The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has opened applications for 1,537 temporary Examination Assistant and Quality Assurer opportunities for the 2026 examination period. The opportunity is aimed at registered tertiary students, unemployed graduates and unemployed people with recognised tertiary qualifications.
Applications opened on 26 August 2026, and interested applicants have until 8 September 2026 to submit their applications.
Gauteng Department of Education Exam Assistants 2026
The recruitment is being conducted through the GDE Directorate: Examinations Management. Successful applicants will assist with the administration, handling, control and quality assurance of examination materials during the 2026 examination period. The available opportunities are divided as follows:
| Opportunity | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| Examination Assistants | 277 |
| Quality Assurers | 1,260 |
| Total | 1,537 |
The opportunities are located at various GDE district offices, Head Office and designated examination marking centres across Gauteng.
Quick Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Department | Gauteng Department of Education |
| Directorate | Examinations Management |
| Province | Gauteng |
| Opportunities | Examination Assistants and Quality Assurers |
| Examination Assistant Posts | 277 |
| Quality Assurer Posts | 1,260 |
| Total Opportunities | 1,537 |
| Package | Applicable PAM rates |
| Opening Date | 26 August 2026 |
| Closing Date | 8 September 2026 |
Who Can Apply?
The opportunities are open to applicants with an appropriate recognised qualification, including a Senior Certificate, National Senior Certificate, National Senior Certificate Vocational or an equivalent recognised qualification. The GDE specifically identifies the following groups as eligible to apply:
- Registered students at tertiary institutions
- Unemployed graduates
- Unemployed applicants with one or more tertiary qualifications
Applicants must also have advanced numerical skills, with Mathematics or Accounting as a compulsory subject. Students who are in their second year of tertiary study or above may have an advantage. Applicants with previous Examination Assistant experience should also disclose this during the application process.
Who May Not Apply?
Certain applicants are excluded from the recruitment process. These include:
- Persons writing National Senior Certificate examinations in 2026
- Persons writing Senior Certificate examinations in 2026
- Persons writing AET examinations in 2026
- Persons who have taken the VSP
- Persons who are currently employed elsewhere
Applicants should carefully check the requirements before completing the online application.
Examination Assistant Opportunities
There are 277 Examination Assistant opportunities available. Successful Examination Assistants will be placed at GDE district offices and Head Office. Their responsibilities will involve the handling and control of official examination scripts and related materials. Duties may include:
- Receiving examination scripts
- Checking and controlling examination materials
- Scanning and packing scripts
- Indexing and archiving scripts after marking
- Checking batches and marksheets
- Identifying discrepancies
- Assisting with the dispatch of scripts to marking venues
- Receiving marked scripts at Head Office
- Ensuring examination materials are properly controlled and archived
Applicants must select the correct location and use the relevant reference number when applying.
Examination Assistant Reference Numbers
| Location | Reference Number |
|---|---|
| Head Office | HO26 |
| Gauteng North | GN26 |
| Gauteng West | GW26 |
| Tshwane North | TN26 |
| Tshwane South | TS26 |
| Gauteng East | GE26 |
| Ekurhuleni North | EN26 |
| Sedibeng East | SE26 |
| Sedibeng West | SW26 |
| Johannesburg East | JE26 |
| Johannesburg North | JN26 |
| Johannesburg South | JS26 |
| Johannesburg Central | JC26 |
| Johannesburg West | JW26 |
| Tshwane West | TW26 |
| Ekurhuleni South | ES26 |
Quality Assurer Opportunities
The GDE is also recruiting 1,260 Quality Assurers who will work at designated marking centres. Quality Assurers will help ensure that examination marking records are accurate, complete and properly controlled. Their responsibilities may include:
- Receiving and distributing scripts to marking teams
- Checking script and marksheet quantities
- Scanning examination scripts
- Confirming that questions have been marked
- Checking that marks have been correctly added
- Verifying marks transferred to examination script covers and marksheets
- Identifying discrepancies
- Ensuring corrections are made
- Reconciling examination scripts
- Preparing scripts for indexed archival
Because the work involves examination scripts, marksheets and official records, applicants should have strong numerical ability and excellent attention to detail.
Why Mathematics or Accounting Is Required
- Mathematics or Accounting is an important requirement because the positions involve working with marks, totals, marksheets and other numerical examination records.
- Quality Assurers, in particular, may be required to verify calculations and ensure that marks have been accurately transferred between examination scripts and marksheets.
- Applicants should therefore ensure that they meet the stated Mathematics or Accounting requirement before applying.
Ability to Work Under Pressure
The examination environment involves strict deadlines and large volumes of sensitive documentation. Successful candidates are expected to work carefully while maintaining accuracy and concentration. Applicants should be able to identify errors quickly and follow examination procedures correctly.
Application Process
Applications for the Gauteng Department of Education Exam Assistants and Quality Assurers 2026 opportunities must be submitted through the GDE Examination Assistants recruitment portal. Applicants should:
- Visit the official recruitment portal.
- Select the appropriate opportunity.
- Choose the preferred location or marking centre.
- Enter the correct reference number.
- Provide accurate personal and academic information.
- Review the application before submitting it.
Important: Applicants must use the correct reference number for their selected location or marking centre. Failure to quote the correct reference number may result in the application not being processed.
Apply for Gauteng Department of Education Exam Assistants 2026
Interested applicants can access the recruitment portal below: Official Application Portal, Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible rather than waiting until the final day.
Closing Date
The closing date for the Gauteng Department of Education Examination Assistant and Quality Assurer recruitment is: 8 September 2026, Applicants should ensure that all information is correct and that the appropriate reference number has been selected before submitting their applications.
Enquiries
Applicants who require further information may contact:
Mr Harry Culling
Telephone: 010 601 8082
Email: ExamAssistants@gauteng.gov.za
The enquiry email should not be used to submit an application unless the Department specifically instructs applicants to do so.
Final Words
The Gauteng Department of Education Exam Assistants 2026 recruitment provides 1,537 temporary opportunities for eligible students, graduates and unemployed qualified applicants. Most importantly, applicants should select the correct location and ensure that the correct reference number is included in their application.
