Press Release

National Center for Assessment (Qiyas) celebrates 1 million exams delivered in partnership with Pearson VUE


RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA, May 24, 2017 – Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdullah Al Mishari Al Saud, CEO of the National Center for Assessment (Qiyas), met senior executives from computer-based testing global leader Pearson VUE yesterday to celebrate the delivery of one million exams as part of their expanding strategic partnership.

He was joined at the Qiyas headquarters in Riyadh by Pearson VUE executives Gary Gates, senior vice president of global growth; Matthew Poyiadgi, vice president EMEA; and Raed Rajeh, market development manager.

H.H. Dr. Faisal Abdullah Al-Mishari Al Saud said: “The fact that we are here celebrating the delivery of one million exams demonstrates the immense value of combining Qiyas Testing with Pearson VUE’s global experience in assessment technology and solutions. We will continue striving to achieve justice and equal opportunities in the education field, and to continue our contribution to raising institutional efficiencies."

Dr Gary Gates of Pearson VUE said: “I am delighted to be here today celebrating this assessment milestone with the National Center for Assessment as they continue to improve academic excellence across Saudi Arabia. Qiyas has demonstrated their confidence in our ability to administer computer-based tests in a high quality and consistent manner, and we will continue to deliver this going forward together.”

Qiyas delivers university admission and other specialized exams across Saudi Arabia, and also has the largest Pearson VUE authorized test center in the world, with 180 seats. Pearson VUE delivers more than 30 different exam titles for Qiyas.

Qiyas also plans to release more computer-based tests in addition to the General Aptitude Test for high school students, General Aptitude Test for University Graduates, Standardized Test of English Proficiency (STEP) and others.

H.H. Dr. Faisal Abdullah AlMishari Al-Saud added that the plan is to open 100 computer-based testing centers and to deliver 80 percent of its exams via computer-based testing (CBT) in the kingdom within the next five years. Qiyas will also benefit from Pearson VUE’s global test center network outside Saudi Arabia to cater for international candidates.

About the National Center for Assessment (Qiyas)
On 19/5/1421 AH, a Royal Decree was issued to establish “The National Center for Assessment to assume the responsibility of conducting standardized tests to assess the scholastic achievement of the students applying for universities. After its establishment, the center sets its mission, vision and goals to determine its scope of work, which is preparing scientific standards that ensure equity and efficiency. The center seeks also a global leadership in constructing tests, and educational and professional standards. The center includes a number of technical, linguistic, and professional departments entrusted with the preparation of tests and standards, as well as other supportive departments. The Centre has also developed an organizational structure that explains the process of decision-making and how it moves from the top managerial section to the rest of the departments. Since its establishment, the center has achieved outstanding accomplishments in preparing and formulating testing standards in various educational and professional fields, which are published in annual reports, as part of the center’s strategy of clarity, transparency and communication with institutions and the public.


Media contact

Damien Fletcher
+44 (0)20 7010 2582
damien.fletcher@pearson.com