Test Administrator; TIMSS; Northern Ireland

Pearson is responsible for the delivery of the TIMSS international assessment study in schools in Northern Ireland.

The Trends in Maths and Science Study (TIMSS) is an international comparative study that assesses and compares the performance in maths and science of pupils at ages 10 and 14, or Y6 and Y10 in Northern Ireland, every four years across about 60 countries. It provides internationally comparative data on pupils’ achievement in maths and science, and how their performance is related to their attitudes, gender and background.

More information on the study is available online:

Pearson is recruiting external Test Administrators (TAs) to administer this study in schools in Northern Ireland.

The pupil assessment is split into two test sections followed by a questionnaire section. Test Administrators will need to be confident using technology however, training will be given on accessing and using the online platform. Schools are also asked to have an IT technician available on the day. Online remote TA training is mandatory to ensure standardisation in the delivery of the study’s requirements.

Test Administrators administer pupil assessments and questionnaires online within designated schools, ensuring that the international procedures are adhered to in full. Successful applicants 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 the two to three weeks prior to the test window. Preparation for the training session will include reading the TA manual and completing short online assessments on aspects of the pre-training materials.

• Liaise with the School Coordinator or Principal regarding arrangements for the test day, such as room bookings and desk/table layout of the room/s to be used and access to IT facilities, as needed.
• Ensure there are enough computers / laptops on the assessment day for all pupils.
• Ensure that pupils are sitting their assigned assessment.
• Administer the assessments and pupil questionnaire in accordance with international standards as outlined in the training and instructions provided, maintaining test security at all times.
• Ensure the correct timing of the sessions, recording the session start and end times.
• Record pupil participation and complete appropriate administrative paperwork as outlined in training.
• After completion of the pupil assessments and questionnaires, ensure administration documents are returned to Pearson.
• Ensure schools are reminded that teacher and school questionnaires need to be completed by the test date.
• Set up and administer devices supplied by Pearson (laptops), in schools where this is needed, following the guidance given.

• Experience of teaching and / or working in a school classroom.
• Confident using IT applications, particularly for onscreen assessment.
• Experience of invigilating tests / examinations.

• Ability to adhere to specified procedural standards.
• Confident troubleshooting common technology user issues.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Good organisation and administrative skills.
• Ability to identify, communicate and escalations issues promptly and effectively.
• Ability to work to agreed time frames.

• Availability for the study as per the following:
• oremote TA training 18 Mar 2027 15:00 – 17:30 (Y10)
  TBC
• oremote TA training 22 Apr 2027 15:00 – 17:30 (Y6)
  TBC
• Y10 window 7 Apr to 19 May Apr 2027 Mon to Fri to visit c. 2-3 schools per week
• Y6 window 10 May to 18 Jun 2027 Mon to Fri to visit c. 2-3 schools per week
• Arrival time at school is usually 08.00 and finish time is approximately 13.00 (agreed with individual schools depending on local circumstances).
• Car…