Certification and Test Specialist - Illinois Fire Service Institute

Certification and Test Specialist - Illinois Fire Service Institute

Are you ready to support the mission of Illinois’ premier fire training organization? The Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) is seeking a Office Associate to join our team. As the statutory State Fire Academy for Illinois and the oldest continuous fire training institution in the United States, IFSI trains more than 60,000 first responders annually through hands‑on, innovative, and research‑driven education.

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

• Securely create, store, ship, and receive paper and computer-based exam kits.
• Grade exams as needed.
• Proctor written/CBT exams, as needed.
• Work with individual students in a timely manner to administer re‑takes of exams.
• Manage and utilize testing software.
• Manage iPads for onsite and offsite CBT and coordinate updates with IT.
• Manage availability of regional testing locations, proctor availability, and preparation of exam materials for regional exams.

• Lead the validation process of exam bank questions, ensuring question references are to NFPA Standard JPRs, course objectives, and course textbook.
• Ensure completion of program exam blueprint during each validation.
• Complete pre- andpost-validation checklists.
• Import Exam banks into testing software.
• Manage test bank electronic and printed inventory.

• Coordinate with the Accreditation Manager on certification submissions, reporting to accrediting entities and the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal.
• Maintain records required for reaccreditation and compliance reviews.
• Verify candidate student eligibility for certification examinations and practical skill evaluations.

• 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.
• Create Master Test Binder and complete approval process.
• Print new exams, check, and prepare exam booklets for initial implementation.
• Retire/Archive old exams.

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

• 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 reliability concerns. Questions falling outside the identified criterion are re-examined against the course materials to confirm their validity. Questions that fail 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 andreport 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.

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