LEBANON — The Hariri Foundation for Sustainable Human Development has launched its first official, proctored international testing session through South Lebanon’s first Certiport Authorized Testing Center (CATC), marking a new step toward expanding access for students, young people, professionals and workers in the region to skills development opportunities and internationally recognised professional certifications.
Five students participated in the center’s inaugural testing session, which was conducted in accordance with Certiport’s official standards and procedures, in cooperation with ITLS, Certiport | Pearson’s service provider in Lebanon.
The Hariri Foundation’s accredited testing center provides access to 17 testing and professional certification tracks across a wide range of digital, technical and professional fields.
These include Cisco networking and cybersecurity, Meta digital marketing, AutoCAD and Adobe software, Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS 365) certifications, as well as artificial intelligence, Python programming, application development and project management.
The center’s operation comes as part of a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Hariri Foundation and ITLS, aimed at supporting the digital transformation and empowering young people in artificial intelligence, digital skills and entrepreneurship.
The partnership seeks to develop future-ready skills, bridge the digital skills gap, and expand access to accredited training pathways and international certifications that strengthen employability and readiness for the labour market.
Certiport, a Pearson VUE company, is a global provider of professional certification exams and testing services, with a network of more than 13,000 authorised testing centers worldwide.
It administers international certification programmes for leading global companies and organisations in technology and digital skills, enabling candidates to validate their skills and earn professional credentials through standardised examinations based on recognised standards.
Through the center, the Hariri Foundation is working to expand access to international professional testing and certifications, helping reduce barriers for students and young people and broaden opportunities to benefit from them.
The initiative forms part of a wider effort to connect education, skills development and professional certification with labour market needs and the ongoing digital transformation.
