Press Release

Middle Eastern IT professionals reap the career rewards of training and certification


DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, Oct. 7, 2014 – Information technology (IT) professionals across the Middle East are training for and attaining certifications to boost their reputation in the industry, according to new research.
 
Over six in ten Middle Eastern IT exam candidates who responded to the survey said the qualification they gained had a positive impact on their professional image or reputation. More than half saw their first professional benefit within six months of achieving certification and a fifth experienced the benefits immediately.
 
The survey of over 1,000 respondents conducted by computer-based testing leader Pearson VUE found that almost 75 percent of the IT professionals decided to embark on training and certification to improve their professional profile, while over six in ten said that improving their resume was the biggest motivator for taking a test.
 
The survey also found that half the Middle Eastern IT candidate respondents paid for their own exam, and they were 30 percent more likely to do this than the average candidate globally.
 
Speaking ahead of his attendance at the GITEX Technology Week conference in Dubai, Matthew Poyiadgi, Vice President EMEA at Pearson VUE, said: "Our research clearly shows that Middle Eastern IT professionals are keen to gain further qualifications as a boost to their careers. Many are immediately reaping the rewards of training and certification, so in that context it is understandable that over 90 percent intend obtaining an additional certification in the next year.
 
"In a globalised economy, the days of simply completing a degree and then pursuing a linear career are over. Middle Eastern IT professionals have realised that to stay relevant and professionally attractive to employers it is now vital to re-train throughout their careers and embark on regular role-relevant training and assessment."
 
Pearson VUE has successfully implemented computer-based testing programmes for some of the most prestigious testing organisations over the past 25 years. Its clients in the Middle East include the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi, the Roads and Transport Authority for Dubai and in Lebanon, Android ATC which is delivering exams in Egypt.
 
The results were part of a global survey of over 30,000 IT exam candidates in 184 countries around the world conducted by Pearson VUE.
 

Media contact

Damien Fletcher
+44 (0)20 7775 6785
damien.fletcher@pearson.com