Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Academies Signs an Agreement with Pearson VUE

First Pearson VUE authorised testing Center to open in Amman?s TAG-ITI academy

DUBAI, October 22, 2008 , Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Academies (TAG-Academies), in cooperation with Pearson VUE, announced today the launch of the first Pearson VUE Authorised Testing Center, which will provide computer-based test delivery for ICT certification. The center to be established in Amman?s TAG-ITI academy will just be the first of a number of test centres as part of this agreement.

The announcement at GITEX, which is one of Middle East?s largest IT events, comes as a reflection of the Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization?s commitment to the region?s education sector, and its ongoing efforts to assist in the development and certification of professionals in the area of technology. The initiative will help bridge the gap between the educational output and the skill requirements of the local market.

According to the agreement signed between TAG-Academies and Pearson VUE, the vision behind the testing centre is to draw on Pearson VUE?s experience in education and computer-based test delivery for the benefit of the region?s emerging generation of professionals.

?Through this agreement and cooperation it will be easier to create a professional pool of highly qualified technical resources which are very much in demand in this region,? said Salah Abu Osbeh, regional executive director of TAG-Academies.

Mr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman and CEO of the Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org), stated: ?It is time to consolidate efforts and better understand ICT development needs and take full advantage of ICT technologies and programs through cooperation and partnership frameworks that enhance educational outcomes and stimulate innovation."

Paul Howarth, MD of Pearson VUE for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said: ?I am very pleased to welcome TAG-Academies as an Authorised Pearson VUE Testing Centre. Our combined expertise in training and test delivery will ensure a successful partnership which will benefit professionals seeking to not only learn new skills but certify in those skills to enhance both their education and career prospects.?

About TAG-Academies

TAG-Academies (www.tagitraining.com) vision is to build and strengthen Arab capacities by conducting training courses, workshops, seminars and conferences related to the fields of finance, taxation, trade, law, IT through cooperation with international well-recognized institutions..

About TAG-Org

TAG-Org, your global partner in 71 offices and 180 correspondents, for all your business needs: auditing, valuation, management consulting, ICT development, business advisory, training, educational consultancy, capital services, human resources development, real estate consulting, translation, legal services, Intellectual Property Rights protection and domain name registration.

For More Information: gitex.tagorg.com.
www.tagorg.com


About Pearson VUE

Pearson VUE (www.pearsonvue.com) is the global leader in computer-based testing for information technology, academic, government and professional testing programs around the world. Pearson VUE provides a full suite of services from test development to data management, and delivers exams through the worlds largest and most secure network of test centers in 162 countries. Pearson VUE is a business of Pearson (NYSE: PSO; LSE: PSON), the international media company, whose businesses include the Financial Times Group, Pearson Education and the Penguin Group.