A strike that could affect the student appeals process is being proposed by a union in a row over pay.
Unite will launch an industrial action ballot involving workers at the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) after they voted down a pay offer that ranged from 1.7% to 4%.
On an 85% turnout, 95% rejected the pay offer, with 84% indicating they would be prepared to strike.
The SQA has said it will continue to discuss the pay offer with unions.
Unite represents hundreds of workers at the exams body.
