NCSBN and Pearson VUE to Bring NCLEX-RN(R) Examination to Canada

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - Dec 8, 2011) - The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and Pearson VUE, the electronic certification and licensure testing business of Pearson, announced today that the NCLEX-RN^® Examination was selected by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) and nine other Canadian registered nurse regulatory bodies for utilization by these entities as a licensure requirement.

"NCSBN's selection as the vendor is a recognition of the NCLEX^® as the preeminent examination of its kind and that NCSBN is uniquely qualified to provide a psychometrically sound and legally defensible computerized adaptive test," comments NCSBN Board of Directors President Myra A. Broadway, JD, MS, RN, executive director, Maine State Board of Nursing.

The NCLEX-RN Examination is offered in 10 countries around the world for the purpose of domestic licensure in the U.S. The selection of NCLEX by Canadian nursing regulators marks the first time that the exam will be used for the purpose of licensure in another country. Each Canadian province (excluding Quebec) will individually make the decision to contract with NCSBN and the NCLEX-RN Examination will be offered at Pearson Professional Centers throughout Canadian provinces that have contracted with NCSBN for its delivery.

"We are honored to be part of this initiative to bring the NCLEX to a broader global audience," added Robert Whelan, Pearson VUE president and CEO. "By transitioning to the computer-based NCLEX, aspiring Canadian nurses will have greater flexibility in scheduling their tests and will be able to take their exam at Pearson Professional Centers throughout Canada versus the handful of dates and times that are currently offered for the paper and pencil test."

About NCSBN
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) www.ncsbn.org is a not-for-profit organization whose members include the boards of nursing in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and four U.S. territories -- American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands. There are also nine associate members. Mission: NCSBN provides education, service and research through collaborative leadership to promote evidence-based regulatory excellence for patient safety and public protection.

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 world's largest and most secure network of test centers in 165 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.