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Pearson VUE Adds Palm Vein Technology, Forensic Analysis to Testing Framework

By: Chris Riedel

7/29/2008

Global testing provider Pearson VUE has unveiled enhancements to its secure testing framework, including the use of palm vein technology, forensic analysis, and photo identification, among others. The new enhancements are intended to reduce proxy testing and other forms of cheating among test-takers.

Pearson VUE contracted with International Biometric Group (IBG) to customize and integrate the new palm vein technology into its testing framework. Driven by Fujitsu's PalmSecure device, the new security measure is intended to provide highly accurate, cost-effective identity verification.

"Pearson VUE is committed to continually improving our security offerings, because exam scores--and the credentials they lead to--are only as valid as the security measures we use," said Robert Whelan, president of Pearson VUE, in a prepared statement.

According to the company, the palm vein technology will be piloted in Pearson Professional Centers and Pearson VUE Authorized Test Center Select beginning next month.

In other Pearson VUE news, the company has announced additional security enhancements implemented in conjunction with the Cisco certification portfolio.

The company will add digital photo identification, preliminary score reports, and forensic analysis capabilities to its Cisco certification programs. The measures will help Pearson VUE positively identify test takers, bolstering the validity of Cisco's certifications.

"Cisco certifications are one of the most highly valued credentials available to information technology (IT) professionals, and protecting that reputation is paramount," said Erik Ullanderson, manager of global certifications for Learning@Cisco, in a prepared statement. "Proxy testing and other forms of cheating can diminish the value of certifications for individuals and the organizations that employ them. Pearson VUE and Cisco are leading the way in aggressively combating this industry wide issue through the latest advancements in exam development and delivery."

Other security measures being employed include simulation-based testing, dynamically generated questions, and digital watermarking of test results, among others.


About the author: Chris Riedel is a freelance writer based in Florida. He can be reached here.