Subject Matter Expert – Project Management (Assessment Study Participant)

Western Governors University (WGU) is seeking individuals with experience or education in Project Management to participate as Subject Matter Experts in our Project Management Assessment Study.

Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) bring valuable real-world knowledge and expertise to help WGU advance innovative approaches in learning and assessment.

This is a part-time, project-based, independent contractor position.

Subject Matter Expert Qualifications

Participants should meet one or more of the following criterial :

• Background in Project Management education or practice, including coursework, certificates, or degrees.
• OR professional experience managing projects in any industry (IT, construction, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, consulting, government, or non-profit)
• English proficiency sufficient for written assessments
• Ability to complete a single 2–3 hour proctored assessment session
• Willingness to have anonymized data used in an AI-driven research study
• Must live in the United States

Project Information

Scope of Work / Deliverables:

Participants will complete a comprehensive project management assessment session, including:

• A demographic and experience questionnaire
• Knowledge and metacognitive surveys
• Project management scenarios and written response questions
• Confidence and self-assessment measures throughout the session

Purpose:

This study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of an AI-based assessment system within the field of project management. Data will be anonymized and used solely for research purposes to improve future learning and assessment systems.

Setting:

The study will be conducted in a controlled, proctored environment, guided by WGU research staff.

Project Dates:

Start: 1/22/26

End: 1/29/26

Time Commitment:

Approximately 3 hours total, completed in a single session. You will be able to schedule your session any time during the project window.

Compensation:

A base participation rate for completing the session, plus a performance-based completion bonus will be added according to the performance tier of the participant.

Participants must complete the entire assignment to receive the base rate. The base rate assumes a total engagement of three hours in a single session, with a break permitted. 

Compensation will be determined based on the following:

• Student (degree in progress) and professionals with 0 – 4 years of relevant experience will receive a base payment of $150 (flat rate).
• Participants who hold a Bachelors or higher and 5 years or more of relevant experience (but no PMP) will receive a base payment of $240 (flat rate).
• Participants who hold a Bachelors or higher, PMP certification, and 5 years or more of relevant experience will receive a base payment of $300 (flat rate).

Performance Incentive 

An additional performance-based bonus will be awarded based on the position each participant’s score on the project management assessment (Section 4 of the overall assignment), relative to the overall test group. Bonuses are awarded by quintile as follows:  

Performance-Based Bonus Structure:

Participants will be eligible to receive a bonus of up to $80 based on their percentile ranking within the overall test group. 

The bonus structure is designed to recognize full engagement and completion of the study. Total compensation details will be provided prior to onboarding

Meetings / Workshops:

All study activities will take place during the proctored session; no additional meetings or workshops are required.

General Description of Other Compensation and Benefits:

This is an independent contractor position and is not eligible for additional compensation or benefits.

Application Deadline:

January 9th, 2026