Exam guard

What does an exam proctor do? – Tasks and work environment

An exam proctor is responsible for supervising and ensuring a safe, fair, and orderly environment during exam sessions at universities, colleges, and other educational institutions. Tasks include verifying identities, distributing and collecting exam papers, and answering questions about exam rules. During the exam, the room is monitored to prevent cheating and minimize disturbances. The work is often performed in large lecture halls or classrooms and may involve working at inconvenient hours, such as evenings and weekends. The environment is usually calm but requires attentiveness and integrity.

Salary development over time

The salary for exam proctors has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 25,000 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 25 800 SEK in 2023 and further to 26 600 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 6.4% during the period. The rise can be partly explained by increased demand for exam proctors as more examinations are held and testing formats change, along with general wage negotiations in service professions. Although wage growth is slow compared to some other professions, the trend indicates stabilization and a slight appreciation of the role. Wage increases have also been evenly distributed between genders, reflected in the minimal difference between men's and women's wages.

Exam proctor salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 26 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 25,500 SEK/month (female, private sector employee)
• Highest salary: 35,100 SEK/month (female, private sector worker, education <3 years post-secondary)
• Hourly wage (average): 160 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Women earn 26 400 SEK, men 26 700 SEK (99 %)

Education and qualifications

To work as an exam proctor, usually no formal education beyond high school is required, but employers often value experience in service roles or administrative work. Knowledge of exam regulations and routines is advantageous, and some employers offer shorter internal training or introductory shifts. Other qualifications mainly concern personal suitability, accuracy, and the ability to handle stressful situations.

• High school diploma: Basic requirement
• Short introductory training: Often provided upon employment
• Experience in service roles: Meritorious
• Knowledge of exam rules: Beneficial
• Good language skills: Swedish, sometimes English

Common benefits and compensations

For exam proctors, it is common to receive hourly pay, with additional pay for evening or weekend work. Other benefits may include wellness allowances, shorter training shifts, and sometimes access to university facilities. Holiday pay is paid according to law, and some employers offer meal vouchers or basic staff benefits during longer shifts.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as an exam proctor is generally moderate, as many employers seek temporary or extra staff for major examination periods. A challenge is that shifts are often seasonal and unpredictable, making it difficult to earn a full living from the role. Additionally, the role demands high integrity and the ability to handle unexpected situations, such as suspected cheating or stressed students. Maintaining focus during long exam sessions and being available for questions requires patience and communication skills.

Tips for those who want to become an exam proctor

To succeed as an exam proctor, it is important to combine attentiveness with a high degree of integrity. Good organization helps when following exam rules precisely, and the ability to stay calm and stress-resistant is crucial in unexpected situations. Service-mindedness and a friendly attitude are appreciated by students and colleagues, especially when questions or problems need quick resolution. Flexibility benefits those who want to take on varied shifts and quickly adapt to new routines. Good communication skills are important for explaining rules and creating a sense of security in the exam room, and a discreet but firm attitude helps uphold a fair testing environment.

Key facts about Exam Proctors

• Salary range: 25,500–35,100 SEK/month
• Average salary: 26 600 SEK/month
• Education level: High school diploma, short introduction
• Work environment: School environment, varying hours
• Demand: 481 available jobs (June 2024)

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience, opportunities may open to take on more responsibility, such as coordinating exam sessions or training new proctors. Some choose to further their education in administration or educational services, which can lead to roles as an administrator or coordinator within higher education. According to the Employment Service, future prospects are stable, with continued demand for flexible exam proctors due to increasing student numbers and changing examination formats. The profession also serves as an entry point to other service roles within the education sector.

Common questions about Exam Proctors

• What is the average salary of an exam proctor?
  - The average salary for an exam proctor is 26 600 SEK per month.
• What does the hourly wage look like for exam proctors?
  - The hourly wage averages around 160 SEK per hour.
• Are there significant pay differences between men and women?
  - Gender differences are small; women earn 99 % of what men do.
• What are the requirements to work as an exam proctor?
  - A high school diploma and a short introductory training are usually sufficient, sometimes experience in service roles is required.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - Demand is stable, with over 480 available jobs in June 2024.
• Can I work full-time as an exam proctor?
  - Most positions are part-time, but some periods offer more shifts.
• What is the highest salary for an exam proctor?
  - The highest salary is 35,100 SEK per month, according to current salary statistics.