Test Center Manager

Pearson is the world's leading learning company, with 40,000 employees in more than 80 countries helping people of all ages to make measurable progress in their lives. We have a simple mission: to help people make more of their lives through learning. Pearson provides a range of education products and services to institutions, governments and direct to individual learners that help people everywhere aim higher and fulfil their true potential. Pearson VUE is a business within Pearson PLC and is the global leader in computer-based testing for information technology, academic, government and professional testing programs around the world. Pearson VUE provides a full suite of services from test development to data management, and delivers exams through the worlds most comprehensive and secure network of test centres in more than 175 countries. Pearson Professional Centres (PPCs) are part of an international network of computer-based testing centres, which deliver quality examinations in a highly secure environment. Pearson VUE has a wide range of clients and a comprehensive suite of tests, which require a variety of approaches for both test type and method of delivery. The appointed individual will perform the administration and invigilation of exams; this includes understanding, implementing and taking ownership of all aspects of the operational policies and procedures of all examination processes. The individual will also demonstrate a high level of customer service to candidates and be responsible for the continual enhancement of the brand image.

Working Arrangements

You will be based in the Birmingham PPC.

Manage a large city PPC with 30 seats

Some local travel to other PPC’s or temporary locations may be required

A flexible approach to working is essential for this position as opening hours will vary according to the volume of tests booked.

Must be must be flexible and reliable - Saturdays and some evenings required.

Key Responsibilities

Act as Line manager for all test centre staff regarding employee relations, training & development, absence management and performance management

Support the Regional Manager in recruitment issues and conduct staff interviews as required

Carry out 1-2-1 meetings, Performance Reviews and Development Reviews with staff as required

Maintain and update local site administration and documentation

Ensure all compliance standards relating to the test centre operation and Pearson VUE stringent security protocols are adhered to

Ensure personal responsibility for understanding and delivery of testing following updates and changes to client requirements / testing, as they occur

Create draft site staffing schedules, and collect test centre time keeping records, for communication to the Regional Manager

Create and send other reports and information as requested by the Regional Manager

Serve as the local contact point for operations, building management, site security, deliveries, vendors, etc., and escalate issues to the Regional Manager as appropriate

Verify correct staffing levels are maintained according to plan, and notify the Regional Manager of any and all staffing issues

Oversee overall day-to-day operation of the PPC, and co-ordinate activities and instructions from Regional Managers and other Test Centre Management

Monitor supplies inventory, and order inventory when applicable within budget guidelines

All employees have a responsibility to co-operate in promoting and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment, and to take reasonable care of their own health and safety at work and that of all other staff that may be affected by their acts or omissions. Line managers have specific responsibility for the health and safety of their direct reports and other team members for which they have general management responsibility.

All employees are also responsible for supporting and implementing the company’s policies and procedures around the Health and Safety, Security, Quality and Business Continuity arrangements that apply in their role/work function. Full details of these policies and procedures are available on SharePoint.

Key Activities

Provide a high level of customer service in the test centres at all times

Ensure candidate needs are met with understanding and respect

Maintain professional relationships with client representatives

Ensure equipment is operational and test stations are free of extraneous materials

Review transmission and error logs in locally operating software, to ensure proper functioning (including schedule download and results upload processes)

Periodic download and review of examinations and test centre schedules

Review test schedule and prepare for candidate(s), including those that may have special needs

Sign candidates in (including verification of candidate identity) according to Pearson VUE and client sign-in procedures

As required, explain the test process to candidates and deal with other queries

Understand testing needs and procedures for each client

Ensure the integrity and security of the tests are maintained and that they are supervised to the required standard

Comply with all incident reporting and escalation procedures

If applicable, print and provide post-test score reports to candidates

If applicable, schedule appointments for possible call-in and / or walk-in candidates

Communicate / work with Pearson VUE technical support staff to investigate and fix technical issues

Maintain own competencies in all of the systems and procedures and request training as necessary

Adhere to all Company policies and procedures as noted in the formal documentation; especially IT, HR and Security

Undertake all accreditations and skills checks as required by the business

Support and deliver any events and alternative test delivery processes as defined, both in permanent and temporary locations

Ensure all hours are recorded and authorised within Company guidelines

Comply with business needs on a day to day basis

Assist and support with business initiatives to maximise centre profitability

Perform other administrative tasks as required

Perform daily test centre opening and closing procedures

Help to ensure a clean, professional, quiet testing atmosphere in the centre

Undertake reasonable additional duties to ensure the smooth running of the test centre

Essential Experience & Qualifications

Experience in a customer facing role

Experience of co-ordinating and administering activities of a team

Strong administration and reporting skills

Able to function as a representative and professional contact point for internal and external stakeholders

Exceptional customer service skills

Strong communication skills both written and verbal, in both technical and functional areas

Able to work independently as well as part of a team

Must enjoy working with people, be comfortable in a quiet environment, have effective time management skills, and be able to work effectively under pressure

Strong attention to detail and organisational skills are required

Must be Pearson VUE certified for a Testing Administrator and pass a re-certification annually to ensure that skills are kept current and problem areas identified

PC literate, comfort with the use of a full range of Microsoft Office and Windows applications

Desirable Experience & Qualifications

Experience in a testing environment.

What to expect from Pearson

Did you know Pearson is one of the 10 most innovative education companies of 2022?

At Pearson, we add life to a lifetime of learning so everyone can realize the life they imagine. We do this by creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are on a journey to be 100 percent digital to meet the changing needs of the global population by developing a new strategy with ambitious targets. To deliver on our strategic vision, we have five business divisions that are the foundation for the long-term growth of the company: Assessment & Qualifications, Virtual Learning, English Language Learning, Workforce Skills and Higher Education. Alongside these, we have our corporate divisions: Digital & Technology, Finance, Global Corporate Marketing & Communications, Human Resources, Legal, Strategy and Direct to Consumer. Learn more at

We value the power of an inclusive culture and also a strong sense of belonging. We promote a culture where differences are embraced, opportunities are accessible, consideration and respect are the norm and all individuals are supported in reaching their full potential. Through our talent, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion make us a more innovative and vibrant place to work. People are at the center, and we are committed to building a workplace where talent can learn, grow and thrive.

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