Sylvan Prometric to Deliver HUD Certification Testing; Computer-Based Test Provider to Assist in Launch of New Program to Facilitate Homebuyer Protection Plan.

BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 12, 1999--

Sylvan Prometric(R), the global leader in computer-based testing, announced today it has been named by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as the national test administrator for its new program to test Federal Housing Authority (FHA) appraisers.

According to Donald J. LaVoy, Acting Director of HUD's Real Estate Assessment Center, the Department is in the process of re-engineering the Single Family FHA appraisal process to facilitate implementation of the Homebuyer Protection Plan, launched in June 1998 by Secretary Andrew Cuomo. As a part of that program, Lavoy said, FHA appraisal report forms have been revised and a new Single Family Appraisal Handbook has been published. Sylvan Prometric's role in the program will be to deliver a computer-based appraiser examination. LaVoy also said all current FHA appraisers will be required to pass the examination by January 31, 2000, and all new appraisers entering the field will be required to pass the exam before being placed on the FHA register.

John Kennedy, vice president for Professional Licensure and Certification of Sylvan Prometric, stated, "being selected by HUD as the national test administrator for its new program is very gratifying. Increasingly, the marketplace is demanding technology that provides quicker, easier and more comprehensive solutions to certification and licensure needs. We are very pleased that HUD recognizes that Sylvan Prometric systems deliver the greatest flexibility, accuracy, efficiency and reliability."

The new FHA appraisal examination will be delivered at Sylvan Technology Centers (STCs) throughout the United States and U.S. Territories. FHA appraisers will be able to schedule the one and one-half hour FHA appraisers exam by contacting one of the local STCs in their area.

Information on the FHA appraiser exam is available at www.hud.gov/reac/resfappr.html. Any questions regarding the exam should be directed to HUD by calling 1-888-245-4860. Information on testing at STCs is available at www.prometric.com. Any questions regarding scheduling an exam should be directed to Sylvan Prometric's toll free number at 1-800-309-1434.

As the global leader in delivery of technology-based assessment services for IT industry certification, academic admissions and professional licensure/certification, Sylvan Prometric(R) delivers standardized tests for more than 120 clients, through its network of more than 2,900 Authorized Prometric Testing Centers(TM) and Sylvan Technology Centers(R) in 141 countries.

Based in Baltimore, Maryland, Sylvan Prometric(R) is the technology-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(R) is accessible via the Internet at www.prometric.com.

Sylvan Learning Systems, Sylvan Prometric and Sylvan Technology Centers are registered trademarks and Authorized Prometric Testing Centers is a trademark of Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc., in the U.S. and Canada. Other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

In 1998, HUD created the Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC). REAC opens a new era of accountability in HUD program execution by significantly improving HUD's monitoring and management of its real estate portfolio. REAC is responsible for monitoring and assessing the condition of properties and the performance of entities managing/owning those properties in which HUD has an interest.