Pearson VUE and Cisco
When will this change happen?
This change will be taking place starting August 1, 2007. Effective August 1, all Cisco exams will be delivered only through Pearson VUE® Authorized Test Centers.
Why is Cisco moving to a single–vendor model?
As global demand increases for Cisco certifications, and in response to valuable customer feedback, it is critical that Cisco improves its global certification systems and makes them more agile. Shifting to a primary support vendor worldwide will advance test security through the deployment of advanced biometric technologies, facilitate the rapid localization of exams around the world, and allow for increased certification scalability and coverage.
What about Cisco’s online registration and certification tracking system?
The transition to a primary vendor requires Cisco to develop improved online exam registration, tracking, and customer notification capabilities with Pearson VUE. However, there may be certain features of Cisco’s previous system that are temporarily unavailable due to the rapid construction of the new system. We appreciate your patience during this development period. Development of Cisco’s new online system will take a phased approach:
Phase I – Available by July 31
- Registration
- Certification/specialization exam validation
- User interface for students to review test history, certification history and what course options to take for a specialization exam
- User legal agreement (upon sign in)
Phase II – Available by August 31
- Certification fulfillment review
- Third-party validation
- Logo access
- Recertification reminders
In the event that Cisco has a temporary system outage as a result of the intense development efforts underway, a backup process will be deployed that utilizes Cisco call center staff to deliver certification status information to partners, customers and employees until the online system resumes operation.
What will happen with my Prometric voucher(s)? Can I exchange it for a Pearson VUE voucher?
Cisco will honor all prepaid vouchers, as well as those issued by Networking Academies, with expiration dates ranging from
What if I have a promotional voucher? Can promotional vouchers be exchanged for Pearson VUE vouchers?
Promotional vouchers are similar to a coupon that is redeemable at the time of exam registration. If you would like to redeem a promotional voucher with an expiration date of September 1, 2007, through July 31, 2008, please contact Pearson VUE by November 30, 2007, for consideration. (A complete list of Pearson VUE customer service phone numbers Note: The deadline for submission of promotional vouchers is November 30th. If you do not contact Pearson VUE by this date your voucher will not be redeemable.
What is the last date Prometric can sell Cisco vouchers?
Prometric can no longer sell Cisco vouchers.
What is the last date a Prometric center can register a Cisco exam?
Candidates can no longer register for Cisco exams at a Prometric center.
What is the last date a Prometric center can deliver a Cisco exam?
Prometric can no longer deliver Cisco exams.
My Prometric voucher is valid after the cut–over date. Can I still use it?
Cisco will honor all prepaid vouchers, as well as those issued by Networking Academies, with expiration dates ranging from
Promotional vouchers are similar to a coupon that is redeemable at the time of exam registration. If you would like to redeem a promotional voucher with an expiration date of September 1, 2007, through July 31, 2008, please contact Pearson VUE by November 30, 2007, for consideration. (A complete list of Pearson VUE customer service phone numbers Note: The deadline for submission of promotional vouchers is November 30th. If you do not contact Pearson VUE by this date your voucher will not be redeemable.
Will the test center compensation or contract with Pearson VUE change?
We do not plan to make any changes to your existing contract or compensation. All existing contracts between Pearson VUE and the Pearson VUE Authorized Test Centers will be fully honored.
How will this affect service levels?
Through the initial consolidation to one vendor, there may be an initial spike in Cisco testing by those wanting to use their Prometric vouchers prior to the cut–over date, but Prometric is staffing up to handle that increased volume. There may be some scheduling delays in early August, once the voucher redemption process is communicated. We ask for your patience as we do our best to accommodate those who were scheduled to test with Prometric after the cut–off date. Over time, we expect there to be steady growth in Cisco exams and Pearson VUE will scale its channel accordingly, as we continue to build this program.
Does Pearson VUE offer all Cisco certification exams?
Pearson VUE has been a test delivery provider for Cisco’s computer–based certification exams since 2000. As a result, tests that were available at Prometric are also available at Pearson VUE test centers. The new Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT) certification will be available at Pearson VUE as of
Do we need to renew our agreement?
No. We do not plan to make any changes to your authorized testing center agreement.
Why did Cisco choose Pearson VUE?
Pearson VUE was selected for several reasons, including:
- unparalleled global reach
- forward–thinking policies and vision of technical resource recruitment
- ability to scale to new countries with new requirements
- ability to meet forecasted demands
- ability to deliver on additional investments to secure Cisco’s test delivery technology
Shifting to a primary vendor strategy worldwide will advance test security through the deployment of advanced biometric technologies, facilitate the rapid localization of exams around the world, and allow for increased certification scalability and coverage.
Who is my Pearson VUE contact?
For questions about becoming a Pearson VUE Authorized Test Center, please contact our channel sales teams:
- Americas: Call (800) 247-8719 or +1 (952) 681-3000 (toll number) or email: pvamericaschannelsales@pearson.com
- EMEA: Call 0161 855 7229 or email: pvemeachannelsales@pearson.com
- Asia-Pacific: Call +612 9467 6600 or email: pvapchannelsales@pearson.com
A complete list of contact information by country
Do we need to be exclusive with Pearson VUE in order to deliver Cisco exams?
No. Pearson VUE does not plan to make any changes to your existing contract, and there is no exclusivity clause in the existing Pearson VUE contract. We believe that you will continue to work with the partners that deliver the highest level of service and offer the best technology. Pearson VUE will continually strive to be your preferred vendor of choice.
Are you going to continue to offer the same level of service?
Yes, Pearson VUE is built on a foundation of exceptional service. That will not change.
Is Pearson VUE planning on reducing the number of channel partners?
No, we will continue to offer the opportunity to become a Pearson VUE Authorized Test Center globally to all centers that meet Pearson VUE requirements.
Will the requirements for an existing testing center change?
No, at this time, the requirements for becoming a testing center will not change, but soon we may require enhancements in candidate identification technologies.
Will there be any additional hardware requirements?
No, at this time, the hardware requirements for a testing center will not change, but soon we may require enhancements in candidate identification technologies.
How will this change benefit my business?
Moving to one testing vendor will provide Cisco with the ability to focus on program and security development—resulting in more comprehensive, scalable and secure testing programs, and thereby enhancing the value of Cisco certifications to employers. Moreover, Cisco is dedicating significant resources toward marketing its programs; therefore, you may experience a greater volume of Cisco certification tests in your center.
Will I require additional staff or hours to run my testing center?
You still control your own hours, staff and availability.
Where will Prometric’s Cisco testers go?
Candidates who have previously tested with Prometric will now be required to take their Cisco certification exams at a Pearson VUE Authorized Test Center.
How will this affect my capacity?
Pearson VUE software allows you to increase the number of seats to meet capacity as needed.
When can candidates expect to see exam results reflected in the Cisco database?
Depending upon the testing program, Pearson VUE is required to submit exam results to Cisco within 72 hours of the exam. It is then up to Cisco to post the results. During the transition, if you have problems getting exam results or having them reflected in the Cisco’s database, contact the Cisco Certification Online Support Team. If you are a partner (reseller), you can also open a case with PRT. Complete listing of customer service phone numbers.
Prometric was recently given an exclusive in China, India & Pakistan by Cisco—why the sudden switch to Pearson VUE as its primary global vendor?
The exclusive vendor pilot in China, India and Pakistan raised some important concerns about security, service, etc. After evaluating that experience, Cisco decided that Pearson VUE was best positioned to help Cisco achieve its long–term goals related to enhanced security and global reach. Testing at Pearson VUE has now resumed in these countries.
Who is Pearson VUE?
Pearson VUE is the global leader in testing services for academic admissions, certification and licensure programs. Pearson VUE offers exams through the world’s largest network of test centers in 162 countries, providing testing services for information technology, regulatory and certification boards, academic, government and corporate clients. Our innovative technology offers the security and control required by academic, licensure and certification programs while its commitment to service provides customers with an unmatched testing experience.
I’ll be working with another test delivery provider to deliver Microsoft exams. How can I deliver both Cisco and Microsoft exams?
Many test centers choose to work with more than one TDP in order to offer a wider array of exams to candidates. Joining the Pearson VUE Authorized Test Center network will allow you to deliver Cisco exams, as well as many other popular IT exams. It’s easy, provided you meet our basic requirements. You’ll find an application, technical specifications and instructions on our website at www.pearsonvue.com/pvtc/join.
How can my organization become a Pearson VUE Authorized Test Center?
It’s easy to join the Pearson VUE Authorized Test Center network if you meet our basic requirements. You’ll find an application, technical specifications and instructions on our website at www.pearsonvue.com/pvtc/join.
Where are Pearson VUE Authorized Test Centers located?
Pearson VUE currently has more than 4,000 Pearson VUE Test Centers worldwide, including several hundred company-owned and -operated Pearson Professional Centers. You can find a Pearson VUE Authorized Test Center near you by using our Test Center Locator.
Which other Information Technology exams can be taken at Pearson VUE test centers?
Pearson VUE administers a wide variety of popular IT certification tests; including those by Adobe, Citrix, CompTIA, Novell, VMware and more, many of which are exclusive to Pearson VUE. In addition, Pearson VUE administers certification and licensing tests for a number of professional and academic organizations. Complete listing of exams delivered by Pearson VUE.