Test Specialist - Illinois Fire Service Institute

Test Specialist - Illinois Fire Service Institute

Illinois Fire Service Institute

The University of Illinois is a world leader in research, teaching, and public engagement. We serve the state, the nation, and the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and addressing critical societal needs through the transfer and application of knowledge. As the statutory fire academy for Illinois, the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) serves firefighters throughout Illinois and the world. World-class instructors deliver more than 14,000 class hours to students online, on campus and at regional training centers throughout the state. IFSI is operated as a continuing education and public service activity by the University of Illinois.

PRIMARY POSITION FUNCTION/SUMMARY:

The Test Specialist provides support, both technical and administrative, in the area of test bank management, exam development, analysis & maintenance for the Illinois Fire Service Institute, Statutory State Fire Academy for Illinois. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, deadline driven, and have the ability to prioritize easily and with flexibility. Must be able to work collaboratively with others. This position reports to the Director of Curriculum, Testing, and Certification.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Exam Administration:

• Securely create, store, ship, and receive exam kits, and grade exams, as needed.
• Work with individual students in a timely manner to administer re-takes of exams.
• Assist in the training, education, and audit of proctors and evaluators; proctor written/CBT exams, as needed.
• Utilize testing software.
• Supervise part-time staff.

Exam Bank Management:

• Guide the validation process of exam bank questions, ensuring question references are to an NFPA JPR, course objective and course textbook.
• Ensure completion of program exam blueprint during each validation.
• Complete pre- and post-validation checklists.

Exam Development:

• Develop examinations utilizing exam software according to blueprints developed during the validation process. Exam policy goal is to develop two tests (A & B) per discipline.

Test Analysis & Maintenance:

• Review exam banks every 30 months or when NFPA standards change to ensure accreditation compliance deadlines are met.
• Analyze question statistical data for the first four administrations of a newly created exam.
• Evaluate questions which show reliability concerns. Questions falling outside of the identified criterion are re-examined against the course materials, confirming their validity. Questions failing to meet the validity test will be reviewed with program staff and, if changes are deemed necessary, the Director of Curriculum, Testing, and Certification.
• Analyze questions listed on the Student Feedback Form for errors in language, logic, grammar, or factual mistakes and report feedback to program staff.
• Identify patterns of comments collected by the proctor of an exam and review the question’s statistical data reporting feedback to program staff.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Any one or any combination totaling three (3) years (36 months) from the following categories:

A. course work in education, behavioral sciences, social sciences, business administration or a closely related field, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:

• 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
• Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
• 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
• Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)

B. work experience in test administration methods and techniques.

Preferred:

1. Two years of professional experience.
2. Preference will be given to candidates with proven knowledge of Fire Service education practices.
3. Preference will be given to the candidates with proven knowledge and understanding of state and national certification agencies.
4. Preference will be given to candidates with knowledge and understanding of NFPA standards.
5. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in curriculum development, written and practical testing development.
6. Three to five years of fire service experience, including understanding equipment needs and usage.
7. Experience with firefighting and technical rescue training programs is strongly preferred.
8. Familiarity with the latest Fire Research which could be incorporated into IFSI course material.
9. Familiarity with IFSI and its programs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat for the production of instructional materials.
2. Demonstrated high level of organizational skills.
3. Must possess great attention to detail.
4. Familiarity with current curriculum development and design methods.
5. Experience working in a fast-paced hierarchical office environment

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service Test Specialist position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after September 1, 2025. Salary range is $40,000-50,000.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at .

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on August 18, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Keri Borchers, [email protected] For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits .

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing [email protected] .

Requisition ID : 1031099
Job Category : Education & Student Services
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