Principal Psychometrician

Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master’s Degree in Psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, or Education with a focus on psychometrics or related fields.
  • Minimum of three years of testing industry experience or equivalent education and experience.
  • Broad knowledge of measurement methodologies including job/practice analysis and test security.
  • Familiarity with Classical Test Theory, Rasch Measurement, and Item Response Theory.
  • Strong quantitative skills with attention to detail for accurate psychometric results under tight deadlines.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for collaboration with diverse expertise levels.
  • Proficiency in statistical analysis tools (e.g., R, SPSS) and psychometric software (e.g., Winsteps, Xcalibre).

Responsibilities

  • Perform psychometric analyses on examinations and continuing education programs using advanced measurement theories.
  • Lead measurement activities including job analysis studies and standard setting with independent judgment.
  • Conduct quality control of scoring processes for various test formats and contribute to system development.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert on psychometric methodologies and internal resources.
  • Maintain current knowledge of measurement theory and identify innovations for test delivery and security.
  • Design and conduct research-driven analyses to provide actionable insights for management.
  • Apply analytical skills to support the full lifecycle of examination program operations.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) plan with company match and additional FINRA-funded retirement contributions.
  • Generous time-off program starting at 15 days, increasing with service.
  • Tuition reimbursement and commuter benefits.
  • Wellness programs including adoption assistance and backup family care.
  • Two volunteer service days and paid leave for various personal circumstances.
Full Job Description

The Principal Psychometrician for Market and Regulatory Services’ Credentialing, Registration, Education & Disclosure (CRED) department provides expert measurement services in support of testing and continuing education programs, ensuring the delivery of valid, reliable assessments that comply with testing industry standards. The role requires conducting psychometric analyses across the full lifecycle of examination program operations, including job/practice analysis, item calibration, standard setting, and data forensics and serving as an internal subject matter expert on psychometric and data analytic methodologies. This position is an experienced individual contributor who works independently with minimal supervision.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Performs routine psychometric analyses on the performance of examinations and continuing education programs using Classical Test Theory, Rasch Measurement, and Item Response Theory. Manipulate, analyze, and maintain large data sets. Document results of examination and continuing education analyses.
  • Leads and supports measurement activities across job analysis studies, test specification validation, standard setting, and test security, exercising independent judgment in methodology selection and execution.
  • Conducts quality control of scoring processes for both computer-delivered and paper-and-pencil test administrations and contribute to the development of requirements and user acceptance testing for test-generation, scoring, and statistical systems.
  • Serves as a subject matter expert and internal resource on assessment, psychometric, and data analytic methodologies, including proficient use of FINRA’s proprietary item banking and test delivery system.
  • Maintains deep, current knowledge of measurement theory and emerging developments in psychometric, proactively identifying innovations that may enhance test delivery, exam construction, measurement accuracy, and test security.
  • Designs and conducts ad hoc and research-driven analyses with direct application to FINRA and client programs, translating complex findings into actionable insights for senior staff and management.
  • Applies advanced analytical skills to support the full lifecycle of examination program operations, from test construction and scoring through ongoing program evaluation and continuous improvement.
  • Demonstrates FINRA’s values.
  • Collaborates, both in-person and virtually, in furtherance of FINRA’s mission of investor protection and market integrity.

Education/Experience Requirements:

  • Master’s Degree in Psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, or Education, with an emphasis on psychometrics, measurement and assessment, or a related field (e.g., statistics, mathematics, or computer science).
  • Minimum of three (3) years testing industry experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Broad knowledge of industry-accepted measurement methodologies including job/practice analysis, item analysis/calibration, forms assembly, standard setting, and test security.
  • Familiarity with Classical Test Theory, Rasch Measurement, and/or Item Response Theory.
  • Strong quantitative skills and exemplary attention-to-detail with a demonstrated ability to produce accurate psychometric results under tight deadlines.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written) with demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals who have varying levels of measurement expertise.
  • Proficiency with software and statistical analysis and programming tools (e.g., R, SPSS,), and Rasch/IRT software (e.g., Winsteps, Xcalibre, Parscale).
Working Conditions:
  • Hybrid work environment, with defined in-person presence requirements.
  • Infrequent travel may be required (less than 10%)

For work that is performed in Los Angeles and San Francisco, CA, CO, CT, IL, PA, MA, MD, VA, WA, DC, NY, NJ, WA please refer to the chart below for the salary range for the corresponding location. FINRA complies with all state and local pay transparency laws and regulations requiring the disclosure of salary ranges for the position. In addition to location, actual compensation is based on various factors, including but not limited to, the candidate’s skill set, level of experience, education, and market considerations. 

 

Los Angeles, CA: $112,300 - $161,000

San Francisco, CA: $117,200 - $168,000

Boston, MA: $112,300 - $202,500

Chicago, IL: $107,500 - $194,100

Denver, CO: $97,700 - $176,100

Jericho, NY: $112,300 - $202,500

Jersey City, NJ: $117,200 - $211,400

Philadelphia, PA: $107,500 - $194,100

New York, NY: $117,200 - $211,400

Rockville, MD: $112,300 - $202,500

Tysons, VA: $112,300 - $202,500

Washington, DC: $112,300 - $202,500

Woodbridge, NJ: $112,300 - $202,500

Connecticut State: $97,700- $211,400

Washington State: $97,700- $211,400

 

#LI-Hybrid

To be considered for this position, please submit an application. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.


The information provided above has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work of the position. It is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required.


Please note: If the “Apply Now” button on a job board posting does not take you directly to the FINRA Careers site, enter www.finra.org/careers into your browser to reach our site directly.


Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Non-exempt employees are also eligible for overtime pay in accordance with federal, state, or local law. As part of its dedication to employee wellness, FINRA provides comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance. Additional insurance includes basic life, accidental death and dismemberment, supplemental life, spouse/domestic partner and dependent life, and spouse/domestic partner and dependent accidental death and dismemberment, short- and long-term disability, long-term care, business travel accident, disability and legal. FINRA offers immediate participation and vesting in a 401(k) plan with company match and eligibility for participation in an additional FINRA-funded retirement contribution, tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, and other benefits that support employee wellness, such as adoption assistance, backup family care, surrogacy benefits, employee assistance, and wellness programs.


Time Off and Paid Leave*


FINRA encourages its employees to focus on their health and wellness in many ways, including through a generous time-off program starting at 15 days of paid time off (increasing with years of service, up to 25 days), 5 personal days, and 9 sick days, unless otherwise required by law (all pro-rated in the first year). Additionally, we are proud to support our communities by providing two volunteer service days (based on full-time schedule). Other paid leave includes military leave, jury duty leave, bereavement leave, voting and election official leave for federal, state or local primary and general elections, care of a family member leave (available after 90 days of employment); and childbirth and parental leave (available after 90 days of employment). Full-time employees receive nine paid holidays.


*Based on full-time schedule

About Financial Industry Regulatory Authority

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Careers

Joining the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) presents a unique opportunity to become part of a dedicated team of professionals committed to fostering fair and honest financial markets. As the largest independent regulator for all securities firms doing business in the United States, FINRA is at the forefront of the financial industry, offering unparalleled job opportunities in a dynamic environment.

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FINRA’s team is composed of highly skilled professionals who lead through innovation and steadfast leadership in the financial sector. With a commitment to diversity and inclusive culture, FINRA fosters an environment where every team member’s contribution is valued. Joining this team means collaborating on projects that enhance the security and integrity of the financial marketplace.

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Professionals at FINRA are encouraged to take initiative and innovate within their roles. The authority offers a robust career development program that supports professional growth through training, workshops, and continued learning opportunities. This focus on professional development ensures that every employee has the tools and knowledge to advance their career.

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For those starting their career, FINRA offers a range of internship and entry-level positions that provide a solid foundation in financial regulation. Interns and new employees work alongside industry experts and gain invaluable hands-on experience. These positions are crucial stepping stones for building a career filled with leadership opportunities and professional advancement.

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FINRA is committed to supporting its employees’ well-being both inside and outside of the workplace. The company offers a competitive package of benefits that promote a healthy work-life balance. Employees enjoy comprehensive health benefits, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. Moreover, FINRA’s culture of ethics and leadership is reflected in its daily operations, making it a prime environment for personal and professional growth.

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The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority is continuously seeking passionate, curious, and skilled individuals to join its team. Explore open positions that match your skills and interests in the financial regulatory field. FINRA is hiring individuals who are driven to excel and ready to contribute to a team that values integrity, competence, and dedication.

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