The Testing Center at Pueblo Community College has gained national certification status.

School officials said Tuesday that PCC was notified recently that the site has received a rare Test Center Certification by the National College Testing Association. The center was found to meet NCTA’s Professional Standards and Guidelines that were developed to ensure quality testing procedures.

It becomes one of the few test centers in the U.S. and Canada to have completed an intensive certification process.

“I am very proud of our NCTA certification and what it means for PCC and the Pueblo community,” said Strider Swope, the center’s coordinator.

“This demonstrates an excellence in the field of test administration, both to our test professional peers and test sponsors, as well as all who use our services. This designation enhances the credentials that examinees earn through testing at our center because we have demonstrated our commitment to test integrity, validity and customer service.”

School officials said the certification will be in place for five years and can be renewed by demonstrating continued compliance to national standards.

In September 2012, PCC’s Testing Center also became an official Information Technology certification test delivery site through an agreement with Pearson VUE, a national computer-based testing system, which includes computerized GED testing.

In April, PCC’s Fremont Campus also became an official Pearson VUE testing site, allowing community members there to take exams for information technology, academic, government and professional tests for certification and licensure. It also provides a convenient location for taking GED exams.

The center’s staff includes Swope, testing specialists Jordyn Hiner and Marc Petros, and test proctor and office assistant Jean Heuton.