How to Get a Scribe for Exams: A Step-by-Step Guide for Students

Understanding the role of a scribe

A scribe is a person who writes down exactly what a student dictates during an exam. The scribe does not answer questions, explain content, or make decisions for the student. Their only job is to record the student’s responses accurately and in the format required by the exam authority.

Step 1 – Confirm that a scribe is an approved accommodation

1. Check the official policy – Every school, university, or testing body publishes its own list of approved accommodations. Look for language such as “exam writing help for students” or “scribe for exams” in the accommodation guide.
2. Gather required documentation – Most authorities ask for a recent assessment from a qualified professional (e.g., psychologist, occupational therapist, medical doctor) that explains why a scribe is needed.
3. Submit the request on time – Deadlines are often weeks or months before the exam period. Missing a deadline can mean the accommodation cannot be arranged for that sitting.

Tip: Keep a copy of every email, form, and approval letter. You may need to reference them later when coordinating with a volunteer.

Step 2 – Collect the exact exam details

Information needed	Why it matters
Exam date, start time, and duration	Determines when the scribe must be available
Location (room, building, online platform)	Helps the scribe plan travel or technical setup
Format (paper‑based, computer‑based, hybrid)	Influences whether the scribe writes by hand or types
Allowed materials (calculator, formula sheet, reference texts)	Ensures the scribe knows what the student may use
Specific instructions from the exam authority (e.g., “scribe must not read questions aloud”)	Guarantees compliance with the rules

Write these details down in a single document you can share with any potential scribe.

Step 3 – Find a volunteer scribe

1. Ask your disability services office – Many institutions maintain a pool of trained volunteers or can connect you with peer‑support programs.
2. Reach out to student‑organisations – Groups focused on accessibility, peer tutoring, or specific disabilities often have members willing to help.
3. Use trusted community platforms – If your school partners with a platform that matches students with volunteers, follow their matching process. Remember: the platform does not guarantee a match, vetting, or safety; you still need to verify the volunteer’s suitability.
4. Consider a known peer – A classmate who understands the subject matter and can write legibly or type quickly may be a good fit, provided they meet the exam authority’s rules (some authorities require the scribe to be unrelated to the student).

When you contact a potential scribe, share the exam‑details document from Step 2 and ask them to confirm:

• Availability for the full exam window (including any extra time you may receive)
• Comfort with the required writing method (handwriting, typing, or both)
• Willingness to follow the exam authority’s scribe guidelines

Step 4 – Conduct a practice session

A short trial run (15–30 minutes) helps both of you:

• Test the pacing of dictation vs. writing/typing
• Clarify how you will indicate punctuation, formatting, or corrections
• Identify any technical issues (e.g., keyboard layout, screen‑sharing settings for online exams)

Document any adjustments you agree on and keep the notes for exam day.

Step 5 – Finalise logistics before exam day

Task	Deadline
Confirm the scribe’s attendance (in‑person or virtual)	48 hours before
Verify that the exam venue allows a scribe (some rooms have capacity limits)	48 hours before
Ensure any required technology (laptop, secure browser, internet connection) is tested	24 hours before
Pack a backup pen, paper, or charger for the scribe	Morning of exam
Review the exam authority’s “scribe conduct” checklist together	Morning of exam

Step 6 – On exam day

1. Arrive early enough to settle in and brief the scribe on any last‑minute instructions from the invigilator.
2. Keep communication clear: speak at a steady pace, spell out uncommon words, and state punctuation explicitly (“comma,” “period,” “new paragraph”).
3. If you need a correction, say “delete that” or “replace with…”, then continue.
4. After the exam, thank the scribe and confirm that the completed script has been handed to the invigilator exactly as required.

Practical next‑steps checklist

• Locate your institution’s accommodation policy and deadline.
• Obtain the required professional documentation.
• Submit the scribe request before the deadline.
• Compile the exam‑details sheet (date, time, location, format, rules).
• Identify at least two potential volunteer scribes.
• Schedule a practice session with your chosen scribe.
• Confirm all logistics 48 hours before the exam.
• Pack a small “exam‑day kit” for the scribe (pen, paper, charger, water).

Final reminder

Exam authorities, schools, universities, and testing bodies each set their own accommodation rules. The steps above are a general framework; you must verify the current requirements directly with the relevant authority for every exam you plan to take. This guide does not guarantee eligibility, approval, availability of a volunteer, or a successful match.