Press Release

Professional bodies concerned about training and assessment role-relevance


LONDON, UK, April 11, 2016 – The vast majority of senior managers of professional bodies are concerned about the role-relevance of training and assessment, according to a new survey.

Despite the fact that over half (59 percent) of respondents to a survey – conducted by the Professional Associations Research Network (PARN) in association with computer-based testing company Pearson VUE – believe newly certified professionals are prepared for their job roles after completing training and assessment programmes, over 8 in 10 of them (81 percent) are concerned about ensuring learning and programme content is relevant.

The survey of 68 senior managers from professional bodies – representing multiple sectors in the UK and Australia – also reveals that over 6 in 10 (64 percent) respondents believe that for professional exam candidates, improving the relevance of learning and assessment is very important.

Rob Pitts, head of services at PARN, said: “There is an increasing challenge in maintaining the role-related relevance of content, in part due to rapidly advancing technology and the impact of this on our lives. But professional bodies are rising to this challenge with potential solutions too.”

Almost half (48.5 percent) of respondents are taking steps to address this issue by partnering with employers to create curriculums more aligned with the workplace, according to the study (Professional bodies and certification survey 2015: Motivations, key issues and solutions).

Matthew Poyiadgi, vice president of EMEA at Pearson VUE, added: “Making training and assessment content relevant to the skills required in the workplace has never been more important, and it is encouraging to see that professional bodies are aware and focused on making this happen.”

  • PARN, in association with Pearson VUE, is hosting a free workshop for business leaders to discuss the full report, which will be distributed at the event. It takes place on 19th April, 4.30pm - 6pm at St Pancras Renaissance Hotel in London. To register please visit the bit.ly/1QfP774 website.

About PARN
The Professional Associations Research Network (www.parnglobal.com) is a not-for-profit membership organisation for professional bodies, offering expertise, experience and perspective on key issues in the sector through research, bespoke services, networking, events and training. PARN was set up in 1998 by Professor Andy Friedman.


Media contact

Damien Fletcher
+44 (0)20 7010 2582
damien.fletcher@pearson.com