Thomson Prometric Announces Unique Four-Way Collaboration in China to Standardize IT Training and Certification
BALTIMORE, June 20, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Thomson Prometric, the global leader in assessment services, and part of The Thomson Corporation (NYSE: TOC; TSX: TOC), today announced an agreement with the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), Lenovo, and Sunny Tech to provide standardized IT training and certification in China. This unique four-way collaboration gives all parties a foothold in the growing Chinese market and will enable the Chinese IT industry to adopt and conform to certification standards used by PC manufacturers around the world.
CompTIA is a global trade association representing the business interests of the technology industry. Its CompTIA A+ certification is used by PC manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers throughout the world as a global standard for PC Fundamentals skills. Its CompTIA Network+ certification is used by many IT organizations around the world as a global standard for Networking Fundamentals skills. CompTIA has long been seeking to introduce its certifications to the Chinese IT industry and needed to establish specific business relationships that would facilitate adoption and implementation.
With Thomson Prometric, Lenovo, and Sunny Tech, those relationships have been forged and CompTIA can move toward its goal. Lenovo, a PC equipment manufacturer and a highly recognized brand in China, will work with CompTIA to introduce CompTIA A+ certification into its own PC technician certification. Sunny Tech, an IT service supplier offering training and consultation services to IT professionals, will serve as the preferred provider of CompTIA A+ and Network + certifications in China. Thomson Prometric will be responsible for the administration and management of test delivery services for A+ and Network+ certifications and will work with CompTIA, Lenovo, and Sunny Tech to protect the security and quality of CompTIA training and testing services within China. The CompTIA certification exams in the Chinese language will only be available in China via approved Thomson Prometric testing centers.
"Lenovo has always been dedicated to the satisfaction and success of every customer," said Madam Wang, Vice President, Lenovo. "With the landmark acquisition of IBM's Personal Computing Division, Lenovo continues to provide the high-value products and services that underscore our commitment to customers around the world. By helping to bring CompTIA A+ certifications to China, we are ensuring that the technical skills of service engineers meet the professional standards and global benchmark. Currently, 50 services engineers have completed the certification exam and we plan to have 600 engineers complete the certification program by end of 2006."
"This agreement is a great example of the value Thomson Prometric's presence in China can bring to international organizations wishing to offer Chinese professionals access to global certifications," says Ramesh Nava, General Manager, Asia Pacific, Thomson Prometric. "As a global company, we are well-positioned to manage CompTIA's certification program in China. We are excited to partner with CompTIA, Lenovo, and Sunny Tech and we look forward to working with them for many years to come."
About The Thomson Corporation and Thomson Prometric
The Thomson Corporation (www.thomson.com), with 2005 revenues of approximately $8.5 billion, is a global leader in providing integrated information solutions to business and professional customers. Its learning businesses and brands serve the needs of individuals, learning institutions, corporations and government agencies with products and services for both traditional and distributed learning. With operational headquarters in Stamford, Conn., Thomson has approximately 40,500 employees and provides services in approximately 130 countries. The Corporation's common shares are listed on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges (NYSE: TOC; TSX: TOC). Thomson Prometric (www.prometric.com) is the recognized global leader in testing and assessment services, providing paper-and-pencil, Internet and computer-based testing solutions. It offers a fully integrated testing system that includes test development, test delivery and data management capabilities. On behalf of 600 current clients in the academic, professional, government, corporate and information technology markets, Thomson Prometric develops and/or delivers assessments through a global network of testing centers in 131 countries as well as direct to candidates via the Web.
SOURCE The Thomson Corporation
Adam Gaber, Director, Public Relations, Thomson Learning, +1-203-539-8663, adam.gaber@thomson.com, for The Thomson Corporation
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