Certification and Test Specialist - Illinois Fire Service Institute

Illinois Fire Service Institute

Position Summary

The position providestechnical and administrative support in certification, test bank management,and exam analysis & maintenance for the Illinois Fire Service Institute,Statutory State Fire Academy for Illinois. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Exam Administration:

• Securely create, store, ship, and receivepaper and computer-based exam kits.
• Grade exams as needed.
• Proctor written/CBT exams, as needed.
• Work with individual students in a timelymanner to administer re-takes of exams.
• Manage and utilize testing software.
• Manage iPads for onsite and offsite CBT andcoordinate updates with IT.
• Manage availability of regional testinglocations, proctor availability, and preparation of exam materials for regionalexams.

Exam Bank Management:

• Lead the validation process of exam bankquestions, ensuring question references are to NFPA Standard JPRs, courseobjectives, and course textbook.
• Ensure completion of program exam blueprintduring each validation.
• Complete pre- andpost-validation checklists.
• Import Exam banks into testing software.
• Manage test bank electronic and printedinventory.

Certification Management:

• Coordinate with the Accreditation Manager oncertification submissions, reporting to accrediting entities and the IllinoisOffice of the State Fire Marshal.
• Maintain records required forreaccreditation and compliance reviews.
• Verify candidate student eligibility forcertification examinations and practical skill evaluations.

Exam Development:

• Develop examinations utilizing exam softwareaccording to blueprints developed during the validation process. Exam policygoal is to develop two tests (A & B) per discipline.
• Create Master Test Binder and completeapproval process.
• Print new exams, check, and prepare exambooklets for initial implementation.
• Retire/Archive old exams.

Customer Service and Training:

• Responsible for the training, education, andauditing proctors and evaluators.
• Answer phone calls and respond to emailsfrom fire departments, program leadership, etc.
• Manage the testing office email and proctorcalendar.
• Exam Vault work – updating documents,maintaining exam vault supplies, etc.
• Coordinate the standards of practice andprovide training to other CTC Specialists to support testing tasks.

Test Analysis &Maintenance:

• Review exam banks every 30 months or whenNFPA standards change to ensure accreditation compliance deadlines are met.
• Analyze question statistical data for thefirst four administrations of a newly created exam.
• Evaluate questions which show reliabilityconcerns. Questions falling outside the identified criterion are re-examinedagainst the course materials to confirm their validity. Questions that fail thevalidity test will be reviewed with program staff and, if changes are deemednecessary, the Director of Curriculum, Testing, and Certification.
• Analyze questions listed on the StudentFeedback Form for errors in language, logic, grammar, or factual mistakes andreport feedback to program staff.
• Identifypatterns of comments collected by the proctor of an exam and review thequestion’s statistical data, reporting feedback to program staff. 

ADA Coordinator:

• Review ADA requests, provide forms, andreview submitted documentation.
• Maintain secure database for ADAcommunication and files.
• Coordinate with Program Managers/Proctorsfor IFSI students with ADA requirements.

Qualifications

Required Minimum Qualifications:

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

1. 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)

        2.  Work experience in test administration methods and techniques.

Preferred:

1. Bachelor’s Degree.
2. Three to five years of exambank management and test implementation.
3. Experience with firefightingand technical rescue training programs is strongly preferred.
4. Familiarity with IFSI and its programs

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

1. Proficiency in Microsoft Word,Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat for the creation of instructionalmaterials.
2. Ability to learn new softwareand adapt to the use and implementation of new technology.
3. High level of organizationalskills and great attention to detail.
4. Ability to multitask andprioritize daily tasks and long-term testing projects.
5. Ability to establish effectiveworking relationships with students and program leads.
6. Familiarity with currentcurriculum development and testing methods.
7. Ability to resolve problemsand answer questions in a prompt and tactful manner.
8. Experience working in afast-paced hierarchical office environment.
9. Ability to maintain accuraterecords (i.e., test results, answer sheets scanned, testing softwaremanagement).

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 November 1, 2026. The salary range for this position is $55,000-65,000.  This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Friday, October 2, 2026. 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 https://jobs.illinois.edu 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, kerib@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

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 accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1038035
Job Category: Administrative Support
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

Company Name: University of Illinois
Website: https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/ca...
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