Written by Ellen M. Halover and Mary Grace A. Bastian
Baguio City, Philippines — November 6, 2025 — The University of Baguio (UB) is widening access to globally recognized credentials in Northern Luzon through its partnership with Pearson VUE, the world leader in computer-based testing. Established in 2010 to serve School of Information Technology students pursuing Cisco and other industry certifications, the UB Pearson VUE Test Center pioneered authorized testing in Northern Luzon. Today, the collaboration also designates UB as an official venue for the Pearson Test of English (PTE)—currently the only PTE testing site in the northern Philippines (Luzon) outside the National Capital Region—and hosts a range of Pearson VUE–delivered professional certification exams, underscoring UB’s commitment to industry-aligned, internationally benchmarked qualifications.
Since its inception, the partnership between the University of Baguio and Pearson VUE has opened opportunities for students and professionals to grow academically and advance their careers. To date, the program has benefited 4,397 candidates, empowering them with credentials that strengthen employability and global mobility.
Students gain affordable, nearby access to internationally recognized exams, reduced travel and lodging costs, and more frequent testing windows—allowing them to focus on preparation and performance. The local community benefits from a regional hub that attracts examinees from neighboring provinces, stimulating allied services (review centers, accommodation, transport) and supporting a more competitive, skills-ready workforce.
UB advances its internationalization agenda and SDG commitments by delivering secure, Pearson VUE–standard testing, enhancing its reputation as Northern Luzon’s gateway to global certifications while building stronger linkages with industry and partner institutions. Through this partnership, UB reinvests revenues into capability-building for students, faculty, and staff; supports community outreach; and seeds research projects—advancing the university’s academic mission and public service mandate.
The partnership advances SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing access to internationally benchmarked assessments such as the PTE, validating skills and readiness for global study or work. It supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by enabling professional certifications that improve employability and wage prospects, strengthening a competitive regional workforce. Finally, it contributes to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) as a model multi-stakeholder collaboration that aligns the needs of the university, industry, and the broader community for shared impact.
At present, the university continues to accommodate examinees and, to ensure quality, maintains a full-time test administrator, a designated test center administrator, and IT support staff.
Through this impactful partnership with Pearson VUE, UB reaffirms its continuing commitment to deliver secure, convenient, and world-class testing services in Northern Luzon. Looking ahead, UB plans to expand the portfolio of available examsand deepen outreach to students, alumni, and the wider community—ensuring more Filipinos can earn the credentials that open doors to higher education and meaningful careers.
