BLOOMINGTON, Minn., Feb. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the successful implementation of the NCLEX(R) examination at Pearson Professional Centers in sites throughout the world, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has authorized Pearson VUE to expand testing availability for the examination to a site in Manila, the capital of the Philippines.

"We've been exploring test administration in the Philippines for some time; however, security is a critical issue for us. By utilizing the latest in biometric technology in its owned and operated network of Pearson Professional Centers, the NCSBN will be able to provide greater customer service to nurses without compromising the integrity of the NCLEX examination process," said Casey Marks, PhD, Associate Executive Director, Business Operations.

Robert Whelan, president of Pearson VUE added, "The NCSBN places a high value on protecting the integrity of its exam administration process, and we not only echo that sentiment, we back it up -- by providing an unparalleled, patented security solution in each Pearson Professional Center. We are pleased to offer nurse candidates in the Philippines the most consistent and secure testing experience possible."

The Manila, Philippines, site will join the following Pearson VUE locations in offering NCLEX testing: London, England; Seoul, South Korea; Hong Kong; Sydney, Australia; Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, Canada; Frankfurt, Germany; Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Chennai, India; Mexico City, Mexico; Taipei, Taiwan; and Chiyoda-ku and Yokohama, Japan. The NCLEX examination is also available at over 200 Pearson Professional Centers throughout the United States and its territories.

Intended for the purposes of domestic nurse licensure in U.S. states and territories, all security policies and procedures currently used to administer the NCLEX examination domestically will be fully implemented at the Pearson Professional Center in Manila. At this time, no schedule of implementation has been set.

About Pearson VUE

Pearson VUE ( http://www.pearsonvue.com/ ) is the global leader in electronic testing services for academic admissions, certification and licensure programs. Pearson VUE offers exams through the world's largest network of test centers in 151 countries, providing testing services for information technology, regulatory and certification boards, academic, government and corporate clients. Its innovative technology offers the security and control required by academic, licensure and certification programs while its commitment to service provides customers with an unmatched testing experience. Pearson acquired Promissor, which is now a business of Pearson VUE, extending its leadership in the testing and certification industry.

Pearson VUE is a business of Pearson , the international media company, whose businesses include the Financial Times Group, Pearson Education, and the Penguin Group.

CONTACT: Julie Boyce of Pearson VUE, +1-952-681-3000

Web site: http://www.pearsonvue.com/