**The big picture:** Pearson has acquired Internet Testing Systems (ITS), a Baltimore-based assessment technology provider, to expand its professional testing and AI capabilities. **Why it matters:** This acquisition enhances Pearson's ability to offer flexible, secure, and AI-powered skill verification, crucial for employers and professional organizations navigating evolving job markets and skill demands. **Between the lines:** - The deal integrates ITS's technology for remote testing, proctoring, and performance-based assessments into Pearson Professional Assessments. - ITS brings AI-powered assessment technology and continuous certification capabilities, allowing for ongoing skill verification. - The acquisition builds on a 15-year commercial relationship between Pearson and ITS. **Staffing & HR impact:** This move provides staffing and HR leaders with more robust tools for verifying candidate skills and certifications, potentially streamlining talent acquisition processes and ensuring compliance with evolving professional standards. It also supports continuous professional development and re-skilling initiatives. **The bottom line:** Pearson is positioning itself as a critical infrastructure for trusted, AI-enhanced skill verification in a rapidly changing global workforce.