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Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services Retains Pearson VUE for Nurse Aide Competency Testing and Registry Software Services

BLOOMINGTON, Minn., March 20, 2009 — Pearson VUE, the computer-based testing business of Pearson, has announced that the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (“Department”) has selected Pearson VUE to continue administration of its nurse aide examination program, extending their relationship for at least four years. The new contract also includes the transition of the Texas nurse aide and medication aide registries to Pearson VUE’s PULSE online license management system.

During the 19 years that Pearson VUE has served the Department, they have provided a wide range of testing and support services including application processing, initial certification issuance, test development, and test administration for both the skills and written competency examinations. Pearson VUE will continue to assume responsibility for those services as well as overall client and candidate satisfaction.

Pearson VUE has introduced many improvements to the Department’s nurse aide program, which certifies approximately 15,000 candidates every year, such as recent system enhancements to accommodate new eligibility requirements for nurse aide testing. Pearson VUE also communicated the new eligibility requirements through an updated candidate handbook and notified nurse aide training schools.

In the upcoming contract term, Pearson VUE will convert the Department’s nurse aide and medication aide registries to be hosted on PULSE—Pearson VUE’s online license management system. When fully implemented, PULSE will allow candidates, certificants, employers, and Department staff to securely access information and conveniently initiate a number of actions from anywhere with an internet connection.

Art Valentine, vice president of professional services and general manager of regulatory services at Pearson VUE said, “Our relationship with the Department has remained strong over the years, and this latest renewal illustrates the success of the certified nurse aide program in Texas. As the field continues to grow and change, Pearson VUE will work with Department officials to maintain the high levels of service that they have come to expect from us.”

Robert Whelan, president and chief executive officer of Pearson VUE added, “It is very satisfying to be given yet another opportunity to provide certified nurse aide examinations for the Texas Department of Disability and Aging. We’re committed to exceeding the Department’s expectations in terms of technology, efficiency, convenience, and value.”