When exam panic strikes — What every CSW needs to know

Exams are stressful for everyone involved — but what happens when the Communication Support Worker (CSW) walks into the room unsure of the procedures, roles, or even how to structure the questions in British Sign Language?

Recently, one of our students on our course had that exact moment: a last-minute exam booking, an unfamiliar student, and the creeping fear of doing something wrong under formal conditions.

If you’re a CSW and this sounds familiar, don’t worry — we’ve all been there. This blog post explores a common exam-day scenario and offers practical solutions that can help keep things calm, clear, and professional.

The Scenario: “You’re booked to support an exam... tomorrow.”

Imagine this:

You receive a booking for a college exam with very little notice. You’re told the student is Deaf and that the exam is formal with an invigilator present. You arrive early, but the tutor seems unsure what your role is. You’re handed the exam paper just minutes before the start and expected to “just get on with it.”

Your heart races. You know your BSL is solid, but interpreting under exam conditions? You’re unsure where the lines are — what you can say, what needs to be fingerspelt, how to restructure complicated questions, and how to handle it all without unintentionally giving an advantage.

What Could Go Wrong? (And How to Fix It)

❌ Problem 1: Lack of Prep Time

The issue: You arrive just before the exam and barely get to glance at the paper.
The solution: You are entitled to one hour of prep time. Use it! This hour allows you to read through the paper, restructure questions, identify technical terms, and ensure you’re confident with the language used.

❌ Problem 2: Confused Tutor

The issue: The tutor or lecturer doesn’t understand your role — they assume you’re there to “help” or stay silent altogether.
The solution: Proactively raise awareness. Before the day of the exam (ideally as soon as you know it’s happening), speak to the tutor and clarify your role. It’s your responsibility to ensure everyone knows how the process works.

❌ Problem 3: No Signing Invigilator

The issue: The room has invigilators, but none can sign, and nobody’s sure who’s monitoring what.
The solution: Request a signing invigilator. Their job isn’t to criticise you — they’re there to support you, protect your professional boundaries, and step in if issues arise around interpreting, timing, or accusations of unfair help.

❌ Problem 4: How Do I Even Sign This!?

The issue: You get a question packed with jargon or poor sentence structure. You’re not sure how to sign it accurately without changing its meaning.
The solution: During prep time, analyse the questions. Ask yourself:

• Can this word be signed or should it be fingerspelt?

• Is there technical terminology the student would understand in a different visual format?

• Can unnecessary filler words be dropped without altering the meaning?

Discuss your approach with the signing invigilator before the exam begins to ensure consistency and clarity.

Handling Student Pressure

Exams are high-stress, and Deaf students might turn to you for reassurance, or worse — answers. Be prepared.

Stay calm. Stay professional. If a student starts looking to you for hints, gently break eye contact to signal that communication is not allowed. You are there to interpret questions, not help them pass.

Best Practice Recap for CSWs in Exams:

• Arrive early and use your full hour of prep time

• Speak to the tutor/lecturer in advance

• Ensure a signing invigilator is present

• Analyse the paper: restructure, clarify, check meaning

• Respect your boundaries and protect your role

• Stay calm — the student will follow your lead

💬 A Note to Our Staff

If you’re part of the Deaf Umbrella team — this whole process (and much more!) is explained in detail in our “Exams: What to Do and How to Work in Them” PowerPoint. It’s available in your staff area, and we highly recommend you give it a read before exam season hits.

Log in now and get prepped — your future self will thank you.

Want to work somewhere that actually prepares you?

At Deaf Umbrella, we believe in setting our CSWs up for success. From real-world resources to friendly support from the office, we’ve got your back — before, during, and after every exam booking.

Sound good? Keep an eye on our vacancies, or get in touch to join our team.