Pearson Expands Professional Learning Capabilities with New Skilling Partner Program

Rhea-AI Summary

Pearson (PSO) has launched its Pearson Skilling Partner program, transforming its network of 4,600+ authorized Pearson VUE test centers across 178 countries into comprehensive learning and certification hubs. The initiative aims to address the global skills gap, particularly as AI and technology reshape industries.

The program leverages Pearson VUE's position as a global certification leader, which administers nearly 21 million exams annually. According to Pearson's 'Lost in Transition' report, inefficient career transitions and learning gaps cost the U.S. economy $1.1 trillion annually.

The new program offers over 60 IT certification courses, access to the Pearson Skilling Suite, and a Training Marketplace featuring 2,000+ courses. Authorized test centers and skilling providers can apply for participation starting March 31, 2025.

Positive

• Expansion of service offering to include training alongside certification, creating new revenue stream
• Large established network of 4,600+ test centers across 178 countries provides immediate scale
• Existing strong market position with 21 million annual certification exams
• Addressing $1.1 trillion market opportunity in skills gap

Negative

• Implementation success depends on test center participation
• Significant competition in the professional training market
• Investment required for program rollout and content development

Insights

Financial Analyst

Pearson's launch of the Skilling Partner program represents a strategic expansion of its business model that should generate additional revenue streams while efficiently leveraging existing assets. By transforming 4,600+ test centers across 178 countries into comprehensive learning hubs, Pearson is effectively doubling down on its professional certification business that already administers 21 million exams annually.

This initiative targets the professional learning market with a compelling $1.1 trillion opportunity identified through Pearson's own research on skills gaps. The company is cleverly addressing this by creating an integrated ecosystem that captures both the training and certification components of professional development, potentially increasing revenue per customer.

What makes this particularly valuable is Pearson's ability to monetize its existing infrastructure with minimal additional capital investment. The expansion into over 60 IT certification courses and access to 2,000+ courses through their Training Marketplace creates multiple touch points for revenue generation throughout the professional learning journey.

This initiative aligns with Pearson's broader strategic partnerships with technology leaders AWS and Microsoft, positioning the company at the intersection of education and technology - a sweet spot as AI continues reshaping workforce requirements.

Education Industry Expert

Pearson's Skilling Partner program represents a significant evolution in the professional education landscape. By integrating training with their established certification infrastructure, they're solving a critical friction point in the skills development pipeline. Traditionally, learners have had to navigate disconnected systems for training and certification, often leading to drop-offs in completion rates.

The company is strategically addressing the widening skills gap in high-demand technical fields, particularly important as AI and automation accelerate workplace transformation. Their approach of creating physical "one-stop learning hubs" differentiates them from purely digital learning providers, offering a blended model that research shows improves outcomes for technical skill acquisition.

The program's focus on IT certifications is particularly timely as technical roles continue experiencing talent shortages globally. The 60+ IT certification courses address high-demand skills with established employment pathways. What's clever about this approach is how it transforms Pearson's test center partners from periodic testing venues into continuous learning facilities, likely increasing facility utilization rates and partner engagement.

This initiative strengthens Pearson's enterprise value proposition by offering end-to-end skills development solutions rather than point products, positioning them as a more strategic partner for workforce development initiatives.

4,600+ Pearson VUE third-party test centers worldwide can now add training to career certification services - creating one-stop learning and certification hubs; addresses the global skills gap

LONDON, March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world's leading learning company, today launched its Pearson Skilling Partner program, expanding its ability to deliver comprehensive skills training and career certification solutions worldwide. As AI and technology reshape industries at a breathtaking pace, people around the globe must continuously develop new skills. This new program aims to transform the company's extensive network of more than 4,600 authorized third-party Pearson VUE test centers across 178 countries into full-service learning and certification hubs, creating direct paths from skills development to certification.

Pearson VUE is a global leader in professional certification administering nearly 21 million certification and licensure exams annually (an exam every 1.5 seconds) in sectors spanning technology, healthcare, finance, and more. Each year, millions of professionals and 400+ organizations trust its professional testing programs to verify essential job-related skills and accelerate careers.

Addressing the Global Skills Gap 

Pearson's new Lost in Transition: Fixing the "Learn to Earn" Skills Gap report reveals that inefficient career transitions and related learning gaps cost the U.S. economy alone $1.1 trillion annually. The report calls for improved, next-generation skills pathways and learning strategies to help to close the widening gap between available talent and employer demands.

"Pearson's new Skilling Partner program extends and helps deliver on our commitment to enterprise and professional learning," said Art Valentine, president for Pearson Assessment and Qualifications. "As technology impacts the global workforce, quick skill acquisition and validation have become crucial. Our Pearson Skilling Partner program creates a more responsive and convenient skills development ecosystem that equips people, employers, and economies with the modern skills needed to excel in our tech- and AI-powered future."

The new Skilling Partner program combines Pearson's established certification infrastructure with expanded learning resources. Participating skilling partners and learners can gain access to over 60 in-demand IT certification courses, comprehensive learning tools through the new Pearson Skilling Suite, and an extensive Training Marketplace featuring more than 2,000 courses.

Authorized Pearson VUE Test Centers and skilling providers can apply to participate in the Pearson Skilling Partner program starting March 31, 2025.

For more information about the Pearson Skilling Partner Program and Skilling Suite, visit https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/training-centers/skilling-partner.

Related News

• $1.1 trillion at stake: Pearson report urges action, solutions for skills gap
• Pearson and AWS announce collaboration to unlock AI-powered personalized learning for millions of people globally
• Pearson and Microsoft announce multi-year partnership to transform the future of learning and work with AI
• Pearson launches digital language tutor to tackle workplace communication challenges

About Pearson 

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our c. 18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world's lifelong learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. Visit us at pearsonplc.com.

Media Contact: 

Dan Nelson, Vice President, Global Media Relations
Dan.nelson@pearson.com

Greg Forbes, Senior Global PR and Communications Manager
Greg.forbes@pearson.com

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SOURCE Pearson

FAQ

What is the scope of Pearson's (PSO) new Skilling Partner program launched in March 2025?

The program transforms 4,600+ Pearson VUE test centers across 178 countries into learning and certification hubs, offering 60+ IT certification courses and 2,000+ training marketplace courses.

How many certification exams does Pearson VUE currently administer annually?

Pearson VUE administers nearly 21 million certification and licensure exams annually, averaging one exam every 1.5 seconds.

What is the economic impact of skills gap according to Pearson's Lost in Transition report?

According to the report, inefficient career transitions and learning gaps cost the U.S. economy $1.1 trillion annually.

When can test centers apply for Pearson's (PSO) Skilling Partner program?

Authorized Pearson VUE Test Centers and skilling providers can apply starting March 31, 2025.