ETS Launches New Certified Education Partner Program To Deliver Next Generation TOEFL Test.

PRINCETON, N.J. -- Program Will Create the World's Largest English Language Testing Network, Providing Students with Even Greater Access to the Test

ETS (Educational Testing Service) is currently recruiting colleges, universities and overseas student-advising centers to become part of a new worldwide testing network in connection with the global launch of the next generation Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) in September 2005.

The new testing network will be used in addition to the Thomson Prometric centers that are currently used, and will increase the size of the network from hundreds of test centers today to more than 3,000 centers over the next two years. Called the "ETS Certified Education Partner" (ECEP) program, the new network will increase test-taker access and convenience, while continuing to provide the same high standards of quality and security for computer-based test administration currently in place.

"We will leverage the power of the Internet to create a more efficient delivery channel for the next generation TOEFL test," explains Stephen Koffler, Vice President of the Higher Education Division at ETS. "Our goal is to create the world's most accessible test. ETS has a long-standing relationship with colleges, universities and advising centers throughout the world, and we will continue to draw upon their expertise as we expand the network through the ECEP program."

When the next generation TOEFL test premieres in September 2005, it will, for the first time, reflect the integrated reading, writing, listening and speaking skills students need to be successful on higher education campuses worldwide. Institutions will feel more confident in their students' ability to use English, while students will gain the confidence they need to succeed.

The first phase of recruiting new testing centers will begin next month and will continue through February 2005. Later in 2005, ETS will launch phase two of its ECEP program that will enable institutions, language schools and other organizations to deliver, market and sell a variety of ETS learning products and services.

"ETS's mission is to help advance quality and equity in education by providing fair and valid assessments, research and related learning services," explains Mari Pearlman, Senior Vice President of ETS's Higher Education Division. "We accomplish this by providing the widest possible access to students and test takers and by working hand in hand with the institutions and organizations making it happen. Our new ETS Certified Education Partners program will help us do that."

Institutions and advising centers interested in joining the network can e-mail ETS at [e-mail], or visit online at www.ets.org/ecep. An online registration process for institutions or advising centers wishing to become part of the new worldwide network will be available in early November.

About ETS

ETS is the world's largest private educational testing and measurement organization. As a nonprofit corporation, our mission is to advance quality and equity in education by providing fair and valid assessments, research, and related services for all people worldwide. Our products and services measure knowledge and skills, promote learning and performance, and support education and professional development.

Founded in 1947, ETS today develops, administers or scores nearly 24 million tests annually in more than 180 countries.