Gauteng Department of Education. The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has opened applications for its 2026 Examination Assistant and Quality Assurer opportunities. A total of 1,537 positions are available across Gauteng, offering eligible tertiary students, unemployed graduates and other suitably qualified unemployed applicants an opportunity to gain experience in examination administration.
The recruitment drive includes 277 Examination Assistant positions and 1,260 Quality Assurer positions. Applications opened on 26 August 2026, while the closing date is 8 September 2026.
Applicants should carefully follow the application instructions because the Gauteng Department of Education requires candidates to use the correct reference number for their selected district, Head Office or marking centre.
GDE Exam Assistants 2026
| Job Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Department | Gauteng Department of Education |
| Directorate | Examinations Management |
| Province | Gauteng |
| Examination Assistants | 277 |
| Quality Assurers | 1,260 |
| Total Opportunities | 1,537 |
| Employment Area | Examination Administration |
| Opening Date | 26 August 2026 |
| Closing Date | 8 September 2026 |
| Package | According to applicable PAM rates |
| Enquiries | Mr Harry Culling |
| Telephone | 010 601 8082 |
| [email protected] |
Who Can Apply for GDE Examination Opportunities?
The GDE opportunities are aimed at applicants who meet the required educational and employment conditions.
Applicants should have an appropriate recognised qualification, such as:
- Senior Certificate
- National Senior Certificate (NSC)
- National Senior Certificate Vocational
- An equivalent recognised qualification
However, having Matric alone does not automatically mean that an applicant qualifies. The recruitment is specifically intended for registered tertiary students, unemployed graduates and unemployed people who have one or more tertiary qualifications.
Applicants should also have strong numerical abilities. Mathematics or Accounting is an important requirement because many of the duties involve checking examination scripts, marks and related documentation.
Students who are currently in their second year of tertiary studies or higher may receive preference.
Who Cannot Apply?
Candidates should carefully check the exclusion criteria before starting an application.
The following applicants are not eligible:
- People writing National Senior Certificate examinations in 2026
- People writing Senior Certificate examinations in 2026
- People writing AET examinations in 2026
- People who have taken the VSP
- People who are currently employed elsewhere
These restrictions are intended to ensure that successful applicants can perform examination-related duties without conflicts of interest.
Examination Assistant Opportunities – 277 Positions
There are 277 Examination Assistant opportunities available at GDE Exams District Offices and Head Office.
Applicants must select the location where they wish to apply and use the corresponding reference number.
The listed reference numbers include:
- 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
Duties of an Examination Assistant
Examination Assistants will support the administration and control of examination scripts.
Their responsibilities can include receiving examination scripts, checking and controlling scripts, scanning documents, packing scripts for marking and indexing material after marking.
They may also be required to check whether the correct number of scripts and marksheets have been received for each batch, subject, paper and examination session.
Other duties include preparing scripts for the correct marking venue, identifying discrepancies, checking control lists, tagging script bags correctly and preparing files for dispatch.
Examination Assistants may also assist with sending scripts to marking venues and receiving, controlling and archiving marked scripts at Head Office.
Because examination material is sensitive, applicants should be highly organised, reliable and accurate.
Quality Assurer Opportunities – 1,260 Positions
The largest part of the recruitment drive consists of 1,260 Quality Assurer positions.
Quality Assurers will work at designated marking centres across Gauteng. Applicants must use the specific reference number associated with their selected marking centre.
The advertised marking centres include institutions such as Alberton High School, Allen Glen High School, Hoerskool Garsfontein, Hoerskool President, Nokuthula Special School, Bracken High School, Bryanston High School, Florida High School, Parktown Boys High School, Queens High School, Rand Girls High School, Rand Park Ridge High School, UJ Metropolitan High School and several others listed in the official advert.
What Does a Quality Assurer Do?
Quality Assurers play an important role in maintaining accuracy during the examination marking process.
Their responsibilities include receiving, controlling and distributing scripts to marking teams. They may check the number of scripts and marksheets in each batch and assist with the scanning and distribution of examination material.
Quality Assurers also check whether all questions have been marked and whether marks have been correctly calculated.
They may verify that marks have been transferred correctly to examination scripts and marksheets, identify discrepancies and ensure that corrections are made where necessary.
After marking, scripts must be reconciled, arranged numerically and prepared for indexing and archiving.
Why Numerical Skills Are Important
Mathematics or Accounting skills are particularly useful for these positions because candidates may have to verify marks and totals.
A Quality Assurer needs to determine whether marks have been added correctly and whether totals have been accurately transferred between documents.
This means applicants should have strong numerical ability and excellent attention to detail.
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Examination administration operates according to strict deadlines. Successful applicants should therefore be comfortable working under pressure.
The roles can involve processing large numbers of scripts while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality. Candidates should be able to identify errors quickly, follow procedures and complete assigned tasks within deadlines.
Previous experience as an Examination Assistant or in examination administration can be useful and should be accurately included in the application where applicable.
How to Apply for GDE Exam Assistant Jobs 2026
Applications opened on 26 August 2026 and will close on 8 September 2026.
Candidates should carefully select the position and location they want to apply for. Most importantly, applicants must enter the correct reference number for the selected district, Head Office or marking centre.
Using an incorrect reference number or failing to quote the required reference number could result in the application not being processed.
Applicants should provide accurate information about their education, tertiary study status, Mathematics or Accounting background and previous examination administration experience.
Conclusion
The Gauteng Department of Education Exam Assistants 2026 recruitment provides 1,537 opportunities, including 277 Examination Assistant positions and 1,260 Quality Assurer positions.
The opportunities may be suitable for registered tertiary students, unemployed graduates and eligible unemployed people with tertiary qualifications. However, applicants must meet all requirements and should carefully check the exclusions before applying.
