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Pearson Enhances Global Assessment Services with ITS Acquisition

In a significant strategic move announced on September 18, 2026, Pearson, a leader in lifelong learning, confirmed its acquisition of Internet Testing Systems (ITS), a Baltimore-based company renowned for its innovative assessment technologies. This acquisition not only solidifies Pearson's commitment to providing high-quality educational assessments but also expands its reach in the professional assessment market worldwide.

About the Acquisition

The acquisition is a pivotal step in Pearson’s mission to strengthen its global assessment and verification capabilities. With ITS's proven technology and dedicated workforce, the merger aims to create more robust assessment services for a variety of sectors. Art Valentine, Pearson’s president of Assessment and Qualifications, underscored the importance of this acquisition by stating, "Organizations are turning to Pearson for assessment and verification they can trust. We know ITS well and value the proven technology, deep industry knowledge, and dedicated team they bring."

Pearson envisions incorporating ITS’s successful strategies into its existing framework to enhance remote testing, proctoring, performance-based assessment, and continuous certification. This will create a more comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the specific needs of organizations seeking reliable assessment solutions.

The Legacy of ITS

Founded with the vision to innovate within the assessment field, ITS has transformed from a startup to a recognized leader in assessment technology since its inception. The company has developed advanced solutions that facilitate secure test delivery and evolve assessment programs using AI-powered technologies.

Pat Ward, the president of ITS, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the acquisition, emphasizing that the partnership with Pearson has catalyzed innovation in the professional assessment sector since their initial collaboration in 2009. He stated, "Joining Pearson is a natural next step for a partnership that has driven innovation in professional assessment since 2009."

Expanding Opportunities

As Pearson integrates ITS’s capabilities into its operations, it anticipates significant growth opportunities in both testing and certification markets. This acquisition aligns with Pearson’s long-term strategy to couple both technology and human expertise in enhancing the educational experience.

The collaboration between Pearson and ITS sparks excitement within the educational community. As industry leaders, they share a mutual vision of leveraging AI to revolutionize assessment while ensuring the integrity and quality of evaluation processes. This strategic partnership is expected to not only elevate the standards of assessment services but also create better experiences for candidates and organizations alike.

The Future of Pearson Assessments

Pearson reaffirms its dedication to its core values: helping individuals achieve their educational goals through trusted learning opportunities. With this acquisition, Pearson prepares itself to expand its capacity in delivering quality assessments into new territories and sectors. The company serves customers in nearly 200 countries, making it a perennial leader in education and qualifications globally.

This merger is a testament to Pearson’s ongoing evolution and adaptability in the rapidly changing education landscape, ensuring that they remain at the cutting edge of learning and assessment innovations.

As the educational landscape continues to evolve, Pearson's acquisition of ITS marks a vital transformation aimed at enriching the learning and assessment experience for future generations.