Page Content:

Bloomington, Minn. Month XX, 2010 — Pearson VUE, the computer-based testing business of Pearson, has been selected by the Tennessee Department of Health to deliver Medication Aide Certification Examinations (MACE®) for the state following a competitive bidding process. Tennessee is the first state to adopt the MACE examination and this contract is Pearson VUE’s second business relationship with the State. Pearson VUE started developing and administering exams for the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance in 2006.

Legislation passed in 2009 paved the way for the establishment of certified medication aides (CMAs) in Tennessee. The goal of the new program is to increase the quality of care in assisted living facilities and nursing homes by allowing nurses to have specially trained assistants deliver and administer certain routine medications under supervision of the nursing staff. This, in turn, allows licensed nurses to more closely address the needs of more acute clients. Currently, 34 jurisdictions either have or are awaiting approval for CMA programs.

MACE is exclusively delivered by Pearson VUE and is wholly owned and developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN®). NCSBN is a not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to provide a conduit through which boards of nursing act and counsel together on matters of common interest and concern affecting the public health, safety and welfare — including the development of licensing examinations for nurses and certification exams for nurse aides/nursing assistants and medication aides/assistants.

“Our commitment to excellence for medication aides extends to every corner of the safe and competent practice, starting with education and certification. This contract will provide medication aide certification candidates with the best possible testing experience and the state with qualified medication aides,” commented Kathy Apple, MS, RN, FAAN, chief executive officer of the NCSBN.

Art Valentine, senior vice president of professional services and general manager of regulatory services at Pearson VUE, said, “The establishment of a brand new testing and certification program within a state can often be a time of uncertainty for the department charged with its administration. This is especially true when public health and welfare are involved. Pearson VUE is wholly committed to supporting the Tennessee Department of Health and, with NCSBN, providing the expertise and services required to successfully implement and administer the Certified Medication Aide program".

Robert Whelan, president and chief executive officer of Pearson VUE, added, “Pearson VUE is an ideal partner for the Tennessee Department of Health and its Certified Medication Aide program. Our long-standing relationship with the NCSBN and deep experience in health services testing made the initiation of this program a straightforward process, paving the way for other jurisdictions to follow suit.”

About Pearson VUE
Pearson VUE (www.pearsonvue.com) is the global leader in computer-based testing for information technology, academic, government and professional testing programs around the world. Pearson VUE provides a full suite of services from test development to data management, and delivers exams through the worlds most comprehensive and secure network of test centers in 165 countries. Pearson VUE is a business of Pearson (NYSE: PSO; LSE: PSON), the international media company, whose businesses include the Financial Times Group, Pearson Education and the Penguin Group.

Page Content Title: Pearson VUE to Deliver First Medication Aide Certification Exams in Tennessee

Date Created: 09/09/2010 00:00

newsEventDate: NEWS

Topic: Press Releases

Region: America

Formatted Date: 09 September 2010

Page Content:

BLOOMINGTON, Minn., September 14, 2010 — Pearson VUE, the computer-based testing business of Pearson, announced today that Karen Ketchmark has joined the company as vice president, Human Resources.

As a member of the company’s senior leadership team, Ketchmark will work to align the company’s management of human capital with its high-growth strategic objectives. Her responsibilities include human resources strategy, talent acquisition and management, leadership development, and HR support activities. “Leading organizations like Pearson VUE understand that integrating the human resource function into the strategies of the business is key to achieving sustainable company growth,” said Ketchmark. “I’m excited to join Pearson VUE because it’s clear that the organization views its people as a competitive advantage.”
 
Prior to joining Pearson VUE, Ketchmark served as vice president, Human Resources Strategy at Deluxe Corporation where she worked as a leader in the Financial Services business unit and as a champion of its corporate and cultural transformation. In addition to HR expertise, Ketchmark brings extensive operations, client services and delivery implementation experience to Pearson VUE.

“Karen understands the impact that effective human resource management can have on a company’s success,” said Robert Whelan, president and CEO of Pearson VUE. “Her breadth of HR, business and service-quality experience is an immediate asset,” he added, explaining that Pearson VUE’s business strategy includes attracting the best and brightest talent available. “Karen’s appointment reinforces that strategy,” he said.

Headquartered in Bloomington, Minn., Pearson VUE employs about 600 in Minnesota and 3,000 worldwide. The company has regional offices in Chicago, Philadelphia, London, Manchester, Beijing, Tokyo and Noida, India.

About Pearson VUE
Pearson VUE (www.pearsonvue.com) is the global leader in computer-based testing for information technology, academic, government and professional testing programs around the world. Pearson VUE provides a full suite of services from test development to data management, and delivers exams through the world's largest and most secure network of test centers in 165 countries. Pearson VUE is a business of Pearson (NYSE: PSO; LSE: PSON), the international media company, whose businesses include the Financial Times Group, Pearson Education and the Penguin Group.

Page Content Title: Pearson VUE names Karen Ketchmark Vice President, Human Resources

Date Created: 09/09/2010 00:00

newsEventDate: NEWS

Topic: Pearson VUE

Region: America

Formatted Date: 09 September 2010

Page Content: Press Release (PDF)

PEOPLECERT – a rapidly growing personnel certification body with dynamic presence in the global market – has contracted Pearson VUE to deliver on-demand high-stakes global testing.

Headquartered in Athens, Greece, PEOPLECERT manages a wide portfolio of certification schemes, ranging from IT and language assessment to management systems and vocational qualifications. The body also represents established organisations such as the Office of Government Commerce in the UK and the European Computer Driving Licence Foundation. PEOPLECERT has certified over 550,000 individuals and has conducted more than three million exams globally whilst ensuring the integrity and reliability of the certification process.

Pearson VUE will deliver PEOPLECERT’s prestigious Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) examination via its extensive global network of test centres – allowing more candidates to access the award than ever before. The five-year contract will see Pearson VUE deliver computer-based testing to approximately 18,500 candidates, with the delivery volume likely to increase significantly due to the imminent launch of new PEOPLECERT certification schemes.

Pearson VUE has an integral role in PEOPLECERT’s future global expansion, given its widespread test centre network and supreme quality services.

Dimitris Nicolaides, PEOPLECERT New Business Development Manager, said:
“We appointed Pearson VUE to deliver computer-based testing based on its proven record of helping businesses to achieve international recognition for their awards. We want to improve our global reach and utilisation of Pearson VUE’s extensive network of test centres will allow us to achieve this.”

Suzana Lopes, Pearson VUE, VP EMEA Sales and Marketing, added:
“We are proud to deliver computer-based testing on behalf of PEOPLECERT and, by doing so, helping candidates to achieve certification in a number of key markets. This agreement demonstrates our ability to provide secure global delivery for high-stakes tests.”

Ends

Media contacts: Oliver Chesher or Lucy Cunliffe at GyroHSR, (+44 161 876 5522), oliver.chesher@gyrohsr.com / lucy.cunliffe@gyrohsr.com 

 

Page Content Title: PEOPLECERT selects Pearson VUE to deliver on-demand high-stakes global testing

Date Created: 01/09/2010 00:00

newsEventDate: NEWS

Topic: Press Releases

Region: Europe

Formatted Date: 01 September 2010

Page Content:

BLOOMINGTON, Minn., August 2010 — Pearson VUE, the leader in secure high-stakes testing, announced its signing of an agreement to be the exclusive provider of computer-based testing for the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Beginning January 2011, AHIMA’s seven certification examinations will be delivered at Pearson Professional Centers globally.

AHIMA is the leading authority in health information management (HIM) advocacy, education, research and professional credentialing. Certifications in medical coding, data analysis, data privacy and HIM validate the competency of those working in healthcare, insurance, and government. Today, more than 42,000 HIM professionals are AHIMA-certified.

“Our ongoing commitment to the healthcare industry is to confer credentials that represent the highest standards worldwide for assuring the competency of professionals practicing health informatics and information management,” said Mike Niederpruem, AHIMA vice president of certification. “Pearson VUE provides the technology, security and exam-delivery expertise to ensure the score is valid and the testing experience is distraction-free.”

“We’re excited to partner with AHIMA in delivering these important exams,” explained Robert Whelan, president and CEO of Pearson VUE. “As the adoption of electronic health records grows, so does the need for more qualified health data professionals. AHIMA certification assures employers that they’re hiring qualified professionals and offers credential-holders greater opportunities. We’re proud to be a part of this important work.”

Ends


About AHIMA

Representing more than 59,000 specially educated HIM professionals in the United States and around the world the American Health Information Management Association (www.ahima.org) is committed to promoting and advocating high quality research, best practices, and effective standards in health information, and actively contributing to the development and advancement of health information professionals worldwide. AHIMA’s enduring goal is quality healthcare through quality information.

About Pearson VUE

Pearson VUE (www.pearsonvue.com) is the global leader in computer-based testing for information technology, academic, government and professional testing programs around the world. Pearson VUE provides a full suite of services from test development to data management, and delivers exams through the world’s most comprehensive and secure network of test centers in 165 countries. Pearson VUE is a business of Pearson (NYSE: PSO; LSE: PSON), the international media company, whose businesses include the Financial Times Group, Pearson Education and the Penguin Group.
 

Page Content Title: The American Health Information Management Association selects Pearson VUE as testing services provider

Date Created: 31/08/2010 00:00

newsEventDate: NEWS

Topic: Press Releases

Region: America

Formatted Date: 31 August 2010

Page Content:

Suzana Lopes, Pearson VUE VP EMEA Sales and Marketing, explains how we as an industry can improve Britain’s competitive knowledge economy by promoting the importance of certification.

As an industry, IT professionals place more value than most on the importance of a properly certified workforce.

Most of us - whether big vendors, training partners or individuals working in the industry - agree that training and testing people to recognisable standards is the key to many different goals: minimising business risk, promoting career progression, hiring and developing personnel and ultimately establishing business competitiveness in a global economy.

That said, while certification’s stock is generally high in our culture, there is always room for improvement. Every now and again it is important to examine the landscape and try to identify where it could be better used or promoted. Who is setting a shining example by placing a high priority on creating a generation of qualified specialists? And who has yet to recognise the importance of training and assessment?

Vendor certification

Taking the lead, as always, are the big software companies. They are acutely aware that the future of the entire industry of which they are at the forefront depends on continuous improvement and rapid evolution both in terms of technology and in terms of the skills and competencies of the people working with it. As a result they place the highest emphasis on encouraging people to take the course, sit the exam and gain the qualification at the same rate as new technology is released onto the market.

They use their power and influence to make sure of it. Most vendors will stipulate that if a reseller wants to achieve silver, gold or platinum partner status, they must meet the requirement that a minimum percentage of their workforce be made up of certified engineers. These types of certification are vendor-specific – often owned and developed by the software companies themselves and recognised with the same status as those developed by vendor-neutral awarding bodies.

Vendor-neutral certification

Also leading the charge are big tech companies whose HR departments recognise that they have a strong requirement for internal training and assessment programmes. These types of organisations contribute heavily to the ongoing demand for vendor-neutral certifications.

By extension, there are many big companies and organisations in the UK that, while not tech companies themselves, have a reliance on their own in-house technology and the technical staff that work with it. From retailers to local councils, these too are largely in agreement that properly certified technical staff are a necessity.

Their systems are often business critical and rather than taking the risk of outsourcing such technology they generally build a business around in-house skills. This means they can develop their business from a position of complete understanding as their own people know their systems inside and out.

Furthermore, such big organisations - particularly in Britain’s service industries - place an importance on the skills of their people because this is where their competitive advantage lies on the global market. If British businesses are to compete internationally, it cannot be on price.

High property and labour costs here compared to elsewhere in the world would prohibit this, therefore as many business commentators have observed, we must stop thinking about how cheaply we can do things but instead focus on value and quality. Britain needs cutting edge creativity, initiative and expertise from its workforce, and its big employers have the guardianship of these skills rooted in their culture.

Certification in the SME sector

One area where we in the technology industry especially need to promote certification, and in a creative way, is in the SME sector. Smaller and medium-sized companies still make up the majority of those employers either not investing in, or not valuing, officially recognised qualifications.

Despite research proving that employees who are offered training and qualifications programmes are usually more motivated, productive and loyal, there still remains a suspicion among SME employers that if they invest in their staff’s career development they simply run the risk that those individuals will then migrate away with the help of their newly-gained certificates. This is a prejudice we need to address.

That said, most SMEs do at least recognise the importance of qualifications when it comes to hiring. Possession of the right certificates is the key for candidates seeking employment in a given speciality, certainly in technical and IT-focused roles. A key point to make here, however, is that even the most forward-thinking SMEs remain unlikely to actually back certification to the extent of investing financially in it.

Individuals pursuing careers in small and independent businesses need to motivate and fund themselves to undergo the training and sit the exams they need, because these types of employers (unlike the big players outlined above) simply do not have the resources to support them in this way.

Looking at the long-term goal

So how can we, specifically the training and assessment providers, champion the cause of certification in the SME sector? The answer doesn’t seem to lie in selling them training programmes.

In the current economy most of these businesses are cutting back on non-core investments and many are living hand-to-mouth. Convincing a small or medium company to set up a training and certification programme, or even to send its staff on an existing course, looks like a difficult sell in these times.

The marketing approach therefore needs to be more subtle – one of creating a pull rather than a push. Instead of marketing our products and services to a tough audience, our communications ought to promote a more long-term message and look at the bigger picture. Rather than investing in marketing and PR campaigns devised to push sales, we need to look beyond and work to influence a shift in attitude.

We need to promote the value of certification by showing that training is a means to an end: that end being a measurable proof of competency that actually means something. Once our business culture is such that an individual is required to sit the test before applying for a certain job at any company, then the demand for training and testing will naturally follow.

If we can convince the SME sector to insist on standardised qualifications for those wishing to pursue an IT career within it, we will ultimately be helping to drive the competitiveness of British business.


Ends

Media contacts: Oliver Chesher or Lucy Cunliffe at GyroHSR, (+44 161 876 5522), oliver.chesher@gyrohsr.com / lucy.cunliffe@gyrohsr.com

 

Page Content Title: Fostering a certification culture

Date Created: 30/07/2010 00:00

newsEventDate: NEWS

Topic: Industry News

Region: All

Formatted Date: 30 July 2010

Page Content:

Press Release (PDF)

The British Business Professional Skills Development (BBPSD), a business training and learning solutions specialist working in partnership with an international college in the Middle East, has signed an exclusive 10-year contract with Pearson VUE to assess candidates via computer-based testing.

The BBPSD recently entered a joint venture with Al Khawarizmi International College based in Abu Dhabi. The venture will see the launch of the Diploma in International Business Skills (IBS). The IBS is comprised of an hour-long examination which will be delivered via Pearson VUE’s extensive network of test centres within the Middle East and Africa.

As the IBS is a new certification, Pearson VUE – the global leader in computer-based testing – has been entrusted as the first to deliver the international award. In the first year alone, Pearson VUE will deliver approximately 20,000 tests in a multiple choice format to assess candidates’ knowledge and understanding of relevant business subjects.

Only eligible candidates will be able to book tests using Pearson VUE’s secure scheduling system. Matching data provided by clients against unique eligibility files supplied by BBPSD will allow Pearson VUE to ensure that the right candidate takes the test at the right time. Candidates are also required to provide ID prior to sitting the examination; ensuring a robust and highly secure testing environment.

Naeem Radi, CEO of the BBPSD, said:
“We are confident that our agreement with Pearson VUE will provide candidates with greater accessibility to the International Business Skills award. Our decision to appoint the global leader in computer-based testing proves our commitment to excellence and innovation.”

Suzana Lopes, Pearson VUE, VP EMEA Sales and Marketing, added:
“We are pleased to deliver computer-based testing on behalf of the British Business Professional Skills Development. We are proud of our growing presence in the Middle East and are delighted to help an increasing number of companies to deliver computer-based testing in this region.”

Ends

Media contacts: Oliver Chesher or Lucy Cunliffe at GyroHSR, (+44 161 876 5522), oliver.chesher@gyrohsr.com / lucy.cunliffe@gyrohsr.com 

Page Content Title: The British Business Professional Skills Development selects Pearson VUE to deliver computer-based testing in the Middle East and Africa

Date Created: 28/07/2010 00:00

newsEventDate: NEWS

Topic: Press Releases

Region: Middle East

Formatted Date: 28 July 2010

Page Content:

Pearson VUE, the global leader in computer-based testing, has announced that it will be a Gold Sponsor for the second annual European Association of Test Publishers (E-ATP) Conference.

Held in Sitges, Spain from 29 September to 1 October 2010, the conference is aimed at all those involved in the business of testing people, whether they already have an established testing programme or are considering using assessment for the first time. E-ATP exists to help publicise advances in testing and attract new business from Europe and beyond.

Testing experts from around the world are scheduled to present on a wide variety of innovative testing practices and trends. A number of Pearson VUE experts will be on hand to offer first-class advice and will host a series of sessions, including Detecting and Preventing Fraud in High-Stakes Testing and Can Technology Help Us Stop Exam Cheating?

Expected attendees include representatives of Ministries of Education, test publishers, awarding bodies, curriculum authorities, policymakers and organisations responsible for testing candidates’ skills, competencies and knowledge.
 
Suzana Lopes, Pearson VUE EMEA VP Sales and Marketing, said:
“Events such as E-ATP are important dates in our calendar. We are proud to be a Gold Sponsor for this key event and look forward to meeting other businesses and showing them what makes us the global leader in computer-based testing.”

For more information, or to register for the event, visit http://www.eatpconference.org/.

Ends

Media contacts: Oliver Chesher or Fiona McFadden at GyroHSR, (+44 161 876 5522), oliver.chesher@gyrohsr.com / fiona.mcfadden@gyrohsr.com

About The Association of Test Publishers

Founded in 1992, The Association of Test Publishers (ATP) is a non-profit organisation representing providers of tests and assessment tools and/or services related to education, employment, certification/licensing or clinical uses. ATP’s US conference, Innovations in Testing, celebrated its 10th year in 2009. The conference brings together executives from all aspects of the testing industry to collaborate and share insight about advancements in the ever-changing assessment industry.

E-ATP, ATP’s European division, provides suppliers of tests and assessment tools in Europe with a collective voice to positively influence consumers. The founding of the European division of ATP is a natural step towards ATP’s mission of becoming a worldwide trade association for the testing industry.

The European Division of ATP will assist governments in Europe and the European Union with establishing polices and guidelines that are advantageous to all the stakeholders in the testing process. A European presence creates more business opportunities for ATP members and will allow them to play a part in establishing worldwide policies and guidelines for the testing industry.

 

 

Page Content Title: Pearson VUE announced as Gold Sponsor for prestigious testing industry event

Date Created: 26/07/2010 00:00

newsEventDate: NEWS

Topic: Press Releases

Region: Europe

Formatted Date: 26 July 2010

Page Content:

BLOOMINGTON, Minn., July 2010 — Pearson VUE, the computer-based testing business of Pearson, has announced that Autodesk, a world leader in 2D and 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, has signed a multi-year contract with Pearson VUE for computer-based delivery of its Associate-level certification examinations. As of August 2, 2010, Autodesk Associate Certification exams will be offered throughout the expansive worldwide network of Pearson VUE® Authorized Test Centers, in addition to current Autodesk locations.

Autodesk certification examinations will continue to be available through Autodesk Authorized Certification Centers located in 24 countries, however the new agreement with Pearson VUE will add the option of computer-based delivery at Pearson VUE® Authorized Test Centers and expand the availability of Autodesk certification to more than 4,000 centers in 165 countries.

“Autodesk is happy to partner with Pearson VUE to increase both capacity and availability for our certification program,” said Joe Astroth, chief education officer. “Adding testing at 4,000 centers in 165 countries allows Autodesk to rest assured that our customers can participate in our program, no matter their location.”

“We are looking forward to working with Autodesk to implement their certification program in our proctored centers,” said Robert Whelan, president and chief executive officer of Pearson VUE. “We’re confident that our testing system and state-of-the-art testing centers will provide the consistency, control, security and coverage Autodesk requires, while providing greater convenience for their candidates.”

Ends


About Pearson VUE

Pearson VUE (www.pearsonvue.com) is the global leader in computer-based testing for information technology, academic, government and professional testing programs around the world. Pearson VUE provides a full suite of services from test development to data management, and delivers exams through the world’s most comprehensive and secure network of test centers in 165 countries. Pearson VUE is a business of Pearson (NYSE: PSO; LSE: PSON), the international media company, whose businesses include the Financial Times Group, Pearson Education and the Penguin Group.

About Autodesk

Autodesk is a registered trademark or trademark of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

 

Page Content Title: Autodesk chooses Pearson VUE for computer-based test delivery

Date Created: 21/07/2010 00:00

newsEventDate: NEWS

Topic: Press Releases

Region: America

Formatted Date: 21 July 2010

Page Content:

Pearson VUE is looking to strengthen its employer brand in the UK with the launch of its very own careers website.

The website, which goes live in July, will feature information on available job opportunities, testimonials from employees and graduate interns on what it’s like to work for the global leader in computer-based testing and an overview of the various benefits that employees enjoy. The website will also contain a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page to guide job applicants through the entire recruitment process. Visitors to www.pearsonvue.co.uk/careers will be able to apply for vacancies online, whilst graduates can find out about the company’s exciting Diversity Summer Internship Programme.

The website will also feature links to vacancies with other business units within Pearson plc, including Pearson Education, Penguin Books and The Financial Times. Content will be updated regularly to inform job seekers of the latest opportunities within Pearson VUE and across the entire Pearson family of businesses.

Angela Adimora, Human Resource Director for Pearson VUE, said:
“The creation of the Pearson VUE careers website shows our commitment to developing and strengthening our employer brand. I am confident that job seekers or anyone simply wanting to find our more about Pearson VUE, will find the website very useful and that it will provide a good insight into our business. We pride ourselves on recruiting applicants of the highest calibre and our careers website will help to ensure that we continue to do just that.”

Page Content Title: Pearson VUE announces launch of UK careers website

Date Created: 16/07/2010 12:00

newsEventDate: NEWS

Topic: Pearson VUE

Region: All

Formatted Date: 16 July 2010

Page Content:

BLOOMINGTON, Minn., June 2010 — Pearson VUE, the computer-based testing business of Pearson, announced today that Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies — Division of Insurance renewed its contract, following a competitive bidding process. The contract will extend Pearson VUE’s relationship with the agency through at least 2011.

Pearson VUE has been the sole testing vendor for the Colorado Division of Insurance (“Division”) for 20 years. The original contract involved content development and exam administration services. In 1995, Pearson VUE started providing license management services and opened a regional office in Aurora, Colo., in January 1996. Since then, Pearson VUE and the Division have built a solid relationship based on a thorough understanding of the Division’s needs.

Over the years, Pearson VUE and the Division have worked together to introduce several initiatives including fully converting from paper-and-pencil to computer-based testing and reducing the processing time between successful exam completion and official licensure. Continuing Education tracking has also been added over the course of Pearson VUE’s partnership with the Division.

John Postolowski, Deputy Commissioner, commented, “Our relationship with Pearson VUE has been pivotal in the continuing growth and development of the insurance testing program. The cooperative relationship and trust shared between the Colorado Division of Insurance and Pearson VUE allows us to maintain a high level of efficiency while controlling costs.”

Art Valentine, senior vice president of professional services and general manager of regulatory services at Pearson VUE, said, “The opportunity to introduce innovations to a client, see them successfully implemented, and continue to refine the processes and provide excellent service continuously for 20 years is a rarity. We are very pleased to have the opportunity to prove ourselves to the Colorado Division of Insurance again.”

Robert Whelan, president and chief executive officer of Pearson VUE, added, “Pearson VUE has been wholly committed to the growth and success of the Colorado Division of Insurance for two decades. It’s a privilege to continue our relationship with the Division and their constituents.”

Ends


About Pearson VUE

Pearson VUE (www.pearsonvue.com) is the global leader in computer-based testing for information technology, academic, government and professional testing programs around the world. Pearson VUE provides a full suite of services from test development to data management, and delivers exams through the world’s most comprehensive and secure network of test centers in 165 countries. Pearson VUE is a business of Pearson (NYSE: PSO; LSE: PSON), the international media company, whose businesses include the Financial Times Group, Pearson Education and the Penguin Group.

 

Page Content Title: The Colorado Division of Insurance Renews Contract with Pearson VUE

Date Created: 23/06/2010 00:00

newsEventDate: NEWS

Topic: Press Releases

Region: America

Formatted Date: 23 June 2010