What Is a Test Question Writer and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

Test question writers develop educational or industry-related problems to be used on exams administered by schools or businesses, or they try to recreate questions that are similar to the ones that appear on standardized tests to help students and professionals who need to take these exams. Many test question writers work in education within a specific subject, such as math or science, but others help create tests in other industries, including engineering, and for government agencies. Test question writers occasionally work for corporations to help create and manage internal tests that may evaluate employee skills and help the company determine whether or not to provide additional training or support.

The primary qualifications for becoming a test question writer are several years of experience creating exams and familiarity with the topic. Many test question writers start as teachers and develop tests for their own classrooms before applying for a full-time test-creating role. Those who pursue this career usually have at least a bachelor's degree in the discipline in which they work. In recent years, many companies have switched to digital systems for developing exams; these make it easier for question writers to check similar questions and then assign problems to test-takers randomly. Fulfilling the responsibilities of a test question writer requires excellent communication and research skills, and you may also need to be proficient with products or software used by your employer to administer exams.