23 Feb 2026
If you’ve ever found yourself answering three emails at once while sorting seating plans, calming a worried teacher, and triple-checking access arrangements - all before your first cup of tea - then like me, you’re an exams officer.
And if that sounds familiar, you also know this role isn’t just about data and logistics. It’s about pressure. Timelines. People. Accuracy. Calm in chaos. And holding it all together when things feel like they could unravel at any moment.
But here’s the good news: you can thrive under deadline. You can go beyond just getting through the exam season - you can feel confident, clear-headed, and even calm (yes, really).
This isn’t about doing more - it’s about doing what matters, managing your energy, and developing the skills that help you lead from a place of strength.
So, this is for you - someone who’s ready to face the storm, keep your ducks in a row, and come out the other side proud of what you do and achieve.
What it really takes to be an exams officer
Let’s be honest - this role isn’t for the faint-hearted. You’re expected to be organised, diplomatic, and emotionally steady, all while juggling systems and personalities.
Here are some of the essential skills that help us not just manage the chaos, but truly thrive:
- Time management: Deadlines aren’t optional. It’s vital to have a structured plan. Having clear timelines and early deadlines is key - especially when things go wrong.
- Communication: Whether it’s calming a nervous parent, explaining rules and regulations to staff, or giving students confidence on the day - your words matter. Clarity, calmness, and kindness go a long way.
- Resilience: Mistakes, miscommunication and sudden changes? They happen! Resilient exams officers don’t take it personally - they adapt and recover.
- Attention to detail: It’s not just about getting things done - it’s about getting them right. You are the final filter. The calm eye of the storm.
- Emotional intelligence: You’re not just dealing with systems - you’re dealing with people under pressure. When you feel in control of the situation you can defuse tense conversations and manage things with more understanding.
How to stay resilient when the pressure builds
Exam season can feel like a marathon with no finish line - until it suddenly ends. The trick isn’t just to power through, but to pace yourself, protect your energy, and take care of your own needs as much as everyone else’s.
Here’s how:
1. Plan like a pro
Yes, the plan will change. But having a clear map gives you something solid to return to. Build in buffer time. Anticipate peak pressure points. Schedule regular check-ins with your team (or just yourself!) to assess what needs adjusting.
2. Keep your ducks in a row
Organisation is your best friend. Use checklists. Colour-code. Label folders clearly. Set calendar alerts. The more mental clutter you remove, the more energy you save for the unexpected.
3. Communicate early and often
Don’t wait for problems to land on your desk. Send out reminders. Set expectations. Keep colleagues informed, even when nothing’s gone wrong. Proactive communication reduces misunderstandings and shows leadership.
4. Manage your emotions
You will be challenged. People will be stressed. And sometimes, it might feel like everything is landing on you. That’s when being on top of your emotions matters most. Breathe. Step away if you need to. Return with a calm tone and stronger mindset. You don’t have to take on other people’s stress.
5. Don’t neglect yourself
Rest is not a luxury during exam season - it’s a necessity. Try not to work late every night. Eat lunch. Sleep well. Even five minutes of fresh air between tasks can help you reset.
Investing in yourself: Personal development matters too
So much of the exams officer role is about serving others - students, staff, leadership, parents. But thriving means also serving yourself.
Ask yourself:
- What skill would make this role feel easier or more satisfying?
- Is there a training or CPD session you’ve been putting off?
- Could you build confidence in a specific area — like conflict resolution, digital tools, or managing pressure?
Personal development isn’t selfish. It’s how you build sustainability in a demanding role.
When you grow, the whole system around you benefits - because you’re more equipped, more confident, and more in control.
And remember: your personal skills are your professional tools. The way you respond to stress, the tone you use in tricky conversations, the energy you bring into the exam hall - it all matters.
And it all starts with how you care for yourself.
You’re the calm at the centre
The truth is, we exams officers are unsung heroes of the education system. You are the calm at the centre of it all - keeping things fair, accurate, and moving forward under pressure.
You don’t need to be superhuman. You just need to stay grounded, communicate well, plan smartly, and invest in yourself as much as you do in others.
So, this exam season, don’t just brace yourself for impact. Walk into it with a plan, a sense of purpose, and the belief that you can thrive under deadline.
Because you can. And you will.
I work with schools to prepare their students for the mental challenge of exams. I offer 1-day CPD workshops and Inset Days Training for schools to help build Teacher and Student Resilience to exam stress.
Want me to work with your staff on Exam Stress and Thinking Skills? Download my CPD pack at www.geraldinejozefiak.com/cpd
Contact me at hello@geraldinejozefiak.com