In recent years there have been increases in the rates paid to SEC examiners and the SEC has again received additional funding for these rates for 2023. In addition, there will be a once off enhancement to the payment rates this year in the form of a 2023 Written Examiner Recruitment and Retention Incentive Payment of an additional €900 for Leaving Certificate and Leaving Certificate Applied written examiners and an additional €700 for Junior Cycle written examiners. This is a once off payment to incentivise teachers to mark this year’s written examination. Based on the average assignments of scripts, this increases the typical earning ranges as follows;
Junior Cycle examiners will typically earn between €4,858 and €5,010 depending on the subject marked.
Leaving Certificate examiners will typically earn between €7,721 and €10,844 depending on the subject marked.
The SEC has also been undertaking a comprehensive review of the issue of contract staff recruitment which includes extensive engagement with stakeholders. The review process, which has a number of ongoing stands of work, has as its core objective to substantially increase the numbers of teachers involved in examinations work so that the experience is a positive one which greatly enhances teacher professional competence as well as earning power. A working group, comprising representatives of the management bodies and teacher unions, has been established to look at measures designed to ensure the availability of teachers in the required numbers to engage in this critical work in a sustainable way into the future.
How to apply to be an Examiner
The cornerstone of the SEC's 2023 Recruitment Campaign is a new website https://secexaminer.ie. The information and resources available on the site will allow teachers to access information about working as an examiner - including what they can expect to earn; how the online marking system operates; as well as how the experience can enhance their teaching skills and further their career opportunities. This brand new digital facility allows potential new examiners to submit an expression of interest in becoming an examiner for this year and to apply for the role.