Subject Matter Experts
Transforming Knowledge into Impact

Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) are an essential part of a successful credential development or revision project. SMEs are business and industry representatives and teachers (secondary and postsecondary) who have at least three years of technical experience in the field. Led by a trained NOCTI facilitator, SME teams evaluate existing standards and content to ensure revised and new credentials measure competency at the industry-standard level.
By becoming an SME, you’ll help shape the assessments that measure industry standards, ensure workforce readiness, and empower individuals to excel in their chosen careers. Join us in driving innovation, supporting educators, and creating opportunities for tomorrow’s skilled professionals!
Commitment Levels
Choose from three different commitment levels to best fit your needs.
Full Engagement
Immerse yourself in every stage of the development and revision process. By dedicating 18 to 20 hours as a Full Engagement SME, you’ll help shape the future by contributing to key milestones from development to implementation:
- Job and Task Analysis
- Assessment Blueprint Development
- Multiple-Choice Item Development
- Performance Job Development
- Pilot Test Analysis
- Cut Score Determination
Foundational Impact
- Assessment Blueprint Development
- Multiple-Choice Item Development
- Performance Job Development
Flexible Contributions
- Job and Task Analysis (4 to 6 hours)
- Content Validation Study (1 hour or less)
- Independent Review (4 to 6 hours)
- Cut Score Determination (2 to 4 hours)
SME Development Steps
Job and Task Analysis
Identify the specific duties, responsibilities, skills, knowledge, and abilities required to perform a job effectively.
Content Validation Study
Validate the work completed in the Job and Task Analysis step by rating the criticality of the competencies for a particular technical area.
Assessment Blueprint Development
Determine which standards and competencies will be on the assessment and how test items get distributed.
Multiple-Choice Item Development
Select, review, and create multiple-choice test items aligned to competencies in the blueprint.
Performance Job Development
Create hands-on performance jobs aligned to competencies in the blueprint and/or Job and Task Analysis.
Independent Review
Provide a final review of all assessment materials prior to pilot to ensure the test content is current, valid, industry-relevant, and appropriate for secondary and post-secondary administration.
Pilot Test Analysis Review
Use information from the pilot assessment to help make edits to items and jobs to increase the test’s psychometric strength.
Cut Score Determination
Work with a psychometrician to determine one (or more) passing scores for the assessment.

Testimonials
Let the voices of expertise speak—hear directly from those who’ve been through the process!
“Once I experienced the test review process, I saw the value in making myself available to assist. Not only am I helping the industry, but I am helping my students and myself.”
“Mechanically, the test development process is brilliantly executed. Somehow, NOCTI administrators were able to distill the chaotic inputs from a very technically diverse team and formulate a comprehensive testing process. The framework that NOCTI has generated to facilitate this kind of information gathering is highly efficient and made the entire experience that much more enjoyable.”
“I am always looking for opportunities to help build the next generation of professionals. Helping develop the products for NOCTI as an SME was a unique way to have a broad impact on students across the nation.”
Subject Matter Expert FAQs
Learn more about serving as an SME by reading our Frequently Asked Questions.
What is considered when selecting SMEs to serve on a team?
Each team is carefully balanced with individuals from a variety of states in differing regions of the U.S., representing a mix of secondary/post-secondary/business and industry. Background, qualifications, at least 3 years of recent experience, type of experience (industrial or educational), and skills related to the test title are considered to determine selection of the best possible candidates. Familiarity with NOCTI assessments is not required.
Is there a contract required to serve as an SME?
Do SMEs get paid for their work?
Yes. SMEs receive honorariums that correspond to their commitment level and the activities involved therein. Please note: Some school districts and states have rules regarding payment for SME work.
Can a teacher serve as an SME for the test title that their students take?
Can professional development/continuing education hours be earned for serving as an SME?
What if an SME is not selected to serve on a team?
The master list of contacts in the SME database is used to create the pool of qualified candidates for upcoming projects. An SME not selected for a current project will be considered for a future project.
Questions?
If you still have any questions about becoming a Subject Matter Expert, we’re here to help! Send us a message with this form and we’ll be in touch shortly.

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