Did you know that the largest part of Pearson is its Assessment and Qualifications (A&Q) division? This global and diversified part of the business sits at the heart of our interconnected learning ecosystem and helps millions of people worldwide get the certifications and credentials they need to get ahead. In this blog, we give an overview of A&Q and explain why we refer to it as ‘Pearson’s Crown Jewel’.
Very few people relish the idea of taking a high-stakes test. But passing that exam, or getting that licence, unlocks new opportunities for a better life. At Pearson, our vision is to help people realise the life they imagine through learning. Put simply, turn learners into earners.
Our A&Q division is made up of three areas: Pearson VUE, School Assessment and Qualifications, and Clinical Assessments. Each one is a leader in its field and, when connected into Pearson’s wider learning ecosystem, act as a powerful source of strength and stability for the company.
Pearson VUE
The largest part of A&Q is Pearson VUE, a global leader in high-stakes computer-based testing. It’s where learners come to validate what they’ve learned so that they can gain a certification or licence to advance their training or career. Our global network of 20,000 Pearson VUE test centers spans 190 countries. Together with our remote proctoring service, OnVUE, we deliver more than 19 million certification and licensure exams annually – that’s an exam every 1.6 seconds!
The Pearson Test of English (PTE), a digital AI-scored test of English for studying or working abroad, is delivered via the VUE platform and is one of Pearson’s fastest growing products. With a diverse portfolio of clients in sectors including Technology, Healthcare, Finance, and Professional Associations, VUE helps individuals advance their careers.
School Assessment and Qualifications
Our School Assessment and Qualifications business helps students at critical junctures in their lives. In the US, we provide the technology, content development and scoring services to deliver assessment tests for elementary, middle and high school. In the UK and international markets, we are a trusted provider of globally recognised qualifications including GCSEs and A levels.
Clinical Assessment
Our Clinical Assessment portfolio helps professionals assess learners and patients across a range of development areas, including determining if a child shows signs of ADHD, autism, or dyslexia; assessing cognitive traits such as memory, spatial recognition, and language processing; and evaluating personality traits to inform hiring for jobs such as public protection.
A&Q is a fast-growing area of the company and is well positioned to capitalise on three market drivers:
- Technology: in schools and other learning environments, more people are using digital tools. Digitally enabled products and solutions are driving nearly all of A&Q’s growth.
- Workforce skills gap: employers are responding to fast-paced changes in technology by upskilling and reskilling their workforce. Pearson VUE addresses this head-on, supporting certifications in high-demand industries like IT and Healthcare.
- Growing need for accreditation: there is a growing need for individuals to prove their skills in the form of an accreditation or certification from high-quality and trusted providers.
These trends inform our investments and strategic initiatives. Our scale and breadth mean we can deliver large volumes, in multiple languages, in all types of settings, all over the world. We’re moving forward with purpose to ensure the jewel in Pearson’s crown continues to shine brightly.
So, we get it. Tests aren’t the most fun. But getting a grade that helps you land a job, go to college, get support, achieve a promotion, move overseas, fly a plane, drive a car, or even save a life, is a big deal. It’s an honour to support millions of people around the world who trust us at these crucial moments.
Learn more in our recent A&Q-focused investor seminar.