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Thomson Prometric Introduces Breakthrough Insight into UK Awarding Body e-Assessment Decisions

LONDON, UK. June 22nd, 2005 - Thomson Prometric, the global leader in technology-enabled testing and assessment services, and part of The Thomson Corporation (NYSE: TOC; TSX: TOC), today announced the results of the first major research study concluding the Drivers and Barriers to the Adoption of e-Assessment for UK Awarding Bodies.  Backed by the Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) www.awarding.org.uk and the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) www.qca.org.uk/eassessment, the regulator for the UK public examination system, this study is the first independently commissioned, objective survey into UK Awarding Body beliefs regarding the effects e-Assessment will have for the UK.

26% of the Awarding Body survey respondents are currently delivering an e-Assessment programme. Of the remaining 74%, nearly half are currently developing or piloting an e-Assessment programme. And, 84% believe that e-Assessment is more, or equally as robust, as traditional paper and pencil delivery. Overall, the research concluded that exam taker satisfaction and the ability to assess knowledge on demand are the most important factors contributing to the need for Awarding Body e-Assessment programmes. 

"This research project is timely. It provides the first systematic survey of Awarding Bodies' attitudes and views of the drivers and barriers associated with e-Assessment," said Martin Ripley of QCA. "We consider that the information contained in this report will be of benefit to all Awarding Bodies, including those not yet e-active in developing strategies."

"The research demonstrates Thomson Prometric's continuing commitment to the UK Awarding Bodies," said Martin Milner, Thomson Prometric country manager, UK.  "e-Assessment is rapidly growing within adult and professional education throughout this country. It is gratifying to understand that Awarding Bodies recognise an increase in candidate satisfaction when they use secure e-Assessment.  Organisations such as the Securities & Investments Institute (SII), CITB-ConstructionSkills and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) are already actively using an e-Assessment strategy. Many Awarding Bodies are seeing benefits with e-Assessment to greatly increase candidate satisfaction and also to grow their programmes internationally."

Acritas Research conducted the independent, objective survey.  With 67% of all recognised Awarding Bodies interviewed, QCA and FAB acknowledge this report as the most comprehensive research available.  Drivers and Barriers to the Adoption of e-Assessment for UK Awarding Bodies is available in its entirety at http://www.prometric.com/PressRoom/KnowledgeCenter/default.htm.

About The Thomson Corporation and Thomson Prometric
The Thomson Corporation (http://www.thomson.com/), with 2004 revenues from continuing operations of $8.10 billion, is a global leader in providing integrated information solutions to business and professional customers.  With operational headquarters in Stamford, Conn., Thomson (NYSE: TOC; TSX: TOC) has approximately 38,000 employees and provides services in approximately 130 countries.  Thomson Prometric (www.prometric.com) is the recognized global leader in technology-enabled 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 132 countries as well as direct to candidates via the Web.

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