One of the core aims of the NAEO is to ensure that exams officers are working to JCQ and awarding organisation regulations. This requires receiving up-to-date and accurate information from trusted sources. One method of acquiring this information is to attend face-to-face or online training events.
To ensure that exams officers have access to high quality, fit-for-purpose and value for money training, the NAEO is launching the Exams Training Endorsement Programme.
Training providers who meet the criteria (see below) will have access to a NAEO endorsement logo which can be added to their training materials to reassure exams officers/exams office staff that they are attending training which meets their needs in managing, conducting and delivering examinations and assessments within their centre. Endorsement will be provided on an annual basis.
Unless they are attending JCQ or awarding body training, senior leaders and exams officers should only attend exams-related training from trusted training providers – the NAEO logo (acquired from the Exams Training Endorsement Programme) will provide this reassurance.
Training providers will need to meet the following criteria on an annual basis to acquire NAEO endorsement and to be listed on our website as a member of the NAEO Exams Training Endorsement Programme:
- Content verification
Course content must be devised by, checked and/or approved by an awarding organisation. This will ensure that the integrity of the examination system is protected by ensuring the accuracy of information and eliminating misinformation and misunderstanding. Ideally, a contractual agreement should be in place to confirm the verification process.
The NAEO will check and verify all course content.
- Content delivery
The content at training events should be delivered by at least two trainers who between them have extensive experience in the management, administration and conducting of examinations acquired through a variety of roles within the examination sector and across a range of educational organisations. This includes undertaking roles within:
- Government
- Regulation
- Awarding body
- Senior leader (if relevant to the audience/content)
- Exams manager/officer
- Post-event support
In addition to delegates having an opportunity to have their questions answered during a training event, they must also have access to post-event support where they can have their questions answered/queries clarified upon returning to their centre.
- Course materials
Delegates must have access to high-quality course materials. Presentations must be available in hard and electronic copy or filmed.
- Venues
To provide value for money and a positive experience for delegates, training events should be held at high-quality conference-style venue/facilities which enhance the delivery of the content.
The Exams Training Endorsement Programme will be launched on 1 September 2025 from which date training providers who meet the above criteria will be permitted to apply for endorsement and use the NAEO logo when advertising and delivering a training event.