Global Knowledge Receives PMI's 2007 Product of the Year Award for PMP® Blended Certification Program

Business Wire, Oct 8, 2007

Flexible, Blended Learning Solutions Save Time and Support Learner Preferences

CARY, N.C. -- Global Knowledge, the largest privately held provider of training and enterprise learning services for information technology (IT) and management professionals, announced today that it has received the 2007 Product of the Year Award for its PMP([R]) Blended Learning Certification Program from the Project Management Institute (PMI), the world's leading not-for-profit professional association for the project management profession.

"The blended learning solution provides our customers and the industry with an innovative format for learning that supports multiple learner preferences and diverse learner needs," said Kirsten Lora, Global Knowledge Product Director. "Developed in partnership with SkillSoft PLC (Nasdaq: SKIL), this blended approach offers customers a variety of learning assets, including online courseware, Referenceware([R]) from Books24x7[R], KnowledgeCenter[TM], instructor-led virtual review sessions, and instructor-led exam prep Boot Camps, deployed either virtually or at the customer's facility as a private On-Site."

The blended learning options have helped hundreds of students improve their project management skills and prepare to earn their Project Management Professional (PMP([R])) certification. On average, students participate in 16 weeks of educational development in a guided program that offers interaction with a PMP-certified project management Subject Matter Expert from Global Knowledge who directs all instructor-led activities, and a SkillSoft Blended Learning Consultant for coaching and mentoring.

"Our courses stress hands-on activities and learning through experience, not just lecture," said Global Knowledge Senior Vice President Michael Fox. "This approach ensures that students are prepared to succeed in the workplace through the immediate application of their newly-formed skills."

Global Knowledge offers more than 60 proprietary project management products, all of which are based on A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, Third Edition (PMBOK([R]) Guide), which ensures the application of best practices to help students apply the necessary skills regardless of the project size, visibility, risk, and strategic importance.

SkillSoft is a leading provider of enterprise e-learning, with resources targeted to business and IT professionals. Its multi-modal learning solutions support and enhance the speed and effectiveness of formal and informal learning processes. Global Knowledge and SkillSoft announced new customers in the delivery of comprehensive, blended learning solutions in July of this year. Over the past two years, organizations including Qwest, BellSouth and BearingPoint have leveraged these Blended Learning Solutions that combine e-learning and instructor-led training.

This is the second year in a row that Global Knowledge has received a Product of the Year Award from PMI. The company offers a broad array of business training courses that encompasses project management, professional skills, business analysis, and IT Infrastructure Library[TM] curriculum. All of the project management courses offer PMBOK([R])theory and best practices paired with real-world exercises taught by PMP-certified instructors.

Global Knowledge accepted the award at the PMI Global Congress tradeshow being held this week in Atlanta, Georgia.

About Global Knowledge

Global Knowledge is the largest privately held provider of training and enterprise learning services for information technology (IT) and management professionals. The company offers a broad array of hands-on IT, project management, professional skills, and business process training featuring proprietary core and custom curriculum, as well as content from leading companies, including Cisco, Microsoft, Nortel, and Red Hat. Delivered in classrooms, at private facilities, or over the Internet, Global Knowledge has helped Fortune 500 companies, organizations, and government agencies leverage learning to turn knowledge into productivity for employees, customers, and channel partners. Founded in 1995, Global Knowledge employs more than 1,100 people worldwide and is headquartered in Cary, N.C. The company is owned by New York-based investment firm Welsh, Carson, Anderson, and Stowe. For more information visit www.globalknowledge.com.