BECOME A TDSC EXAMINER

Are you an experienced and qualified dance teacher looking to expand your professional knowledge and play a key role in shaping positive examination experiences for young dancers?

The TDSC Examiner Training Programme has been designed for experienced dance professionals who are interested in developing the skills, knowledge, and professional standards required to assess TDSC examinations.

As a TDSC Examiner, you will help ensure every candidate receives a fair, supportive, and encouraging examination experience whilst maintaining the high standards expected of a professional awarding organisation.

Throughout the programme, you will gain a thorough understanding of the TDSC syllabus, assessment criteria, marking system, examiner expectations, safeguarding responsibilities, equality and unconscious bias, and the professional standards required of a TDSC examiner.

The training combines theory, discussion, and practical marking exercises, giving you the opportunity to develop your understanding of the examination process and apply your knowledge in real-world assessment scenarios.

Training Fee

£650 per person

The training fee includes:

Pre-course learning materials and resources
Full examiner training day delivered via Zoom
Examiner handbook and assessment documentation
Practical marking workshops using mock examinations
Equality, safeguarding, and unconscious bias training
Ongoing support throughout the training process
Two months' complimentary Silver Membership (for non-members) to allow you to study the syllabus and supporting resources
Examiner resource pack posted directly to your home address

What Does a TDSC Examiner Do?

TDSC Examiners travel to dance schools across the UK to assess candidates in a range of dance genres and levels.

Examiners are responsible for:

Assessing candidates fairly and consistently against the TDSC assessment criteria
Creating a positive and encouraging examination environment
Completing marksheets and reports accurately
Maintaining professional standards at all times
Attending ongoing standardisation and training activities
Acting as ambassadors for TDSC and its values

Examiner Pay & Benefits

Current examiner rates are:

£250 per full day
£125 per half day
£50 travel supplement for sessions involving travel of more than 1.5 hours each way
£35 per hour overtime after 8 hours
£35 per hour for Zoom and video submission examining

In addition, examiners benefit from:

Flexible examining opportunities throughout the UK
Ongoing professional development
Regular standardisation and training
Support from the TDSC team
The opportunity to be part of a growing and forward-thinking examination organisation

Who Is This Programme Suitable For?

This programme is designed for qualified dance teachers and experienced dance professionals who have a strong technical understanding of dance and an interest in developing their assessment and examining skills.

Applicants should have substantial teaching experience and a strong understanding of dance technique and performance standards.

Whilst the programme is primarily aimed at qualified dance teachers, applications from individuals with significant industry experience may also be considered.

Previous examining experience is not required.

Examiner Expectations

TDSC Examiners are expected to:

Hold appropriate dance teaching qualifications and/or significant industry experience
Maintain a minimum Silver TDSC Membership
Teach at least some TDSC syllabus work within their own school or professional practice
Be willing to travel to examination sessions when required
Attend mandatory standardisation meetings throughout the year
Complete all paperwork accurately and within required timescales
Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, flexibility, and excellent communication skills

To ensure examiners have a thorough understanding of the syllabus, examiners are expected to teach at least some TDSC work within their own schools or professional practice. This does not need to be across all genres.

Understanding the Commitment

Before applying, it is important to understand the realities of the examiner role.

Whilst examining offers excellent flexibility and rewarding professional development opportunities, examiners are often required to travel and may occasionally be asked to assess sessions some distance from home.

The busiest examining periods are typically:

The end of each school term
Weekends
The summer term, which is generally our busiest period of the year

Examining opportunities can fluctuate throughout the year depending on demand, and workloads can vary considerably between quieter and busier periods.

Examiners are never obliged to accept a session and may decline dates that are unsuitable.

Important Information

Successful completion of the training programme does not automatically result in appointment as a TDSC Examiner.

Following training, participants may be required to complete additional practical marking exercises and standardisation activities before approval can be considered.

Examiner appointments are made at the discretion of TDSC and are based on a range of factors including:

Experience
Suitability
Assessment outcomes
Availability
Professionalism
Reliability
Operational requirements of the organisation

Participation in the programme provides valuable professional development and insight into dance assessment practices, regardless of whether an examiner appointment is offered.

Applicants who do not possess the required level of teaching experience, technical knowledge, or professional suitability may not be approved as examiners following training.

Why Become a TDSC Examiner?

✔ Flexible examining opportunities throughout the UK

✔ Competitive examiner pay rates

✔ Ongoing professional development and support

✔ Opportunity to contribute to a growing examination organisation

✔ Be part of a supportive team of experienced dance professionals

✔ Help create positive, encouraging, and memorable examination experiences for dancers

At TDSC, we are committed to maintaining high standards whilst ensuring every candidate feels confident, comfortable, and valued throughout their examination experience. Our examiners play a vital role in upholding these values and helping dancers achieve their full potential.

Apply for Examiner Training