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Test Development Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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$46

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How much do test development jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for test development in Iowa is $46.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.15 and $59.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Test Development, and why are they important?

To excel in Test Development, strong analytical skills, a background in educational measurement or psychometrics, and a relevant degree such as education, psychology, or statistics are essential. Familiarity with test authoring platforms, statistical analysis software (like SPSS or R), and knowledge of standards such as item response theory (IRT) are typically required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective collaboration are key soft skills for designing fair and valid assessments. These skills ensure the creation of reliable, unbiased, and meaningful tests that accurately measure intended outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced in a Test Development role, and how can they be addressed?

One common challenge in Test Development is ensuring that assessments are both valid and reliable while meeting tight deadlines. Balancing subject matter expertise with psychometric principles can also be demanding, particularly when collaborating with content experts and statisticians. Clear communication, careful project planning, and continuous professional development help address these challenges. Additionally, staying updated on assessment standards and using feedback from pilot tests can greatly improve test quality.

What is test development?

Test development is the process of designing, creating, and validating assessment tools such as exams, quizzes, or standardized tests. This process involves defining the purpose of the test, constructing test items, reviewing them for quality, and conducting statistical analyses to ensure reliability and validity. Test developers often work in educational, psychological, or professional certification contexts to measure knowledge, skills, or abilities accurately. The goal is to create fair, unbiased tests that provide meaningful information about the test takers.

What is the difference between Test Development vs Test Analysis?

AspectTest DevelopmentTest Analysis
Primary FocusDesigning and creating tests and assessmentsInterpreting test results and analyzing data
Required SkillsCurriculum design, item writing, psychometricsData analysis, statistical skills, reporting
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, testing companiesResearch organizations, educational settings
CertificationsPsychometric certifications often preferredData analysis or psychometric certifications

Test Development focuses on creating assessments, while Test Analysis involves interpreting results and analyzing data. Both roles are essential in the testing industry, often working together to ensure valid and reliable assessments.

What are popular job titles related to Test Development jobs in Iowa? For Test Development jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Test Development jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Test Development job openings:
Test Development Associate

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Description
The Test Development position will contribute to the success of statewide achievement testing programs by developing standardized achievement tests for district, state, or national use, providing consultation and administration of testing programs, and conducting research studies involving practical and theoretical aspects of test development and use. This Test Development Position will develop materials for use in Social Studies assessments.
This is a 3-year Specified Term Position.
Specific Job Duties and Tasks:
  • Assist with and/or develop materials, including passages and items, closely aligned to relevant state social studies standards for use in a variety of assessment programs (e.g. Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP)).
  • Improve item passages, stems, keys, and distractors in collaboration with internal and external reviewers and editing staff.
  • Assist in the development of interpretative materials including performance level descriptors and test specifications to accompany standardized achievement tests as assigned.
  • Manage the interface between ITP and partner item banking solutions to create, manage, and deliver accessible social studies items.
  • Assist with and/or develop social studies materials to be evaluated for use in assessments and other instruments to support research needs of faculty, graduate students, or external entities.
  • Participate actively in local/ state/ national organizations where innovations in the teaching and assessment of social studies concepts are developed and shared.
  • Work effectively with external consultants including Iowa educators on development and review of social studies materials.
  • Create accurate contract and payment requests for external writers and reviewers.
  • Assist ITP Directors in tracking contract expenditures.

To obtain the full job description including key areas of responsibility, technical competencies, and desirable qualifications, please contact Alex-Schutman@uiowa.edu
About Iowa Testing Programs (ITP)
Iowa Testing Programs (ITP) has been part of the University of Iowa's College of Education for over 90 years. From its inception, ITP's mission has been to serve Iowa schools' assessment needs by developing high-quality instruments and to work with schools to promote valid use of results.
  • ITP also pursues research that improves the practice of educational measurement.
  • design and development of assessments that provide information for a variety of purposes and audiences.
  • outreach that delivers assessment results and supports use of assessment information by local, state, national, and international audiences.

Qualifications
Education Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in social studies education or a related social science or equivalent combination of education and related experience, is required. Typical experience is a minimum of three years.

Required Qualifications:
  • Three (3) years or more of teaching experience in Grades 7-12 Social Studies content area in Iowa is required.
  • Experience in interpretation and application of the Iowa Academic Standards in Social Studies is required.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful workplace environment is required.

Application Details
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload:
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
For questions, contact Alex Schutman at Alex-Schutman@uiowa.edu
Benefits Highlights
  • Regular salaried position. Pay level 5A . Located in Iowa City, Iowa.
  • Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.
  • For more information about Why Iowa? Click here .

About Iowa
Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success. Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance. Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation. Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.