Bloomington, MN, February 4, 2013 —The Association of Test Publisher’s (ATP) today honored Clarke Porter, Vice President and General Manager of Pearson Credential Management, with the Award for Professional Contributions and Service to Testing 2013.
The Award, given to individuals who have made a positive impact on the testing industry, was presented to Clarke at the association’s Innovations in Testing Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Clarke has over 35 years experience in the computer-based testing industry. He worked for Control Data (CDC) PLATO Testing Services in the late 1970s and was a founding employee and President of Drake Prometric (a CDC spinoff), co-founder and CEO of Virtual University Enterprises (VUE), and co-founder and CEO of Integral7 (now Pearson Credential Management).
While at CDC, Clarke was part of a small team that developed the first commercial computer-based testing application for the then NASD, now FINRA. Clarke developed the computer algorithms that randomly selected statistically fair forms from a large item bank. This was a major breakthrough in the standardized testing industry improving test security while maintaining test reliability and validity. At the end of his tenure with CDC, Clarke was a major contributor to the spinout of CDC’s testing business and formation of Drake Training and Technologies (Prometric). Through key partnerships with prominent players in the IT industry, he helped to build the IT certification concept, business model, and infrastructure – encompassing skills development, assessment, and high-stakes testing. Clarke also established the third-party testing model that provides ever-increasing convenience for test takers.
While at VUE (now Pearson VUE) Clarke led the company in harnessing the Internet to create innovative candidate service models and establishing a pervasive global footprint for computer-based testing. Clarke was also instrumental in establishing VUE as the premium global testing services provider through the use of the best technologies and highest service standards.
He was also the co-founder, CEO & chairman of Integral7, providing credential management services to certification/licensure programs around the world. After Integral7’s acquisition by Pearson VUE, Clarke was made VP & General Manager of Pearson Credential Management.
Clarke has served on the standards committee of ATP and contributed to the strategy for creating its annual Innovations in Testing Conference. He is a regular presenter at the event, an active member of the Europe-ATP Steering Committee and is Chair of the Information Technology Certification Council’s Jobs Task Force.
“I am honored to receive such a prestigious award in an industry full of talented and forever forward thinking individuals,” he said. “I have been fortunate to work with industry leaders who are committed and driven by innovation and strive to make testing more and more accessible, reliable, and valid.”
President and CEO of Pearson VUE, Robert Whelan - who received the Award in 2011 - added, “This is a well-earned form of recognition for Clarke’s significant impact on the testing industry. His intelligence and extensive industry experience have helped us to evolve as a company, delivering advanced solutions and services to industries and markets worldwide. We are very proud that he is part of the Pearson family.”
About ATP
Established in 1992, The Association of Test Publishers is a non-profit organization representing providers of tests and assessment tools and/or services related to assessment, selection, screening, certification, licensing, educational or clinical uses.
ATP members are pledged to promote and advance the integrity of assessment services and products and their value to society; and dedicated to the highest level of professionalism and business ethics within the test publishing community.