FAA Awards Executive Contract to Sylvan Prometric for BEST Testing.

BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 11, 1999--

New Tests for Pre-Employment Screening Available

at Sylvan Technology Centers

Sylvan Prometric(tm) has been awarded an exclusive contract to deliver the Federal Aviation Administration's new computer-based BEST (Basic Electronics Screening Tool) exam.

Introduced in late 1998, BEST is part of the pre-employment screening process for candidates for employment in the FAA's Airway Facilities Service. Testing is available at more than 375 Sylvan Technology Centers(R) in the U.S.

Through BEST testing, the FAA plans to minimize training expenses by thoroughly screening qualified candidates prior to their entrance into the Airway Facilities training program. BEST tests knowledge of math and electronics required on the job. Only candidates achieving a passing score will qualify for the employment in FAA's electronics specialist occupations.

Jeanette Bair, Sylvan Prometric's executive director of FAA programs, said BEST continues the FAA-Sylvan Prometric partnership, which has shown how computer- based assessment can result in substantial savings by using technology-based testing to select only the most qualified candidates in the employment process. Awarding the exclusive contract to deliver BEST testing, she said, "demonstrates and rewards Sylvan Prometric for its leadership and service, including building the world's largest and most secure network of testing facilities.

"Sylvan is honored to once again be chosen by the FAA as its test delivery partner," said Ms. Bair said. "We recognize the importance of this program and see it as another exceptional opportunity to support the FAA with our testing experience and delivery network. The FAA is continuing its quest to ensure that the most qualified and certified candidates are placed in the right positions, and in maintaining the highest commitment to safety. Sylvan looks forward to continued opportunities to partner with the FAA in support of these goals."

Prior to registering for or taking the BEST exam, candidates must qualify through the FAA's application process. Information is available from the FAA at (800) 445-4FAA, and the FAA application is available online at www.faa.gov/ats/best

Sylvan Prometric is the computer-based testing division of Sylvan Learning Systems(R), Inc. (NASDAQ: SLVN), the world's leading provider of educational services to families, schools and industry. Sylvan Prometric is the global leader in delivery of computer-based assessment services for professional licensure and certification, IT industry certification, and academic admissions. In 1998, Sylvan Prometric delivered more than three million computer-based tests in 25 languages through its network of some 2,600 Authorized Prometric Testing Centers(tm) and Sylvan Technology Centers in 147 countries. Sylvan delivers standardized tests for more than 150 clients, including virtually all major IT industry certification programs.

Sylvan Learning Systems and Sylvan Technology Centers are registered trademark and Sylvan Prometric and Authorized Prometric Testing Centers are trademarks of Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc., in the U.S. and Canada.