Barons open test center to soldiers in Iraq

Courtesy Photo | Sgt. Walter Ashcraft, network systems operator and maintainer, Bravo Co., 16th Special Troops Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, receives his test scores from Staff. Sgt. Ryan Beasly, extension switch supervisor, Bravo Co., after using the Pearson Vue test center to receive certification in his job  

QAYYARAH, IRAQ

02.13.2009

Courtesy Story

16th Sustainment Brigade

By Spc. Sean E. Dillard
16th Sustainment Brigade

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE Q-WEST, Iraq – Signal Soldiers and leaders of Bravo Co., 16th Special Troops Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, have come a long way to develop a Pearson Vue test center to accommodate the Baron University.

Baron University was the first stepping-stone to achieve this testing center. Chief Warrant Officer Dannie Walters, network operations officer in charge, 16th Sust. Bde., and many others worked hard to develop this opportunity to allow Soldiers a chance to receive certifications in their fields of work.

"Getting to the point where we could deliver the test center to DoD personnel on COB Q-West was a challenge," said Walters.

Pearson Vue tests allow Soldiers and Department of Defense employees to receive certifications in; Academic/Admissions, Construction Trades, UST & Inspectors, Driving Test, Employment, Human Resources, Management & Safety, Financial Services, Health, Medicine, Pharmacy & Nurse Aides, Insurance, Legal Services, Real Estate, Appraisers, Mortgage & Loan State Regulated.

"Pearson VUE offers IT certification and professional certification and licensure exams worldwide," said Walters. "Service members on Q-West now have access to hundreds of exams at their on-site military installations and at DANTES recognized Service Education Centers."

"I think it was worth it," said Walters. "With the test center we were able to deliver test so that DoD personnel could meet new on the job requirements."

There are test centers in Kuwait, Baghdad, and Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Opening a test Center in Multi-National Division North gives many Soldiers who are closer to COB Q-West another option.

For further information please contact Chief Warrant Officer Dannie Walters at [e-mail].

• Date Taken: 02.13.2009
• Date Posted: 02.13.2009 01:29
• Story ID: 29976
• Location: QAYYARAH, IQ