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Test Item Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Astrion

Chicken Little Test Engineer - SME Level

FL · On-site

... test item development life cycle. Prepare, execute, review, and analyze test plans, procedures, metrics, and reports throughout the system-under-test development life cycle. * Develops and write ...

AEVEX

Flight Test Engineer 3

Tampa, FL · On-site

... writing and recommendations to ensure on-time completion Provide project officer leadership ... test item modifications, maintenance and flight test requirements Review and identify potential ...

Dover Corporation

Test Technician II

Austin, TX

$22 - $30/hr

... test item to successive steps in test cycle * Ensure finished products meet quality standards ... Ability to follow both verbal and written instructions in English * Ability to work collaboratively ...

Dover Corporation

Test Technician II

Austin, TX · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

... test item to successive steps in test cycle * Ensure finished products meet quality standards ... Ability to follow both verbal and written instructions in English * Ability to work collaboratively ...

Dover Corporation

Test Technician II

Austin, TX

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

... test item to successive steps in test cycle * Ensure finished products meet quality standards ... Ability to follow both verbal and written instructions in English * Ability to work collaboratively ...

AEVEX

Flight Test Engineer 3

Tampa, FL

... report writing and recommendations to ensure on-time completion * Provide project officer ... of test item modifications, maintenance and flight test requirements * Review and identify ...

AEVEX

Flight Test Engineer 3

Tampa, FL · On-site

... report writing and recommendations to ensure on-time completion • Provide project officer ... item modifications, maintenance and flight test requirements • Review and identify potential ...

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How much do test item writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for test item writer in the United States is $24.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a test item writer do?

As a test item writer, you write questions and answers for use in various types of exams. This may involve creating multiple-choice questions, selecting content based on the expected educational attainment of test takers, or conforming to standardized test requirements for any given subject. Tests are particularly common in the educational industry but can also be used in situations like evaluating the skills of potential hires for a company. Most test item writers specialize in relevant areas, such as mathematics or biology. When questions do not have set answers, such as essay questions, this job usually involves creating a rubric for graders to reference when scoring.

What is a test item writer?

Test item writers are professionals who design and develop questions or tasks (known as 'items') for assessments, such as standardized tests, certification exams, or classroom evaluations. Their responsibilities include creating questions that accurately measure the intended knowledge or skills, ensuring clarity and fairness, and aligning items with the test's objectives or curriculum standards. Test item writers often collaborate with subject matter experts and follow strict guidelines to maintain validity, reliability, and security in testing. They may specialize in particular subjects or grade levels and are essential to the assessment development process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a test item writer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Test Item Writer, you need a strong command of subject matter expertise, excellent writing skills, and a background in education or instructional design. Familiarity with assessment platforms, item banking software, and knowledge of standardized test frameworks is typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, and the ability to interpret testing standards help set outstanding writers apart. These skills ensure that assessment items are accurate, fair, and effective at measuring the intended knowledge or skills.

What are some common challenges test item writers face when developing assessment questions?

Test Item Writers often encounter challenges such as ensuring questions are fair, unbiased, and accurately aligned with learning objectives or standards. Balancing clarity with appropriate difficulty is crucial, as poorly worded or ambiguous items can confuse test-takers and compromise results. Additionally, writers must frequently collaborate with subject matter experts and editors to review and revise items, which requires strong communication and adaptability. Keeping up with evolving assessment best practices and maintaining the security and originality of test content are also ongoing responsibilities.
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Test Item Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Test Item Writer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,519 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Test Development Specialist, Science

drc

Maple Grove, MN

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

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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