Thomson Prometric and Australia-based Charles Sturt University Form Exclusive Distance Learning Agreement
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Media Contacts:
Martin Hale
CEO, I.T. Masters Pty. Ltd.
Charles Sturt University
+1 61 3 9515 3870
martin.hale@itmasters.com.au
Adam Gaber
Sr. Director, Public Relations
Thomson Learning
+1.203.425.1363
Adam.Gaber@thomson.com
Thomson Prometric and Australia-based Charles Sturt University Form Exclusive Distance Learning Agreement
Internet-based Testing Technology and Testing Center Network Exam Delivery
BALTIMORE, MD. APRIL 20, 2004 - Thomson PROMETRIC, THE GLOBAL LEADER IN TECHNOLOGY-ENABLED TESTING AND ASSESSMENT SERVICES, and part of The Thomson Corporation (NYSE: TOC; TSX: TOC), today announced it signed an exclusive, three year contract with Charles Sturt University (CSU), one of the leading providers of distance education in Australia. CSU offers six different end of course exams for its three master’s degree programs. As of March 31, 2004 these exams are delivered using Thomson Prometric Internet-based testing through the Thomson Prometric testing center network in Australia, Asia Pacific and North America.
Thomson Prometric delivers exams internationally for information technology leaders such as Microsoft and Cisco, and for academic and professional licensure clients delivering exams such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). In 2003, Thomson Prometric delivered eight million exams worldwide.
More than 25,000 of CSU’s 35,000 students are taught and tested at a distance.
“A student sitting for an exam in the United States still expects the results in a comparable time frame to a local student in Australia,” said Irfan Altas of CSU. “Online exams can provide that degree of responsiveness. CSU chose to collaborate with Thomson Prometric because we want to be associated with the industry leader in computer-based testing and delivery. The online exams Thomson Prometric’s Internet-based testing tool is driving will certainly provide greater flexibility for CSU and our students.”
“We’re excited about our opportunity to collaborate with CSU and further enhance its distance learning program,” said Alison Indrisano, Thomson Prometric senior vice president of Client Services and Support. “CSU is a powerful academic institution with a rich and successful history in distance learning. Our collaboration provides further support of the key role both organizations play in validating the distance learning business globally.”
About The Thomson Corporation and Thomson Prometric
The Thomson Corporation (http://www.thomson.com/), with 2003 revenues of $7.6 billion, is a global leader in providing integrated information solutions to business and professional customers. Thomson provides value-added information, software tools and applications to more than 20 million users in the fields of law, tax, accounting, financial services, higher education, reference information, corporate training and assessment, scientific research and healthcare. With operational headquarters in Stamford, Conn., Thomson has approximately 39,000 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). 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. Thomson Prometric (www.prometric.com) is the global leader in technology-enabled testing and assessment services for academic, professional, government, corporate and information technology markets. Thomson Prometric delivers standardized tests for 300 clients, in 26 languages, over the Web or through a global network of testing centers in 134 countries. Based in Baltimore, Md., Thomson Prometric employs 3,000 employees worldwide.
About Charles Sturt University
Charles Sturt University (CSU) is one of the leading providers of distance education (DE) in Australia offering Masters degree programs in networking and system administration, system development and information system security. CSU has a tradition of DE delivery that is one of the longest in Australia and worldwide delivering its earning programs in 28 countries spanning all continents.
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