- Innovation
- Partnerships
HOBOKEN, N.J. - January 7, 2026 - Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world's lifelong learning company, today announced a partnership with Redrock Biometrics, Inc., the creator of PalmID®, a patented palm-print based authentication software development kit and platform, to enhance security for professional certification and licensure exams. The technology will be used globally across thousands of Pearson's professional test centers and with the company’s highly secure remote testing platform.
Pearson Professional Assessments (formerly Pearson VUE) currently uses palm vein recognition to authenticate a test-taker's identification prior to taking a professional certification exam. The use of PalmID will add increased precision and security to this process, while ensuring the highest levels of candidate privacy.
Redrock Biometrics operates across industries including enterprise security, healthcare, banking and payments, automotive, and AR/VR. Its PalmID method of identity verification is fast, precise, and secure, and works on any device with a camera. The collaboration will enable Pearson to generate a unique identification record for every test-taker, which is virtually impossible to forge (palm patterns differ even among identical twins).
The use of PalmID marks the next milestone in Pearson’s innovations in biometrics, which is focused on maintaining the integrity of high-stakes credentials, and began with its adoption of palm vein identification in 2006. As the demand for global professional certification continues to rise, industry leaders must be confident in measures to prevent test fraud. The application of biometric technology is grounded in rigorous testing and compliance with international laws and standards, helping ensure testing process security.
“Reputations—both individual and organizational—are built on the integrity of certification and licensure. At Pearson, we’ve set the test security standard for decades—and we’re raising it again—embracing advances in technology to improve learning and assessment outcomes for everyone,” commented Mike Nealis, Vice President of Information Security for Pearson Professional Assessments. “Our partnership with Redrock Biometrics will deliver a single, seamless, secure, and user-friendly authentication across all testing modalities, ensuring consistency and confidence for every candidate and testing organization.”
Pearson's PalmID rollout will start mid-2026 (as permitted by local regulatory bodies), for all Pearson test centers that currently have a palm vein device, with online proctored delivery to follow.
“’We recognize Pearson's unwavering commitment to protecting candidate privacy while integrating the highest levels of security into every element of test development and delivery,’’ explained Hua Yang, CEO, Redrock Biometrics. ‘’’Redrock looks forward to working closely with their experienced product and security teams to build, deploy, and scale a next-generation biometric solution.’’
Pearson provides professional assessments through 20,000 test centers and online proctoring in more than 180 countries and territories. Each year, the company develops and delivers nearly 21 million certification and licensure exams across industries including IT, healthcare, education, and more.
About Pearson
At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our c. 18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world's lifelong learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. Visit us at plc.pearson.com.
About Redrock Biometrics
Redrock Biometrics, Inc. is the creator of PalmID®, a patented palm-print based authentication software development kit and platform. PalmID is the first commercially available solution combining high-performance, secure, contactless and affordable biometrics for mobile devices and dedicated RGB+IR scanners. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in San Francisco. Partners include Mastercard, Qualcomm, and Sony Life.
Contact:
Pearson
Caroline Darrington
caroline.darrington@pearson.com