Nathan Thompson

CEO at Assessment Systems (ASC)

PsychometricsItem Response Theory (IRT)Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT)Strategic PlanningProduct ManagementTurnaround Management

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About

I'm Nathan Thompson, the CEO of Assessment Systems (ASC). My career has been dedicated to the science of measurement, moving from academic instruction and psychometric research into executive leadership. I specialize in modernizing the assessment industry, having led ASC’s transformation from legacy software to a cloud-based testing platform. I am deeply passionate about the 'Modern Industrial Revolution'—specifically how AI and automation can elevate psychometrics by handling mundane tasks, allowing us to focus on solving complex measurement problems. I believe that because bad tests lead to bad decisions, our mission must be to improve assessment quality across education, medicine, and professional certification. I’m always looking to connect with psychometricians who see the big picture and industry leaders interested in the future of IRT and CAT.

Networking

What I can offer

›Expertise in assessment quality and psychometric software
›Educational webinars and training on AI and psychometrics
›Strategic leadership in digital transformation and business turnarounds

Looking for

›Psychometricians who understand the bigger picture of program management
›Partnerships with credentialing experts and medical educators
›exploring mutual opportunities in the assessment and HR tech industry

Best fit for

I/O psychologistsCredentialing expertsMedical educatorsHR tech professionals

Current Interests

AI and LLMs in test developmentModernizing PsychometricsTest Security and ForensicsMedical Education (OSCEs)Pre-Employment Testing

Background

Career

Began as a test scorer and instructor, transitioned to psychometrician roles, and rose through the ranks at Assessment Systems from CPO/VP to CEO.

Education

Ph.D. in Psychometrics from University of Minnesota (2000–2007); BA in Mathematics, Psychology, and Latin from Luther College (1996–2000).

Achievements

›Twice served as a successful turnaround CEO, moving a company from $100k monthly loss to profitability
›Led digital transformation of ASC to a cloud-based provider (FastTest)
›Developed industry-standard software including Xcalibre 4 and Iteman 4
›Received the Joe E. Covington Award for Bar Exam Research

Opinions

Bad tests make bad decisions
AI will replace much white-collar work; the assessment industry must lead this change
IRT and CAT remain vastly underutilized in the industry
Automation elevates the profession by removing mundane tasks