Pearson VUE Acquires Certiport

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MINNEAPOLIS, May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Pearson VUE, the computer-based testing arm of Pearson, today announced the acquisition of Certiport, a leading provider of performance-based certification exams and practice test solutions for academic institutions, workforce and corporate technology markets. By joining forces with Certiport, Pearson VUE is furthering its commitment to offering the most robust, end-to-end professional learning and assessment solutions across the globe.

The acquisition of Certiport extends Pearson VUE's product range and geographic reach. Certiport's foundational level exams and test preparation materials will help Pearson VUE build relationships with technology professionals early in their academic and professional careers. The acquisition also supports Pearson VUE's expansion into fast-growing international markets with more than half of Certiport's revenue coming from outside North America.

As a leading provider of foundational level certification programs from Microsoft®, Adobe®, HP®, CompTIA®, AutoDesk®, Intuit® and other industry-recognized credentials, Certiport has 12,000 Certiport Authorized Testing Centers around the globe and delivers more than two million exams across 150 countries annually.

Bob Whelan, CEO, Pearson VUE said, "Certiport is a successful global assessment business which perfectly complements Pearson VUE's own high-stakes assessment model. We are impressed with the company's growth, the high caliber of Certiport's employees, clients, and partners and we look forward to the growth opportunities that will result from this acquisition."

Headquartered in American Fork, Utah, Certiport is dedicated to helping people excel and succeed through certification. The terms and conditions of all Certiport partner contracts will remain in place. Certiport will continue to operate independently and deliver on the company's partner-focused business plan, with oversight from Pearson VUE.

"Certiport's intense focus on customer service, our leading brand recognition in the global assessment and certification market, and our solid financial performance attracted Pearson to our company," said Ray Kelly, CEO, Certiport. "This well-positioned transaction validates our performance and business strategy, and proves the value that comes with a knowledgeable and skilled employee base. We are excited about the potential for new product offerings and an expanded distribution network our clients and partners will enjoy with new ownership."

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 170 countries. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Pearson VUE is a business of Pearson (NYSE: PSO; LSE: PSON), the international education and information company, whose businesses include the Financial Times Group, Pearson Education and the Penguin Group.

About Certiport

Certiport is the leading provider of certification exam development, delivery and program management services delivered through an expansive network of over 12,000 Certiport Authorized Testing Centers worldwide. Certiport manages a sophisticated portfolio of leading certification programs including: the official Microsoft Office Specialist certification program, the Microsoft Technology Associate certification program, the Adobe® Certified Associate certification program, the HP Accredited Technical Associate, the CompTIA Strata™ IT Fundamentals, the Autodesk Certified User certification program, the Intuit QuickBooks Certified User certification program and the Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3®). Certiport reliably delivers over two million tests each year throughout the secondary, post-secondary, workforce and corporate technology markets in more than 153 countries and 27 languages worldwide. For more information, please visit www.certiport.com or follow Certiport on Twitter at www.twitter.com/certiport.

"Certiport," "IC3" and "MeasureUp" are registered trademarks of Certiport, Inc. in the United States and other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

SOURCE Pearson VUE