Don Boucher
Prometric, a part of The Thomson Corporation
443.923.8031
Rob Bunnell or Atticus Simpson
Quixote Group
336.605.0363
New Certification Validates MBA Hiring Decisions and Differentiates Candidates
Baltimore, Md. – April 28, 2003 – Prometric, a part of The Thomson Corporation (TSX: TOC; NYSE: TOC), and the global leader in technology-enabled testing and assessment services, today announced the release of the first tool designed to objectively measure a student's knowledge of the business principles required for achieving an MBA, and enhance the MBA hiring process – the CMBA. In partnership with the International Certification Institute (ICI), developer of the Certified MBAÔ (CMBA), the CMBA will be administered through the Prometric network of testing centers in the United States and Canada beginning May 5, 2003.
"This partnership was formed to support hiring managers in the process of selecting the right individual for the right job, as well as the need for MBAs to set themselves apart from the competition," said Alison Indrisano, Senior Vice President of Client Services for Prometric. "The CMBA certification is the first objective standard to assess an MBA's knowledge level – helping management improve the employee screening process and confirm their selection decisions."
The CMBA measures an individual's knowledge of the core curriculum required across all accredited MBA programs. Prometric test development, formerly Galton, created the exam, and 35 MBA program directors along with 150 MBA professors from across the United States participated in its content development.
"A Certified MBA has a competitive advantage over their competition in a crowded job market," said W. Michael Mebane, Managing Director of ICI. "Earning certification confirms for employers and colleagues that an individual has a solid grasp of the knowledge expected of an MBA. The CMBA is proving to be an invaluable tool for employers and MBAs, alike."
Testing for the CMBA beta exam was completed on January 31, 2003, followed by an intense period of analysis to establish the final form and the pass/fail standard. In a survey of participants, 95 percent rated the exam's difficulty at or above a reasonable level. Seventy percent chose to participate to help differentiate themselves from their MBA competitors, while 49 percent plan to use the CMBA to validate the credibility of their MBA programs, leveling the playing field by minimizing program bias.
MBA students and graduates should apply now for the CMBA exam by visiting www.CertifiedMBA.com or by calling ICI at 1.866-664.CMBA (1.866.664.2622). The exam is administered at Prometric testing centers.
About The Thomson Corporation and Prometric
The Thomson Corporation, with 2002 revenues of $7.8 billion, is a global leader in providing integrated information solutions to business and professional customers. The Corporation's common shares are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges (TSX: TOC; NYSE: TOC). 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.
Prometric (www.prometric.com) is the global leader in technology-enabled testing and assessment services for information technology certification, academic admissions and professional licensure and certifications. Prometric delivers standardized tests for more than 300 clients, in more than 25 languages, over the Web or through a global network of testing centers in more than 121 countries. Based in Baltimore, Md., Prometric employs more than 3,000 employees worldwide.
About ICI
The International Certification Institute was founded to develop and deliver the CMBA exam in conjunction with Galton Technologies and Prometric. Based in Mocksville, N.C., ICI is organized around its three primary constituencies - students, businesses and educators - and facilitates advisement and product development through its Council of Academic Advisors, Council of Business Advisors and Association of Certified MBAs (ACMBA). ICI's executive management is committed to working directly with this network of professional and academic bodies to add value to graduate business education and to the global institutions that depend on academic and certification institutions to educate business administrators.
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