BALTIMORE, July 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Thomson Prometric, the global leader in technology-enabled testing and assessment services, and part of The Thomson Corporation , today announced its exclusive, seven-year agreement with the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) to convert the paper-and-pencil Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) to a computer-based format, and deliver the test globally through the Thomson Prometric testing center network, which includes more than 440 locations in more than 70 countries.
Established in 1876, AAMC represents each of the 125 accredited U.S. medical schools and the 17 accredited Canadian medical schools, 400 major teaching hospitals, 94 academic and professional societies representing 109,000 medical school faculty members, and the nation's 67,000 medical students and 104,000 medical residents. The AAMC currently administers more than 60,000 MCAT examinations annually, with growth rates indicating 70,000 by 2007, so that students can demonstrate their proficiency in various academic areas necessary for success in medical school.
AAMC and Thomson Prometric will collaborate on the development and implementation of the systems and procedures necessary to provide full computer-based testing (CBT) services from test publishing and examinee scheduling to the completed transfer of test results data. "We have chosen Thomson Prometric as our partner in the delivery of the computer-based MCAT because of the success we've had in establishing a collaborative working relationship and the size and flexibility of its testing network," said Ellen Julian, associate vice president of the AAMC and director of the MCAT.
For two years, Thomson Prometric has demonstrated its integrated testing system capabilities through the delivery of computer-based MCAT operational pilots around the globe. Aspiring physicians will benefit from the efficiencies of the computerized approach in several ways. The computer-based format will be administered globally through Thomson Prometric testing centers, making the MCAT available twenty days annually instead of only two weekends, as is the case with paper-and-pencil delivery. Examinees will also find out how they performed far more quickly with the automated process, allowing students and admission's offices to expedite the enrollment process into U.S.-based medical schools.
"AAMC and Thomson Prometric are committed to the success and evolution of the MCAT," said Thomson Prometric President, Michael Brannick. "In addition to providing greater flexibility and accessibility, Thomson Prometric testing center security further protects the integrity of a very prestigious and impactful testing program. Innovations including biometric security and identity management models will not just capture test taker data, but also compare data to confirm the identity of those testing for entrance into medical school."
The computer-based MCAT will be introduced in phases before it is fully implemented in early 2007.
About The Thomson Corporation and Thomson Prometric
The Thomson Corporation ( http://www.thomson.com/ ), with 2004 revenues from continuing operations of $8.10 billion, is a global leader in providing integrated information solutions to business and professional customers. With operational headquarters in Stamford, Conn., Thomson has approximately 38,000 employees and provides services in approximately 130 countries. Thomson Prometric ( http://www.prometric.com ) is the recognized global leader in technology-enabled assessment services, providing paper-and- pencil, Internet and computer-based testing solutions. It offers a fully integrated testing system that includes test development, test delivery and data management capabilities. On behalf of 600 current clients in the academic, professional, government, corporate and information technology markets, Thomson Prometric develops and/or delivers assessments through a global network of testing centers in 132 countries as well as direct to candidates via the Web.
The Thomson CorporationCONTACT: Media - Sharon Bowman, Public Relations Manager, ThomsonPrometric, +1-443-923-6246, Sharon.Bowman@Thomson.com