HOBOKEN, N.J., Dec. 11, 2023 - Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L) and its Pearson VUE business, the certification and licensure arm of the company, today announced it has joined the White House National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy to address the immediate need for more cyber professionals in the U.S. workforce.
To help fill the thousands of cyber job vacancies across the country, Pearson VUE will offer its IT Specialist: Cybersecurity training resources and certification exams at no charge as part of its commitment.
“We are honored to support the White House’s cyber workforce strategy to help close the cyber skills gap,” said Art Valentine, President of Pearson’s Assessment and Qualifications division, “Our IT Specialist certifications remain one of the cornerstone products of our business, providing learners with internationally recognized certifications that support their academic and professional success.”
Designed for people either starting or shifting to tech-focused careers, the Pearson IT Specialist Certification program aims to upskill and certify the learner in preparation for their professional path. The cybersecurity exam is a vital part of this program and assesses understanding of key security paradigms, terminology, and mindset, preparing learners to join and succeed in the cyber workforce.
Known for its global network of 5,500 test and training centers, Pearson VUE’s commitment will initially focus on Pennsylvania and Ohio to align with White House Workforce Hub locations. Additional US locations will follow, including US Military installations, enabling participating centers to train and prepare more qualified individuals to begin working toward a robust career in cybersecurity.
IT certifications, and particularly the security and cybersecurity certifications that Pearson delivers are in high demand, with nearly three million IT certification exams being delivered each year globally. The popularity of these certifications is a testament to the ever-present need for IT security personnel in businesses, organizations, and government agencies.
Released earlier this year, Pearson VUE’s 2023 Value of IT Certification Candidate Report indicated that certifications in security and cybersecurity remain in the top five most desired certifications globally. In North America, however, cybersecurity was the leading specialization and represented 25% of certifications obtained.
"Through this commitment to the White House National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy, we aim to assist the upskilling of more cybersecurity professionals in the US. This initiative will provide employment opportunities and help lay the foundation for a safer and more secure future,” concluded, Valentine.
For more information on Pearson VUE’s IT Specialist certifications, please visit our website here.
About Pearson
At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to add life to a lifetime of learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our c.20,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world's leading learning company, serving customers in c.200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are.
About Pearson VUE
Pearson VUE has been a pioneer in the computer-based testing industry for decades, delivering more than 19 million certification and licensure exams annually in every industry from academia and admissions to IT and healthcare. We are the global leader in developing and delivering high-stakes exams via the world's most comprehensive network of nearly 20,000 highly secure test centres as well as online testing in over 180 countries. Our leadership in the assessment industry is a result of our collaborative partnerships with a broad range of clients, from leading technology firms to government and regulatory agencies. For more information, please visit PearsonVUE.com.