General information to schools
In Victoria and across the nation, all students in years 3, 5, 7 and 9 are asked to undertake the NAPLAN Writing test. The writing task targets the full range of student capabilities expected of students from Years 3 to 9. The same marking guide is used to assess all students' writing, allowing for a national comparison of student writing capabilities across these year levels.
The Australian Curriculum: English requires students to be taught a variety of forms of writing at school. The three main text types (previously called genres) that are taught are imaginative writing (including narrative writing), informative writing and persuasive writing. In the writing tests, students are provided with a ‘writing stimulus’ (sometimes called a prompt – an idea or topic) and asked to write a response in a particular text type. Students are tested on either narrative writing or persuasive writing. Informative writing is not yet tested by NAPLAN.
For more information see the
Students who have read, written and created a range of texts in a range of classroom activities, are well prepared for the NAPLAN Writing test.
Test practice that aims to familiarise students with NAPLAN test conditions is recommended as a useful support strategy. However, over-preparation and focus on any particular genre is inconsistent with the approach to teaching and learning described in the Victorian Curriculum F-10 and the National Curriculum. Over-preparation may also increase anxiety levels in students and lower performance levels under test conditions.
to convince a reader of their opinion and
structure their writing with an introduction, body and conclusion.
Students approach the NAPLAN Persuasive Writing test in different ways. Some students develop and justify their ideas, drawing on personal knowledge and experience or on more detailed general knowledge about a particular subject or issue. Some choose to present one side of the argument and may also include opposing arguments in order to rebut. Others seek to persuade by exploring both sides of the topic, before arriving at a clear and conclusive position.
Students also write in different forms. Most students present their argument in the form of an essay. Others choose to present their argument as a letter to the editor or as the text of a speech. Students may also use anecdotes or references to narratives such as films or novels to help convince their reader. Students cannot, however, present their entire response as a narrative (a story), or as a dramatised dialogue in which two characters argue.
a narrative or story that develops events, settings and characters to entertain, move, inform or enlighten readers. The structural components of the narrative are the
orientation, the complication and the resolution.
Students develop events, settings and characters in different ways, using first or third person narrators and past or present tense action. They may draw directly on personal experience and observation, for example, family or school events; or they may construct scenarios from multiple secondary sources such as shared stories, urban myths, books, films and computer games.
Students develop their stories imaginatively in a variety of narrative types or sub-genres, including fantasy, horror, quest and ‘teen literature’. They use language appropriate to their chosen narrative type, and arrange dialogue, description and action to support or progress their story.
Students support their reader by providing a sense of time and/or place (an orientation); they engage their reader by injecting tension or drama into their story through, for example, a problem or unexpected occurrence (a complication); and they provide their reader with a sense of completion (a resolution) by ending their story in an appropriate way.
Victorian schools can access scanned images of their students’ NAPLAN Writing test responses, which coincide with the release of NAPLAN reports in Term 3.
Please refer to the following documents regarding the use of NAPLAN writing test responses.
General information for markers
The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) is responsible for the administration and marking of the Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests.
Each year, the VCAA appoints suitable individuals to mark student responses for the NAPLAN writing tests, drawing from the pool of re-applicant markers and recruiting new markers.
The primary objective of the marking operation is to reliably mark student responses according to the national rubric. Markers gain valuable professional experience and are paid for their marking. Marker training will also contribute to the continuing professional development requirements for teacher registration.
The genre for the Writing test is either narrative or persuasive. The genre is not disclosed prior to the test day and students are not able to choose the genre in which they write their response. The genre is the same for all year levels and is not made known to students, teachers or markers prior to the test. The writing topic for Years 3 and 5 is different from that for Years 7 and 9. This is to ensure maximum engagement and fairness for all students for the test.
In early November 2021, the VCAA seek applications from qualified people who wish to be considered for appointment as markers for the NAPLAN Writing task for 2022. Approximately 300,000 writing scripts will be marked on screen.
To ensure test validity and accuracy in the marking of student responses for the 2022 NAPLAN Writing tests, markers will need to:
- complete scheduled mandatory marker training sessions- 2 days experienced marker/ 3 days new marker
- mark for the duration of the marking operation inclusively: approx. 30 days from mid-May until mid-June
- commit to a minimum of 4 hours per day (Day shift) and 3 hours per evening (Eve shift). This includes weekends.
- nominate to be one of the following marker types, you cannot swap between shifts:
Day marker (Day)
One day off each seven days during the project to be negotiated with Group Leader
Markers mark every day, Monday to Friday (8.30am to 4.00pm) plus Saturdays and Sundays (8.30am to 5.30pm)
(i.e. 5 weekdays + weekends)
Day markers agree to mark a minimum of 4 hours per shift.
Evening marker (Eve)
One day off each seven days during the project to be negotiated with Group Leader
Markers mark every day, Monday to Friday (3.30pm to 10.00pm) plus Saturdays and Sundays (8.30am to 5.30pm)
(i.e. 5 weekday evenings + weekends)
Evening markers agree to mark a minimum of 3 hours per shift.
Selection criteria for markers
You need a teaching degree specialising in English. It is also helpful to have experience teaching English. Relevant and recent marking experience is also taken into consideration. Current and retired English teachers are encouraged to apply.
If you are interested in becoming a marker, please familiarise yourself with the position description:Marker — NAPLAN position description
If you have two years’ experience marking NAPLAN Writing and are interested in becoming a group leader or a professional leader, please familiarise yourself with the position descriptions. Please note, applicants who wish to be considered for the position of Group Leader or Professional Leader must indicate their interest when applying to be a marker on their SSMS application. You must have proven NAPLAN Writing marking experience to be selected as a Group Leader or Professional Leader.
Yes. All employees of the VCAA are expected to adhere to the Code of Conduct as a condition of employment. Please look carefully at this before applying. Please also familiarise yourself with the conditions of employment.
You do not currently need a Working with Children Check to mark NAPLAN Writing scripts as there is no contact with students.
You do not need a valid VIT registration.
The VCAA does, however, seek to employ a quota of active teachers from across Victoria, to ensure knowledge of marking NAPLAN scripts is held by teachers in schools. Marking NAPLAN scripts is valuable professional development for teachers.
If you do have a VIT registration you will not need to go through the NCRHC (National Criminal Record History Check) process as this check is covered by your teaching registration.
Yes. As of 2021, all casual employees of the VCAA need either a NCRHC or a VIT registration as a condition of employment. The NCRHC must be obtained through the VCAA.
You will be directed by the VCAA when and how to obtain the NCRHC upon appointment if you do not have a current VIT registration.
Once you have obtained a NCRHC through the VCAA, it is current for a two-year period. You will need to apply for one every second year of employment.
The selection of markers each year is influenced by a combination of requirements that include:
- maintaining a pool of experienced markers
- the number of markers required to complete marking within the given timeframe
- opportunity for employment of new markers who have been successful in the marker recruitment
- opportunity for employment of a number of markers from outside the Victorian metropolitan area
- employment of a number of current practicing Victorian teachers (marking provides a significant individual professional development opportunity)
- employment of teachers from as many Victorian schools as possible (schools benefit from their teacher's experience as a marker)
- individuals who have a relevant and appropriate educational background
- the applicant's performance in previous marking operations (quality and consistency of marking, pace of marking, receptiveness to receiving feedback, and ability to apply any feedback provided)
- Relevant qualifications and experience: the applicant has a relevant teaching degree and experience teaching primary literacy or secondary English.
- Prior NAPLAN 2008 – 2021 marking: accuracy and speed.
- Other relevant marking experience.
Markers are chosen by a panel, based on the need to reflect these requirements.
No guarantee can be provided as to whether an applicant will be employed as a marker in any given year.
Offers of appointment are emailed in March. Unsuccessful applicants are also emailed to confirm the status of their applications.
All NAPLAN Marker training for 2022 will be in accordance with Covid -19 advice. It is envisaged that the majority of training will be delivered remotely via online training modules and online workshops. It is envisaged that this training will take the equivalent of 2 days for experienced markers, 3 days for new markers. All training is paid at a CRT rate. Information will be provided when it becomes available.
When reviewing writing results, please refer to the appropriate marking guide:
Further information regarding the assessment of writing can be found on the
Please note that NAPLAN markers undergo intensive training and supervised marking before gaining competence in the interpretation of marking guide descriptors. The marking guides are provided online for information, but it is recommended that marker training be undertaken or that assistance from trained markers be sought before the guides are used to assess student practice tests in schools.
New markers will be trained in the use of the most current ACARA Writing Marking Guide.
New markers (and re-applicant markers who have not marked in the 2017 or subsequent marking operation) are required to participate in new marker training sessions and submit practice scripts post-training.
New applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
- hold a teaching degree specialising in English
- show a demonstrated understanding of assessment based on criteria and standards
- have the ability to apply a prescriptive marking model
- acquire satisfactory achievement in the marking of student compliance scripts after participating in the new marker training.
- be available for training and for the duration of the marking operation (approximately 5 weeks).
Re-applicant markers, including Group Leaders and Professional Leaders, need to apply to mark in 2022 if they are hoping to be appointed again.
Returning markers will have two days mandatory training involving an online module, on online workshop and a component of practice marking. This is a compulsory requirement set by ACARA.
- Marker applications close
- Offers of appointment sent to successful applicants advising training and shift times.
- Applicants are appointed.
- NAPLAN Writing Expression of Interest for
Group Leader and Professional Leader roles open.
- Offers of appointment sent to Group Leaders and Professional Leaders.
- Training of Professional Leaders and support staff.
- All markers to complete eMark module
Monday 9 May
- NAPLAN Writing marking guide and training material sent to markers.
From Tuesday 10 May – Friday 13 May
- NAPLAN tests administered.
Wednesday 11 May – Sunday 15 May
- Mandatory ACARA training module completed by all markers online. Training details emailed prior to sessions.
Thursday 12 May 4-9pm
- Mandatory training session for Group Leaders.
Friday 13 May
- Mandatory training sessions for Group Leaders (regular shift time).
Saturday 14 May
- Mandatory training sessions for
new markers (Group Leaders and Professional Leaders required for one hour during afternoon).
Sunday 15 May
- Mandatory training sessions for
experienced markers (Group Leaders and Professional Leaders required for one hour during afternoon).
Monday 16 May
- Group Leaders begin regular shift- no markers required.
Tuesday 17 May – Friday 17 June (or until all scripts marked)
- NAPLAN marking operation begins.
- Processing of marker payments to commence.
After training, when the marking period begins, markers will:
- work under the guidance of a group leader
- be monitored and kept to national standard
- mark from home for the duration of the project
- mark either during the day session (8.30am–4.00pm) or during the evening session (3.30pm–10.00pm)
- be unable to move between sessions, as the group leaders monitor markers in real time
- be required to mark every session from the start of training until the end of marking, working six days a week
All marking will be done remotely (in your home) for 2022. You will need to ensure you have the minimum technical requirements on your home computer. When marking begins there will be a helpdesk to assist with any platform issues.
All markers will be required to have good computer literacy and must meet the VCAA’s minimum ICT requirements on their home PCs or personal laptops.
- PC (Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 and 4GB RAM) or Apple Mac
- Windows 7 and above, OS 10.6 and above
- 1024 x 768 pixels or higher
- Screen size — monitor: 17 inches
- Screen size — laptop: 15 inches
- Internet Explorer — version 11
- Google Chrome — version 45 (on both platforms)
- Safari — version 9 (on Apple Mac)
- Devices will require a microphone for online communication
By accepting the role of marker, you are agreeing to a minimum daily commitment of 4 hours per day if you work the day shift or three hours per evening if you work the evening shift. For marking to remain consistent and accurate we need daily marking from each marker. Whilst marking, you are supported by a group leader who monitors you in real time each shift. While you may miss the odd day over the four-week marking period, it is planned that you will meet the hourly minimum requirement each day.
Marking goes for roughly 30 days, based on all markers contributing their daily minimum commitment.
It is estimated you will mark between 8-10 scripts an hour when you get comfortable with the marking criteria. Scripts are randomised (years 3,5,7 and 9) and markers mark all year levels, without knowing which year level they are marking.
The day shift operates from 8:30pm- 4pm and the evening shift operates 3:30pm- 10pm.
No. The weekend is traditionally a time when a lot of scripts are marked. The marking centre is open 8:30-5:30pm. Both day and evening markers are encouraged to mark during this time on the weekends. It can be a time where if you have fallen behind in your daily marking commitment (four hours per day/ three hours per eve), you can catch up on some marking.
The Queen’s Birthday operates as a weekend day with weekend hours.
Markers are asked not to mark more than 7 hours per shift. NAPLAN Writing is currently capped at 80 scripts per shift. This cap can be lifted over the course of the project depending on marker accuracy.
Markers are monitored by group leaders. All markers are double marked at least 10-15%. Scripts are monitored and algorithms are used to ensure markers stay within national protocols.
Each year, there is a need for new Group Leaders. Group Leaders are paid at an hourly rate.
The role of group leader is a highly important one in the NAPLAN marking operation. The role of the group leader is to ensure the accuracy of their team of seven or eight markers. To this end the group leader is required to:
- facilitate the training of their group on training days
- provide assistance to their group throughout the marking operation
- backread approximately 10‐20% of their group members' marking
- retrain group members when required.
- For further information please see the position statement:
Group Leader — NAPLAN position description
Payment and professional development
VCAA does pay markers for time spent in training sessions based on CRT rates. The VCAA does not pay for any travel expenses incurred for the marking project.
The training and marking of student responses contributes to the continuing professional development requirements for teacher registration. For further information please see the
Applying to be a marker
Application for markers opens in early November 2021 and closes in February 2022.
If you are interested, you can apply on
For any technical difficulties, email
Human Resources Unit or call 9225 2305
All group leaders and professional leaders need to be appointed as markers first. Applicants who wish to be considered for the position of group leader or of professional leader, need to select this option when applying to be a marker through
Once markers have been appointed, selection of group leader or professional leader roles will take place in March. Previous marking experience is taken into account in the selection process for these roles.
If you have an SSMS user account and you know your username and password
- You can log in to your SSMS user account and complete your application.
If you have an SSMS user account but you have forgotten either or both of your username and/or password
- Go to the 'forgotten your…' links provided in the 'Log into your account' area. Once you have recovered your username and reset your password, you can log in to your SSMS user account and complete your application.
If you do not have an SSMS user account then you can apply as a new applicant
- Go to the 'Don't have an account' area and click on the 'new applicants' link. This will take you to the application process.
No. You do need a teaching degree specializing in English and have either a VIT (Victorian Institute of Teaching) registration or do a NCRHC (National Criminal Records History Check) through the VCAA.
Yes, you are most welcome — as it is anticipated all marker training will be remote in 2022, it is possible to be based interstate and mark for Victoria. Group Leaders and Professional Leaders will need to be based in Victoria.
Using SSMS (Seasonal Staff Management System)
Human Resources Unit or call 9225 2305, if you:
- can’t remember your VCAA ID or password.
- want to change your marker type/commitment after you have submitted your marker application
If you have changed address/email/telephone number: You can
log in to SSMS at any time with your VCAA ID and password and update your details. Please check that your details are correct and up-to-date at all times.
2022 mandatory marker training will include an ACARA online 2022 NAPLAN Writing Marking course and a component of online training for markers.
The 2022 NAPLAN Writing Marking course can be completed at the marker’s own pace between Wednesday, 11 May and Saturday, 14 May 2022.
The online training workshop for markers will be delivered on Saturday 14th May 2022 for new Markers. For experienced markers, the online training workshop markers will be delivered on Sunday 15th May 2022.
Group Leaders and Professional Leaders will also be required to attend role specific training in the lead up to the marking operation.
The mandatory training is broken into categories (New and Experienced) and must be successfully completed before you can mark student scripts. There is very little that can be done if you cannot attend a specified training session. If, in the unlikely event, you are unable to attend your specified training session, email
Human Resources Unit or call 9225 2305