Questions students ask

Straight answers to the questions CTE students ask most about credentials, exams, and getting to a job.

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What credentials can I earn by partnering with Pearson?

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Pearson helps you prepare for industry credentials across information technology (IT), the skilled trades, healthcare, and business. CertPREP™ supports IT certifications from Microsoft®, AWS, CompTIA®, and Cisco®, and NCCERconnect covers trade qualifications aligned to National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) standards. The exact current list depends on your pathway, so check the tool for your field on this page. Remember that the industry body awards the credential itself, and Pearson is your prep partner for the exam.

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How do I prepare for a certification exam?

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Start with practice tests and content aligned to the current exam objectives for your credential, then work through the gaps until the material feels familiar. CertPREP™ practice tests mirror what the real IT exam tests, and Knowledge Matters simulations let you practice real tasks, not just recall. Build your prep around the topics the exam actually covers, give yourself time to repeat the weak areas, and book the exam once your practice scores are steady.

Where can I take my exam?

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Many industry credentials are delivered at Pearson test centers, and you can search for an authorized center near you. Some exams can also be taken online with remote proctoring, depending on the credential and the testing body's rules. Check the requirements for your field first, then find the closest center or confirm whether an online option is available. You can book a seat through the Pearson Professional Assessments link in the resources below.

I’m an adult retraining for a new career, where do I start?

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Start by picking the field you want to move into, then look at the credential most recognized in that field where you live. From there, choose the prep and courses that match it and build a study plan you can keep around work and family. Many adult students use funding like Pell or Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) support to help with costs, though eligibility varies, so check with your institution. The Find your starting point section above points you to the right route for retraining.

Can my employer support my upskilling?

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Often, yes. Many employers sponsor training because a certified team is easier to trust on regulated or high-stakes work. If you are upskilling at work, talk to your manager about which qualification matters most for your role and whether your employer covers prep or exam costs. The skills you build are ones you can prove back with a recognized credential, which makes the case for their support easier to have.

How do I know a credential matters to employers in my area?

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Look at the job postings for the role you want near you and see which certifications they ask for by name. The qualifications Pearson preps for, from Microsoft®, AWS, CompTIA®, Cisco®, and NCCER, tend to appear across many regions, but local demand still varies by field and employer. Check current local postings, ask people working in the field, and talk to your program advisor before you commit time and money to one route over another.