Certiport and SkillCheck Introduce First Worldwide Computer Literacy Certification Standard
IC³ Program Verifies Computing and Internet Competency
SALT LAKE CITY and ATLANTA (November 8, 2001) - Certiport Inc., the leading provider of global, performance-based certification programs and services, and SkillCheck Inc., the technology leader in computer and Internet-based skills evaluation, today announced the release of their Internet and Computing Core Certification program, or IC³. This new vendor-independent certification program reflects Certiport and SkillCheck's efforts to establish a worldwide standard of computer literacy. No global certification standard currently exists and, as education and business become more mobile, a worldwide computer literacy standard is increasingly critical.
"When students are awarded an IC³ certification, they have proven their competency in the core skills and knowledge needed to effectively use computers, software applications, and the Internet," said Randy Pierson, Chief Executive Officer, Certiport. "Educators throughout the world can now set a standard for training and advancement, and have an accepted benchmarking tool to support that standard."
SkillCheck developed IC³ in response to a certification gap identified through extensive state-wide academic programs administered by Certiport. Professional researchers, test developers and psychometricians developed the IC³ exams and, following the initial development, more than 270 subject matter experts (SMEs) in 19 countries created and validated the certification requirements. The exams integrate performance-based and knowledge-based modules, widely considered the fairest and most accurate testing methodology currently available.
"The computer is the primary tool of the Information Age, yet far too many people do not understand computers and are unable to use them effectively, even though they may work with them every day," said Bill Stewart, Director, Leisure Learning Unlimited Computer Center, Houston, and President of Virtual Bill, Inc. "Proof of the required computer knowledge and skills - which are now as basic and critical as reading, writing and arithmetic -- is provided by IC³ certification."
Targeted to students and educators, the new certification program is comprised of three sections: Computing Fundamentals, Key Applications and "Living Online." An IC³ certificate is earned once knowledge and skills in specific key areas have been demonstrated through the successful completion of the three exams. The IC³ certification is easily portable and can be used globally as a benchmark for required knowledge and skills.
"CompTIA welcomes the addition of IC³ as a fundamental certification program demonstrating computer literacy," said Lutz Ziob, Vice President of Certifications for CompTIA. "We recognize the value that this certification brings in introducing individuals to a career in IT and its potential as a precursor to programs such as CompTIA's vendor neutral A+ certification."
International courseware development companies have developed training courseware for IC³. Certiport's Canadian-based eLearning partner, BKM Research and Development, will launch its courseware in online and CBT versions concurrent with the IC³ launch.
The IC³ certification program is available in English at select authorized testing centers throughout North America and will be released in additional languages throughout 2002. Specific locations to register for IC³ exams are available on Certiport's Web site at www.certiport.com.
About Certiport
Certiport Inc. is the leading provider of global, performance-based certification programs and services designed to enable individual success and lifetime advancement through certification. In addition to offering IC³, Certiport is also the exclusive worldwide provider of the Microsoft Development Inc. All Office User Specialist (MOUS) program for Microsoft. As the exclusive provider of the MOUS program, Certiport is responsible for the development, marketing and administration of certification programs for the Microsoft Office suite of products. IC³ is not affiliated with or endorsed by Microsoft.
About SkillCheck
SkillCheck Inc. is the world technology leader in software and Internet-based skills evaluation, providing assessment solutions to the staffing services, human resources, training, education and certification industries. SkillCheck's customizable, performance-based testing solutions are available in multiple languages and used by the world's largest staffing services, corporations and schools.
To find out more about SkillCheck's products and services, visit the SkillCheck Web site at www.fadvassessments.com or call 800-648-3166.
Note: Certiport and IC³ are trademarks of Certiport, Inc. in the United States and other countries. SkillCheck is a registered trademark of SkillCheck Inc. The Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) program is a trademark of Microsoft.
Press Contacts
Shannon Michael, The Intrepid Group, 801-481-9482 ext 182, smichael@intrepidpr.com
Chris Thomas, The Intrepid Group, 801-481-9482 ext 362, cthomas@intrepidpr.com
