ORLANDO, Florida, August 13 /PRNewswire/ --

- QAI's Certifications in Areas of Software Testing, Software Quality and Process Engineering are now Available as Computer-Based Examinations Through Prometric, to Consistently Assess and Certify Individuals Internationally

To address the growing demand of consistently assessed talent and to address the requirements of the customers and the industry, Quality Assurance Institute (QAI) (http://www.qaiworldwide.com) has made it's certifications available online. To meet this objective, QAI has partnered with Prometric, a world leader in assessment testing services. This will provide IT professionals better access to take the computer-based exams at Prometric test centers in more than 3000 locations across the globe.

QAI has already certified thousands of professionals in countries like Australia, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Israel, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Pakistan, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, Thailand, Philippines, United Arab Emirates, and the United States amidst many others.

Since its inception in 1988, the Software Certifications (http://www.softwarecertifications.org) division of QAI has scheduled quarterly paper - based examinations at locations around the world. They have certified over 35,000 IT professionals over the last 20 years in 43 countries on 6 of the 7 continents in the world. Their certifications' CSQA and CSTE are the recognized international standard for software quality and software testing professional certifications. QAI's global chapter network of software quality professionals has been the primary vehicle for proctoring examinations at regional locations.

However, with the dearth in employable human resources in the IT-world, the need for expanding the frequency and locations of the examinations had grown exponentially. The partnership with Prometric will ensure round-the year assessment of skilled professionals and also ensure that professionals can get certified on demand, anytime, anywhere.

This partnership will enable QAI to provide test delivery for its Software Certifications: Certified Software Tester (CSTE), Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA), Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST), Certified Manager of Software Quality (CMSQ), Certified Quantitative Software Process Engineer (CQSPE) and Certified Software Project Manager (CSPM) among others. All exams will be available worldwide* through Prometric's Authorized Test Center network.

"Going with the Prometric Testing Center model will ensure program enhancements and more consistency in the customer experience," said Tom Ticknor, Chief Operating Officer for Quality Assurance Institute, "it will also enable increased speed to market for exam innovations because our internal processes will be more streamlined. In a time when demand is growing for IT professional certifications worldwide, it is very important to us to deliver the best possible certification program and consistent testing experience for our customers."

Michael Brannick, President and CEO of Prometric went on to say, "We have recently seen a strong resurgence of the IT certification market in general and in candidate demand for quality, dependable testing programs. Prometric is widely recognized and established across the IT industry as the leading provider of certification exams, with some of the world's largest technology companies relying on us for their testing needs. The Quality Assurance Institute and Prometric working together is an excellent solution to this growing global need."

* Paper-based quarterly exams will continue to be conducted in the countries of India, China, Sri Lanka and Brazil for now. Check the Software Certifications website for the sponsored examination schedule and locations.

About QAI

The Quality Assurance Institute was founded in 1980 by William Perry. Mr. Perry's objective was to create a professional association whose mission was to provide leadership in improving quality, productivity, and effective solutions for process management in the information technology profession. During the 1980's, QAI grew quickly becoming an industry leader in software quality assurance and testing. In 1982, QAI established the QAA (quality assurance association) network of localized professional chapters with the first group organized in Los Angeles followed shortly by Chicago. Today, QAI's QAA network links software quality, testing and IT process professionals across the globe.

In 1985, QAI developed the first professional certification specifically designed for the software quality assurance analyst. Later, in 1992 QAI developed the professional certification for software testing practitioners. QAI's Software Certification division now has professional certifications in quality assurance, testing, project management, process engineering and business analysis.

By the early 1990's, QAI had a successful membership based association, a worldwide chapter network, internationally accepted certification programs, world-class training courses and two International Software Quality and Testing conferences. Based entirely from its founding offices in Orlando, Florida, QAI recognized the need to expand its direct presence into the rapidly developing economies of India and the Middle East.

About Software Certifications

Software Certifications had its beginning in 1980 as the Quality Assurance Institute (QAI) was established as a professional association formed to represent the quality assurance profession. The first certification began development in 1985 and the first formal examination process was launched in 1990. Today, Software Certifications, administered by QAI, is global. Since its inception, Software Certifications has certified over 35,000 IT professionals in 43 countries on 6 of the 7 continents in the world.

For further information, please contact: Tom Ticknor QAI USA +1-407-363-1111 tticknor@qaiworldwide.org http://www.qaiworldwide.org http://www.softwarecertifications.org

For further information, please contact: Tom Ticknor, QAI USA, +1-407-363-1111, tticknor@qaiworldwide.org