Educational Testing Service (ETS), headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing quality and equity in education through assessment and research. Founded in 1947, ETS develops standardized tests such as the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), GRE (Graduate Record Examinations), and Praxis assessments for teacher certification. With a mission to promote learning and valid measurement, ETS influences higher education globally by providing tools that help institutions evaluate student readiness and teacher effectiveness.
Jobs at Educational Testing Service attract professionals passionate about education, statistics, and psychology. The organization employs over 3,000 people, many with advanced degrees, working on innovative projects like AI-driven scoring and bias reduction in testing. Located in Princeton, a hub for academic excellence near Ivy League institutions, ETS offers a collaborative environment focused on impactful work in educational measurement.
Careers at ETS span research, test development, data analysis, and support roles. Psychometricians design and validate tests, ensuring fairness and reliability. Research scientists analyze data from millions of test-takers to improve assessment practices. IT specialists build secure platforms for online testing, while assessment developers create content for exams like the TOEFL iBT.
Entry-level positions include research assistants handling data cleaning and literature reviews. Mid-level roles like senior psychometricians require 5+ years experience. Executive positions, such as directors of research, oversee large-scale projects. For a full list, explore university job types similar to those at ETS. Recent openings emphasize roles in adaptive testing and equity research, aligning with higher ed trends.
To understand jobs at ETS, key terms include:
Most positions at Educational Testing Service demand advanced education. Research and psychometric roles typically require a PhD in educational psychology, statistics, or measurement and evaluation. For example, a Psychometrician position lists a doctorate as essential, with coursework in multivariate statistics and classical test theory.
Development roles may accept a master’s in education or linguistics for TOEFL content specialists. Administrative jobs prefer bachelor’s degrees in business or HR with higher ed experience. ETS values credentials from accredited institutions, often prioritizing those with theses on assessment topics. In Princeton, NJ, proximity to universities like Princeton University facilitates hiring local PhD graduates.
ETS jobs center on research in educational assessment, fairness, and technology integration. Expertise in large-scale data analysis, machine learning for scoring, and differential item functioning (DIF) to detect bias is crucial. Current focuses include AI ethics in testing and adaptive testing algorithms, as seen in their work on the GRE at Home edition during the pandemic.
Candidates should have experience with tools like R or Python for simulations. Knowledge of international education standards is key for global tests like TOEFL. ETS publishes in journals like Applied Psychological Measurement, so prior publications strengthen applications.
Preferred experience includes 3-5 years in testing organizations or academia, with publications (e.g., 5+ peer-reviewed papers), grant work, or conference presentations. Experience with ETS products or competitors like ACT is advantageous. For senior roles, leading validation studies or managing test forms is ideal.
Internships in psychometrics or research assistantships at universities provide entry points. ETS favors candidates with real-world application, like developing K-12 assessments.
Core skills for jobs at ETS include advanced statistics, programming (SAS, R), and project management. Competencies like ethical reasoning, cross-cultural sensitivity, and communication for stakeholder reports are essential. Soft skills: teamwork in multidisciplinary teams and adaptability to evolving standards.
The application process for ETS jobs starts on their careers site: submit resume, cover letter, and transcripts. Expect phone screens, technical interviews with case studies (e.g., analyze test data), and panel discussions. Background checks follow offers.
Tips: Customize your free resume template with keywords like 'psychometrics' and 'validity studies'. Highlight quantifiable impacts, e.g., 'Developed IRT model reducing bias by 15%'. Network via LinkedIn or ETS conferences. Prepare for behavioral questions on equity. Use our free cover letter template. Track applications and follow up politely.
ETS champions diversity through the ETS Diversity Council, unconscious bias training, and recruitment from HBCUs and minority-serving institutions. They fund research on test fairness for underrepresented groups and offer scholarships like the ETS Presidential Scholarship. Employee resource groups support women in STEM and LGBTQ+ staff. In 2023, ETS reported 45% women in leadership and increased multicultural hiring.
Princeton, NJ, offers a vibrant campus life with ETS's modern headquarters featuring collaborative spaces, gyms, and cafes. Work-life balance includes flexible schedules, 4 weeks PTO, parental leave, and mental health support. Hybrid models post-COVID allow remote work 2-3 days/week. Employees enjoy proximity to Princeton University events, biking trails, and cultural sites. Reviews on Glassdoor rate ETS 4.1/5 for culture, praising supportive managers amid rigorous projects.
ETS continues innovating with AI scoring and global expansions. Recent news includes advancements in quantum sensing (SUTD diamond quantum sensors) relevant to secure testing tech. Check research jobs for openings.
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