Pearson Acquires Assessment Tech Firm ITS to Bolster Skills Verification

Pearson announced on Friday it has acquired ITS, a Baltimore-based assessment technology company, in a move designed to strengthen its capabilities in professional skills verification and testing. The acquisition aims to meet the growing demand for trusted credentialing as technological shifts, particularly the rise of AI, reshape the labor market.

Strategic Rationale

The deal integrates ITS into Pearson's Assessment & Qualifications business, expanding its enterprise services. According to the announcement, ITS brings key technologies to Pearson's portfolio, including:

• Remote testing and proctoring
• Performance-based assessment tools
• Continuous certification platforms

Pearson framed the acquisition as a strategic response to market trends. The company stated it believes that rapid technological change will necessitate significant upskilling across the workforce, making verified skills a critical component for both employers and employees.

"Organizations are turning to Pearson for assessment and verification they can trust," said Art Valentine, president of assessment and qualifications at Pearson. He added that ITS's technology strengthens the company's role in providing "verified skills and assessment infrastructure."

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Deepening a Long-Term Partnership

The acquisition formalizes a commercial relationship between the two companies that dates back to 2009. ITS, which employs approximately 230 people, will now operate as part of Pearson Professional Assessments.

Pat Ward, president of ITS, called the deal a "natural next step for a partnership that has driven innovation in professional assessment since 2009." Ward also noted a shared vision for using AI to improve assessment quality and integrity.

While Pearson did not disclose the financial terms, the company described the transaction as a bolt-on acquisition. It aligns with Pearson's stated capital allocation policy, which prioritizes M&A that fits a pre-agreed strategy and offers clear synergies with its core business.