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Test Item Writer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Assessment Design Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

... tests to onboarding placement, all in service of understanding users' proficiency levels and ... an item writer can generate items against and an ML Engineer can build a grading model against.

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STORE/PRICE INTEGRITY LEAD CLERK

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Effective written and oral communication skills * Demonstrated aptitude to manage people and ... Check in and test scan all vendors * Maintain weekly ad item in scanning file * Provide ...

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Test Item Writer information

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 California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 33% Temporary, and 34% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Workforce Development Instructor

Educational Testing Consultants

Downey, CA • On-site

$400 - $600/mo

Contractor

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Educational Testing Consultants, Inc. is seeking contract instructors to teach in-person workforce development classes to employees of Los Angeles County. Successful candidates will possess previous teaching or public speaking experience and availability to work 3-10 weekdays per month. Courses will be delivered at various sites across the county.
Class sessions are presented using PowerPoint modules in conjunction with associated workbooks and interactive study aids. The course materials have been created by experienced test preparation instructors and former test item writers, so no curriculum development will be required with the position. 
Contract instructors are typically offered 3-10 courses per month, with each course consisting of 6-8 face-to-face hours of classroom instruction. Pay rate ranges from $400-$600 per course.
To learn more about Educational Testing Consultants, please visit https://etctestprep.com/.
Responsibilities:
  • Prepare and deliver instructions for an existing curriculum.
  • Keep and submit accurate attendance records.
  • Complete occasional online training.
  • No curriculum development is required.

Qualifications:
  • Teaching or public speaking experience.
  • Graduate degree preferred.

Job Type: Contract Instructor.
Pay Rate: varies, depending on course and experience.
Schedule: Weekdays between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.