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For Immediate Release
Certiport Recognized By Buros Institute For Test Development Practices
Buros Accreditation Certifies Valid and Reliable Microsoft Office Specialist Exams from Certiport
SALT LAKE CITY (October 1, 2002) — Certiport, Inc., the exclusive administrator of the Microsoft® Office Specialist program, today announced the accreditation of its Microsoft Office Specialist program test-development practices by the Buros Institute for Assessment Consultation and Outreach (BIACO), an internationally recognized test quality assurance organization. Certiport joins an elite group of organizations, including Galton Technologies, that have survived Buros' rigorous test-development evaluation.
"We are pleased with Buros' validation of the thought and effort which we have invested in our Microsoft Office Specialist test development processes," stated Oyvind Ragnhildstveit, vice president of product development for Certiport. "This speaks volumes to individuals and employers of the quality of Microsoft Office Specialist exams and the value of Microsoft Office Specialist certification."
The Buros name has long been associated with independent test evaluation for the purpose of improving exam-development. The Buros Institute has provided professional assistance, expertise and information to creators and users of commercially published tests for more than 60 years, promoting effective test development, selection and utilization.
"Certiport should be applauded for meeting strict quality standards," stated James C. Impara, Ph.D., co-director of the Buros Institute. "It is critically important for test-development organizations to make a commitment to quality and accountability - the Buros accreditation is a validation of Certiport's dedication to high standards. Certiport has distinguished itself by confirming that it meets the highest industry standards in developing its computer-based, Microsoft Office Specialist exams."
The Buros accreditation process involves a review of an applicant's test development and administration methodologies, including on-site interviews and evaluation of documented test-development procedures. Buros accreditation is granted by Buros' program-evaluation team, which consists of industry accreditation experts with extensive training and experience in testing and measurement methodologies.
About Microsoft® Office Specialist
The Microsoft® Office Specialist program provides skill standards, approved courseware, instructor credentials exams and certifications for Microsoft Office business applications including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint®, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Outlook® and Microsoft Project. For more information about the Program, see www.microsoft.com/officespecialist.
About Buros Institute for Assessment Consultation and Outreach (BIACO)
The Buros Center for Testing, of which BIACO is a division, has served the public interest and advanced the field of measurement for more than half a century. By providing professional assistance, expertise, and information to users of commercially published tests, the Institute promotes meaningful and appropriate test selection, utilization, and practice. Buros encourages improved test-development and measurement research through thoughtful, critical analysis of measurement instruments and the promotion of an open dialogue regarding contemporary measurement issues.
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. As the exclusive worldwide provider of the Microsoft Office Specialist program, Certiport is responsible for the development, marketing and administration of certification programs for the Microsoft Office suite. Certiport is also the exclusive worldwide provider of the IC³ program. For more information about Certiport's offerings, visit www.certiport.com.
Note: Certiport is a registered trademark of Certiport, Inc. in the United States and other countries. The Microsoft Office Specialist program is a trademark of Microsoft.
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Press Only Contacts:
John Pilmer
Certiport
801-847-3128
jpilmer@certiport.com
Mary Beth Lowell
Text 100 Public Relations
206-267-2024
marybethl@text100.com
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