Independent Review into TASC Exam Processes

TASC continually looks for improvements to reduce the likelihood of errors and listens to the needs of students and educators.

Full implementation is ongoing and is being strategically progressed to ensure the annual exam cycle continues to operate effectively while enhancements are incorporated.

Actions already taken in alignment with the report’s 34 prioritised recommendations include:

• Forming a quality assurance partnership with the University of Tasmania and other subject matter experts for additional exam checks
• Appointing an experienced project manager to ensure a structured approach to the delivery including governance oversight
• Employing a copy editor for enhanced proofreading
• Documenting and clarifying roles and responsibilities within the Assessment Team and incorporating enhanced workflow tools with clear accountability at every stage of exam development
• Workload analysis to inform decisions to alleviate key person dependencies and broaden capability
• Commissioning the development of a pilot formal training module to support 2026 exam delivery, with additional modules planned.

TASC is engaging with the Minister for Education to support implementation. This collaborative approach will ensure we address root causes while aligning with broader regulatory reforms and Ministerial expectations.

TASC acknowledges the significant commitment of Setting Examiners, Exam Critics, the University of Tasmania, other sessional staff and the TASC team in the ongoing delivery of exams, which remain an important tool in measuring the success of Tasmanian senior secondary students.

Issued by: Sally Darke, Chair, Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification (TASC) Board, 25 September 2025

As the Chair of the newly appointed TASC Board, I am committed to announcing the public release of the Investigation and Exam Process Independent Review, conducted by Deloitte SRT. This review was commissioned in response to errors identified in some 2024 written exam papers, which we recognise impacted affected students, teachers, and families. Its findings provide a clear path forward to strengthen our processes and prevent future issues.

The Board has prioritised its review of the report since our inaugural meeting in July and endorses it in full. Overall, the review affirmed TASC’s established process for exam development, identifying opportunities to further enhance its effectiveness through appropriate resourcing. Key observations include:

• The 2024 exam development process generally followed TASC policy and procedure, with some minor deviations identified.
• Resourcing pressures at TASC, considering the workload and quantum of exams developed each year.
• Current remuneration for the qualified staff required for examinations may not be sufficient to support sustained resourcing in Tasmania.

The report makes 34 prioritised recommendations to underscore the need for sustainable resourcing.

As Chair, I can confirm that the new Board is now prioritising our response to the report, starting with its top recommendations. We are engaging with the Minister for Education regarding these findings to support implementation. This collaborative approach will ensure we address root causes while aligning with broader regulatory reforms and Ministerial expectations for reliable assessments that support student outcomes.

Investigation and Exam Process Independent Review, conducted by Deloitte SRT.

The review report has some partial redactions that were made by Deloitte SRT to prevent the identification of individuals, aligning with privacy principles. This includes specific position titles, the individuals who provided opinions at interview and staffing numbers outside of TASC.

Enquires about the review can be made through all usual TASC contacts, including through TASC Liaison Officers and enquiries@tasc.tas.gov.au