Testing Assistant Jobs in Columbia, MD (NOW HIRING)

ABOUT US
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan, please visit our website and our careers page. Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!
ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.
Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date prior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely.
Job Posting End Date:
08-10-2026
Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.
Under the direction of the Principal, the Testing Assistant manages the operational logistics and security of federal, state, and county assessment programs. The role ensures full compliance with testing accommodations and data integrity while serving as a technical and administrative liaison for staff and students. The primary objective is to maintain a secure, efficient, and seamless testing environment that meets all regulatory standards.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent (must scan and upload to the online application at the time of submission). Foreign credentials must be evaluated as U.S. High School diploma or above by an MSDE approved organization. For a list of approved vendors, please click here

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.
Logistics, Inventory, and Security of Testing Materials
• Prepares testing materials, including distribution, inventory, and ordering of secure materials.
• Assists with the security of testing materials and the reconciliation of any missing materials.
• Supports the collection of testing materials to ensure accountability.
• Maintains current and past student testing data and records.
• Performs clerical work of a confidential nature.
• Entering students into databases Revision
• Sorting & distributing reports
• Processing scantrons
Training, Communication, and Operational Support

• Assists in conducting in-service training for school-based personnel prior to testing.

• Assists in providing on-going communication and support to test examiners, proctors, accommodators, and administrators on all aspects of mandated tests.

• Assists the School Testing Coordinator (STC) with staff training, test scheduling, assignment of proctor and testing areas.

• Supports the School Testing Coordinator in creating and managing online testing sessions.
Compliance, Accommodation, and Irregularity Management
• Supports the STC with properly identifying students for assessment participation.
• Supports the STC in identifying and providing appropriate accommodations for testing.
• Assists the STC in reporting the filing of any testing irregularities.
• Assists the STC in maintaining monetary records and coordinating with the School Financial Bookkeeper.
Technical Support

• Coordinates with information technology staff to ensure all testing devices function properly and that testing platforms are correctly installed and accessible.

• Verifies network connectivity in testing locations prior to and during testing.

• Provides troubleshooting support during testing, including device issues and platform related technical concerns.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.
Knowledge:

• Standardized Testing Protocols: Deep understanding of federal, state, and local testing regulations, including specific mandates for security, chain of custody, and data integrity.

• Accommodations & Compliance: Knowledge of Section 504 and IEP accommodation requirements to ensure every student receives the legally mandated support during assessments.

• Information Technology Systems: Familiarity with school-based hardware (Chromebooks/tablets), network connectivity requirements, and the specific installation of online testing platforms (e.g., PearsonAccess Next, TestNav).

• Confidentiality Standards: Understanding of FERPA and other privacy laws regarding the handling of sensitive student data and secure test materials.

Skills:

• Technical Troubleshooting: Expertise in resolving real-time hardware and software glitches during live testing sessions to minimize student anxiety and downtime.

• Inventory & Logistics Management: Mastery of tracking, sorting, and reconciling thousands of secure documents with zero margin for error.

• Database Management: Skilled in data entry, student record maintenance, and the processing of scantrons or digital reports for school-wide analysis.

• Instructional Support: The ability to assist in training staff (proctors and examiners) on Revision Date: April 2025 complex procedural manuals and irregular reporting protocols.

Abilities

• Precision & Accountability: The ability to maintain an unbroken "chain of custody" for secure materials and quickly identify/report irregularities.

• Crisis Management: The ability to remain calm and provide immediate support to staff and students during high-pressure testing windows.

• Interdisciplinary Coordination: Ability to work seamlessly across departments-linking administration, IT, and the Financial Bookkeeper-to ensure resources are available and accounted for.

• Ethical Discretion: The ability to handle confidential student records and sensitive monetary data with the highest level of professional integrity.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Working Hours

• The duty day for this position is 7.5 hours, which will include a 30-minute unpaid, duty-free lunch period.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the qualifications and the school system's needs.
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
Compensation
This is a 10-month per year position in the Howard County Education Association, Educational Support Professionals (HCEA-ESP) employee unit. The Secretaries and Assistants Salary Scale for this position is Grade 6 on the HCEA-ESP Secretaries and Assistants salary scale. Step placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the HCEA-ESP Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is not exempt from overtime.
Retirement
Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee's annual salary.
Benefits
HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.
Pre-Employment Requirements
Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors.
All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, some positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing.
Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E-Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship.
For questions regarding this posting, please contact humanresources@hcpss.org
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email humanresources@hcpss.org.
HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.