Test Development Assistant

National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) is seeking a Test Development Assistant to support examination development from item writing to publishing. The role involves item and case processing, item bank maintenance, and learning NBOME processes.

This entry-level position emphasizes organization, collaboration, and communication with internal teams and external experts. The role operates on a hybrid schedule with two optional remote days (Mon & Fri) and three in-office days

Qualifications

• College degree required.
• Office or administrative experience preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Superior attention to detail and proofreading skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with scheduling, planning, and facilitating item/case writing/review activities across formats (virtual and on-site).
• Coordinate with National Faculty on assignments and content development tasks.
• Provide blueprint and metadata coding for test questions under supervision.
• Input and organize test items in item bank software, applying NBOME format and style guidelines.
• Review final examinations prior to publishing to ensure content accuracy.

Skills

Attention to detail

Typing accuracy

Proofreading

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

College Degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Item bank software

Job description

The National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) is seeking a Test Development Assistant. This position will play an essential role in supporting various stages of examination development, from item writing to exam publishing. Key tasks include item and case processing, item bank maintenance, and learning NBOME processes and procedures for test development. The Assistant will actively participate in team meetings and collaborate closely with National Faculty to support exam development tasks. Communication skills are essential for coordinating with internal teams and external experts. This entry-level position is ideal for those possessing strong organizational skills, a collaborative mindset, and an interest in high-stakes assessment.

This position has a hybrid work schedule with two days optional remote days (Monday & Friday) and three days mandatory in office work (Tuesday-Thursday) in our O’Hare/Rosemont area office. Some variation may be necessary for on-site meetings.

Responsibilities

• Exam content development – Assist with scheduling, planning, and facilitating item/case writing/review activities, including virtual synchronous, virtual asynchronous, and on-site formats. Facilitate small group sessions with National Faculty on-site and in virtual environments. Develop skills to lead exam content development activities independently. Complete follow-up work as necessary, including submitting CME and honorariums and appropriate documentation.
• National Faculty support – With direction from a supervisor, communicate with item writers and reviewers about assignments and exam content development activities. Engage in creating assignments, tracking submissions, and providing necessary follow-up.
• Metadata coding and analysis – With supervision, provide blueprint and metadata coding for test questions. Assist in the analysis of test data to ensure reliability and validity of test items. Perform quarterly item bank maintenance and asset bank maintenance with close supervision.
• Item processing and editing – Input and organize test items using our item bank software; add appropriate metadata and apply NBOME format and style guidelines. Conduct research to aid in item development and ensure content accuracy. Review final examinations prior to publishing to ensure error-free content.
• Fulfill additional responsibilities as assigned by supervisor or senior leadership

Qualifications include:

• College Degree, required
• Office or administrative experience, preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, with a willingness to learn specialized test development software.
• Superior attention to detail, typing accuracy, and proofreading skills
• Organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, contributing to cooperative work culture