Certiport News
Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research Implements Postgraduate Digital Literacy and Language Exam Requirements
Adopts Certiport IC³ certification exam to ensure applicants grasp internationally accepted computer and Internet skills
BAGHDAD, Iraq – June 22, 2010
Certiport and the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research today announced a strategic initiative to align Iraq's higher education system with its global counterparts by adopting the Certiport Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC³®) and the ETS ITP-TOEFL® (and TOEFL)exams.
Embracing globally-recognized standards that help individuals excel in today's competitive marketplace, all Iraqi students applying for postgraduate studies are now required to pass the IC³ and ITP-TOEFL exams to prove their digital literacy and English language proficiency.
Details about Certiport IC³:
www.certiport.com/ic3
The implementation of these exams as a requirement for applicants, approximately 50,000 this year, comes after a review of the preparedness of Iraqi graduates to work internationally showed they lacked basic computing skills.
"We have been living in scientific isolation for the past 35 years, and now is the time for Iraq to re-emerge as a respected leader in higher education standards," said Dr. Ammar Hasan, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Iraq. "We previously administered our own English language and technology exams, and although they were valuable, Iraqi students were not adequately prepared in these core areas. We are pleased to offer the internationally recognized IC³ and TOEFL exams to help Iraqi students succeed in their international education, careers, travel and diplomacy."
The Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC³) provides students and job-seekers with the foundation of knowledge they need to succeed in environments that require the use of computers and the Internet. Certiport, the leading provider of test delivery services for the global workforce and academic markets, will help Iraq administer practice IC³ exams beginning in June at various university testing centers.
"As we worked with the Ministry of Higher Education to introduce digital literacy curriculum and exams into Iraq, we were impressed with their commitment to improve student's basic computer and Internet skills," said Ray Kelly, Chief Executive Officer, Certiport. "By requiring postgraduate applicants to pass the international digital literacy standard, IC³ exam, Iraq is taking the necessary steps to improve their education system's reputation and raising the bar for students to become more competitive in the global job market and international academic programs."
About Certiport
Certiport, a Pearson VUE business, is the leading provider of certification exam development, delivery and program management services delivered through an expansive network of over 12,000 Certiport Authorized Testing Centers worldwide. Certiport manages a sophisticated portfolio of leading certification programs including: the official Microsoft Office Specialist certification program, the Microsoft Technology Associate certification program, the Microsoft Certified Educator program, the Adobe® Certified Associate certification program, the Adobe® Certified Expert program, the HP Accredited Technical Associate, the CompTIA Strata™ IT Fundamentals, the Autodesk Certified User certification program, the Intuit QuickBooks Certified User certification program, and the IC³ Digital Literacy certification. Certiport reliably delivers over three million tests each year throughout the secondary, post-secondary, workforce, and corporate technology markets in more than 148 countries and 27 languages worldwide. For more information, please visit www.certiport.com or follow Certiport on Twitter at www.twitter.com/certiport.
"Certiport" "IC³" and "MeasureUp" are registered trademarks of Certiport, Inc. in the United States and other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Press Contact:
Brenda Armstrong
1.801.602.0305
barmstrong@certiport.com