Vision and purpose

In 1994, Clarke Porter, Steve Nordberg, and Kirk Lundeen launched Virtual University Enterprises (VUE), a world-class training services company, which was eventually acquired by NCS and then Pearson in 2000 to become the leading computer-based testing company in the world.

We’ve continued to add innovative tools, like Goal Designs (2001), Promissor (2006), Integral7 (2010), and Exam Design (2013) to our exam development portfolio to test candidates in the most meaningful ways possible, including performance-based testing and animated scenarios that simulate real-world professional scenarios.

We introduced the gold standard in test security — the Pearson Professional Center — in 2002 and have since expanded test delivery globally to 5,600 test centers in more than 180 countries. And, with the 2019 launch of OnVUE, our online-proctoring tool, computer-based testing has become possible everywhere.

From introducing digital photo and signature capture and palm vein recognition in 2008 to leveraging artificial intelligence in online proctoring in 2019, we’ve stayed at the forefront of exam program protection. We continue to combine advanced technologies and human expertise, helping place intelligence-driven protections across all facets of exam programs.

Because an ideal certification experience is important for programs and candidates alike, we continually enhance our testing capabilities and the resources we offer. Like our Integrated Platform (2009), which streamlines disparate candidate records, and mindhub™, launched in 2010, a renowned certification marketplace where candidates can shop for official study materials.

As the global economy shifts and business practices adapt to the changing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, we partner closely with our clients to make testing safe and accessible to candidates around the world. We implemented and continue to enforce extensive safety measures at our test centers and saw a 300% increase in the number of exams we delivered through OnVUE, continuing to certify professionals in every industry for the challenges and opportunities that tomorrow brings.