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Independent Contractor Test Item Writer Jobs in Minnesota

Keytronic

Test Engineer

Oakdale, MN · On-site

Will work both independently and in groups in problem solving. Will require interfacing with ... Report, to the appropriate personnel, any item which may affect product performance, reliability ...

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All JobsIndependent Contractor Test Item Writer JobsIndependent Contractor Test Item Writer Jobs in Minnesota

Independent Contractor Test Item Writer information

What is an independent contractor test item writer?

An Independent Contractor Test Item Writer is a professional who creates exam questions and related content for standardized tests, educational assessments, or certification exams on a contract basis rather than as a full-time employee. They work independently, often for educational publishers, testing agencies, or organizations seeking to develop or update assessments. Their responsibilities include writing, reviewing, and sometimes validating test items to ensure accuracy, fairness, and relevance. These writers must have strong subject-matter expertise and excellent writing skills, as well as the ability to follow specific guidelines set by the client.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent contractor test item writer?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor Test Item Writer, you need strong subject matter expertise, excellent writing skills, and a solid understanding of educational standards or assessment frameworks. Familiarity with item-authoring platforms, learning management systems, and sometimes certifications in instructional design or testing standards (such as psychometrics) are often required. Attention to detail, creativity, and the ability to meet deadlines independently are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality, valid, and reliable test items that accurately assess learners' knowledge and skills.

What are some common challenges faced by independent contractor test item writers, and how can they be managed?

Independent Contractor Test Item Writers often face challenges such as interpreting detailed content standards, meeting strict deadlines, and adhering to specific formatting or editorial guidelines from clients. Additionally, working independently requires strong self-motivation and time management skills, as there may be minimal direct supervision. To succeed, writers should establish clear communication with project managers, maintain organized schedules, and actively seek feedback to ensure their items meet client expectations and quality standards.

What are popular job titles related to Independent Contractor Test Item Writer jobs in Minnesota?

For Independent Contractor Test Item Writer jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Test Item Writer jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Test Item Writer jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Independent Contractor Test Item Writer jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Independent Contractor Test Item Writer job openings:

Independent Contractor Test Item Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Test Item Writer job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 16% Temporary, and 32% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, and 16% Remote job distribution.

Test Development Specialist, Science

drc

Maple Grove, MN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop and deliver assigned content-area test items and assessment ancillaries on time.

  • Support all steps in the development of statewide testing programs, including item specifications, test blueprints, and review processes.

  • Assist in planning, organizing, and facilitating review activities such as bias reviews, alignment studies, and standard-setting sessions.

Job description

Test Development Specialist, Science

Summary: 

Test Development Specialists for a given content area develop and deliver on time assigned content-area test items and/or assessment ancillaries. Test Development Specialists also support all steps in the development of statewide testing programs, including the development of item specifications, test blueprints, etc. They also support the development of statewide testing programs by facilitating committee reviews, including bias reviews, item-data reviews, standard-settings, and alignment studies.  They work directly with Senior Test Development Specialists and Directors of Test Development to help plan and organize the flow of work for assigned assessment items or sections of projects. As needed, they assign tasks and provide guidance to support staff, including freelance contractors, temporary workers, item writers, item-development coordinators, and/or other project team members. They may also work directly with their content-area counterparts in state departments of education, including building strong supportive relationships with state-department counterparts. 

Essential Position Responsibilities:

  • Works directly with Senior Test Development Specialists, Project Leads, and Directors to deliver on time all assigned items, tests, and/or other assigned steps in the item and test development process, including, but not limited to, the following:
    • Developing domain-specific specifications and domain-specific test blueprints
    • Developing domain-specific item specifications and art specifications, as required
    • Developing domain-specific style guides
    • Developing domain-specific item writer training manuals, including bias and universal design manuals
    • Facilitating item writer workshops for a given domain or assigned project
    • Writing, reviewing, revising, and editing items for a given domain and/or assigned project
    • Developing scoring guidelines and rubrics for constructed-response and performance assessments and supporting range-finding activities for a given domain or assigned project
    • Developing forms (including all steps in the forms construction process for pilot,  field test, and operational) for a given domain and/or assigned test
    • Supporting the development of test ancillaries for a given domain (test directions, practice tests, etc.)
  • Provide support for the final review process for assigned items and/or other items and tests, including ancillaries
  • Provide support for the final sign-off of test forms and/or other steps requiring test development sign-off, including directory of test specifications as needed for a given domain or assigned project
  • As needed,  provide support for the facilitation of state committee reviews, including content item and bias reviews, alignment studies, and standard-settings
  • Other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications

  • BS/BA in science, science education or related field, MS in education or related
    field preferred
  • Minimum of three years of teaching experience grades 6-8 and/or high school science or related experience
  • In-depth knowledge of the content area, including curriculum and instruction
  • General knowledge of test publishing industry standards
  • Knowledge of teaching “best practices” in the field of expertise
  • Experience working in teams and independently
  • Outstanding written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to solve problems and find solutions to complex issues when writing, reviewing, and/or revising items and/or constructing test forms
  • Ability to adjust to changing circumstances and direction as required
  • Knowledge of national and state-specific curriculum standards 
  • Experience in writing and editing test items
  • Experience in constructing test forms
  • Strong computer and organizational skills

Essential Job Requirements:

  • Report to work promptly when scheduled
  • Be able to work under supervision and accept feedback 
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace
  • Relate effectively and work respectfully with diverse work groups
  • Ability to consistently perform well during times of increased workload
  • Set and meet deadlines
  • Manage multiple job functions simultaneously
  • Be able to participate in business travel
  • Other duties as needed

Reporting to this position:  No direct reports

Physical Requirements: 

  • Ability to sit and/or stand for up to 8-hour periods of time
  • Ability to look at a computer monitor, utilize a keyboard and/or mouse for up to 8 hours per day
  • Ability to lift up to 20 pounds as necessary

DRC retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position

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