Pearson Acquires Assessment Technology Provider ITS To Expand Professional Testing And AI Capabilities

September 21, 2026 - 23:31

Pearson has moved to strengthen its position in the professional assessment market by acquiring Internet Testing Systems, a Baltimore-based company known for its assessment technology. The deal brings a range of tools into Pearson's portfolio, including remote testing, proctoring, performance-based assessments, certification maintenance and AI-powered assessment capabilities. Financial terms were not made public.

The acquisition reflects a broader push by testing companies to modernize how professional exams are delivered and monitored. Remote proctoring and performance-based evaluation have become central to certification programs that need to verify skills beyond multiple-choice questions. By absorbing Internet Testing Systems, Pearson gains established technology that supports these functions rather than building them from scratch.

AI-powered assessment is another area of focus. Testing organizations increasingly use automated scoring and analysis to handle larger volumes of candidates while maintaining consistency. Certification maintenance tools also matter for professions that require ongoing proof of competence, since they help track renewal requirements and continuing education.

Pearson has not disclosed how the acquisition will affect existing contracts or staffing at Internet Testing Systems. The company said the move supports its professional assessment division and expands the services it can offer to credentialing bodies and employers. The deal adds to a period of consolidation in the testing industry, where established providers are buying smaller technology firms to keep pace with demand for flexible, secure and data-driven assessment.