays may be necessary to be at the school by 08.00. Availability for overnight stays
will be captured prior to school allocation with allocations based accordingly.