All About PeopleCert

PeopleCert is a global company that specializes in providing exams and certifications in various fields, including IT and languages. The company was founded with the goal of certifying and promoting the skills and qualifications of individuals worldwide to support their career development and professional success.

Since its founding, PeopleCert has played a leading role in the certification industry by offering innovative exam and certification solutions based on state-of-the-art technology and strict quality standards. PeopleCert works closely with educational institutions, governments, and companies to develop customized certification programs tailored to the specific needs and requirements of their respective target audiences.

The Guardian of ITIL, PRINCE2, and Others

The company is particularly well known for its role in administering and delivering ITIL and PRINCE2 certifications, two of the world’s leading frameworks for IT service management and project management, respectively. These certifications are considered the gold standard in their respective fields and have helped advance the careers of millions of IT and project management professionals worldwide.

PeopleCert has steadily expanded its reach and now offers exams in more than 200 countries, supported by an extensive network of test centers and the option to take exams online. This global approach has enabled people from all over the world to earn recognized credentials and improve their career prospects.

Through the continuous development of its technology platform and exam processes, PeopleCert strives to make the certification process as accessible, efficient, and user-friendly as possible. The company places great emphasis on integrity and fairness in the assessment of competencies and is committed to the highest standards in exam administration.

Overall, PeopleCert embodies a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. Through its certification programs, the company helps enhance the skills and effectiveness of professionals worldwide, ultimately contributing to a more productive and innovative global economy.

The World-Class Family Business

PeopleCert has its roots in Greece, where it was also founded. Since its founding, the company has grown into a leading global provider in the testing and certification industry, managing its global operations from multiple locations.

PeopleCert is a privately held company led by its founder and CEO,Byron Nicolaides. Nicolaides has led PeopleCert from the very beginning and has played a key role in shaping the company's direction, expansion, and success.

As a privately held company, PeopleCert does not disclose detailed information about its ownership or the exact structure of its shareholder base. However, it is known that the company is strongly focused on growth and expansion, with a clear vision of strengthening the role of certification in the professional and personal development of people worldwide.

The Acquisition of AXELOS

PeopleCert's acquisition of AXELOS marks a significant milestone in the history of both companies. AXELOS was originally founded as a joint venture between the British Cabinet Office and Capita PLC to manage a range of best-practice methodologies, including prominent and globally recognized frameworks such as ITIL (for IT service management) and PRINCE2 (for project management).

PeopleCert already had a close relationship with AXELOS before it acquired the company. It was the exclusive exam provider partner for AXELOS certifications, which meant that PeopleCert was responsible for administering the exams and issuing certificates for ITIL, PRINCE2, and other AXELOS qualifications. This partnership positioned PeopleCert as a leading provider of certification exams for professional best-practice methodologies.

The acquisition of AXELOS by PeopleCert, which was officially announced, strengthened PeopleCert’s position as a leading provider of certifications and exams in the field of professional best practices and methodologies. This move enabled PeopleCert to expand its range of certifications and training programs, improve the efficiency of its certification processes, and deepen its commitment to promoting best practices in various professional fields worldwide.

This acquisition also symbolizes PeopleCert’s ambition to expand its portfolio of qualifications and services and strengthen its global presence. It also demonstrates the company’s commitment to providing high-quality education and certification solutions that address the needs and challenges of professionals in an ever-changing workplace.

The Key Figure: Byron Nicolaides 

Byron Nicolaides, the founder and CEO of PeopleCert, is one of the company’s key figures, known for his visionary leadership and commitment to innovation and excellence in the field of professional certifications. Under his leadership, PeopleCert has experienced significant expansion, primarily through strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and the launch of new products and services.

PeopleCert's Accredited Training Organization (ATO) program is an initiative designed to accredit and certify training providers so that only they can offer official training courses for PeopleCert certifications. This program is an essential part of PeopleCert's strategy to make high-quality education and certification opportunities accessible worldwide. Here are some key aspects of the ATO program:

Purpose and Objective

The ATO program enables educational institutions, training providers, and consulting firms to offer officially recognized courses on topics such as ITIL®, PRINCE2®, Lean Six Sigma, and many other best-practice frameworks. This accreditation indicates that the provider meets PeopleCert’s high quality standards and requirements to deliver an effective and valuable learning experience.

Accreditation Process

The process for achieving ATO status typically involves an evaluation of the provider’s curricula, teaching methods, and instructor qualifications. PeopleCert ensures that the courses offered comply with the official curricula and that the instructors have the necessary certifications and expertise to effectively deliver the content.

Benefits for ATOs

As an accredited training organization, providers benefit from recognition by PeopleCert, a leading global certification company. They gain access to official training materials and marketing support, and can offer their courses to a global audience. In addition, ATO status enhances their credibility and can help them stand out from the competition.

Benefits for Students

For learners, the ATO program provides assurance regarding the quality and relevance of the training. Courses from accredited providers follow the latest curricula and are taught by qualified instructors. Participants can be confident that they will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully pass the official PeopleCert exams and advance their professional development.

Continuous Quality Assurance

PeopleCert regularly monitors and reviews the performance of accredited training organizations to ensure that they continue to meet the program’s high standards. This may include regular audits, collecting feedback from course participants, and reviewing pass rates on certification exams.

PeopleCert's ATO program is a central component of its efforts to promote education and professional development worldwide. It supports the company's mission to validate and certify professionals' competencies by ensuring that the training they receive is of the highest quality.

SERVIEW, the Platinum-Status ATO

PeopleCert classifies its accredited training organizations (ATOs) into different levels to recognize their commitment, quality, and success in delivering training and certification. The highest level is Platinum status, which represents some of the highest standards in terms of performance, customer satisfaction, and contribution to the dissemination of best practices. The ATOs that achieve this status (e.g., SERVIEW) typically possess a high level of expertise, extensive experience, and a strong track record in delivering training.

However, the specific ATOs that hold Platinum status at any given time may change, as PeopleCert regularly reviews the performance and standards of its accredited partners. In addition, new organizations may achieve this status, while others may not be able to maintain it, depending on how well they meet the established criteria and requirements.

It is important to note that Platinum status is an indicator of high standards in the delivery of educational programs and student satisfaction, which helps potential candidates identify trustworthy and effective providers for their certification needs.

PeopleCert's exam administration is known for its flexibility, user-friendliness, and use of modern technologies to provide candidates worldwide with access to certifications. Here are some key features that set the PeopleCert exam experience apart:

Online Proctored Exams

PeopleCert offers online proctored exams, which means that candidates can take their exams from virtually anywhere, as long as they have a stable internet connection, a computer with a webcam, and the necessary privacy. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for working professionals and people in remote areas.

Technology and Safety

To monitor exams, PeopleCert relies on advanced technologies that ensure a secure and fair testing environment. These include identity verification, monitoring by live proctors, and specialized software that detects unauthorized actions or materials. These measures ensure that the integrity of the exam and the value of the certification are maintained.

Wide Range of Certifications

PeopleCert administers a wide range of certifications, particularly in areas such as IT service management (e.g., ITIL®), project, program, and portfolio management (e.g., PRINCE2®, MSP®), as well as various other best-practice and language certifications. This diversity makes PeopleCert a one-stop shop for professionals who want to have their knowledge and skills officially recognized.

Customer Support and Resources

PeopleCert offers comprehensive support and resources for candidates before, during, and after the exam. These include detailed exam preparation guides, FAQ sections on their website, and a customer support team to assist with technical or administrative questions. This support is designed to make the exam process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Sustainability and Innovation

The company places a high priority on sustainability and innovation, both in terms of its testing platform and the content it offers. PeopleCert regularly updates its certification programs to keep them current and ensure that they reflect the evolving needs of the market and professionals.

Overall, PeopleCert stands for a modern, accessible, and secure approach to exam administration that takes into account the needs of candidates and organizations worldwide. Its innovations in online exam administration have helped set standards in the certification industry and significantly expand access to professional qualifications.

The "Take2" exam insurance is an innovative option offered by PeopleCert for many of its exams. This program allows candidates who do not pass on their first attempt to take the exam a second time. The idea behind this is to reduce pressure and give candidates greater peace of mind by offering them an affordable way to retake the exam without having to pay the full price for another attempt. You can add this exam insurance at a discounted rate when booking your training through SERVIEW.

How does Take2 work?

• When booking the exam: Candidates must purchase the Take2 option at the time of their initial exam booking. This is an upfront payment for the opportunity to retake the exam should the first attempt be unsuccessful.
• After the first attempt at the exam: If a candidate does not pass the exam on the first try, they are automatically given the opportunity to take the exam a second time. The retake can be taken within a specified period after the results of the first attempt are announced.
• Flexibility and Preparation Time: The Take2 option gives candidates additional time to prepare and the flexibility to take the retest at a time of their choosing within the available time frame.

Benefits of Take2

• Cost-effectiveness: The Take2 option is significantly less expensive than the full fee for re-registering for the exam, making it an attractive choice for candidates who want added peace of mind.
• Stress Reduction: Knowing that a second chance is available can significantly reduce the pressure candidates feel before an exam and allow them to approach the exam with greater ease.
• Better Chances of Success: With the opportunity to learn from mistakes and prepare more thoroughly, the chances of succeeding on the second try increase.

Take2 is an example of PeopleCert's commitment to offering innovative solutions that meet the needs of candidates worldwide and help them achieve their career goals.

PeopleCert Plus members have access to a wide range of resources designed to support professional development and keep their certifications up to date. The platform offers tools for renewing certifications, as well as opportunities for continuing education, networking, and exclusive offers. PeopleCert Plus enables members to effectively pursue and achieve their career goals. 

• Current Certifications: As a member of our community, you can renew your certifications simply by registering the professional activities you already perform.
• Digital Badges: Strengthen your personal brand and stand out in the job market. Share your verified achievements and skills through digital badges via email and social media to boost your professional credibility.
• Professional Resources: Take advantage of exclusive guides and tools developed by the experts at Axelos and PeopleCert. These resources include, among other things, job role profiles and over 200 official templates.
• Learning Resources: Enhance your learning with exam tips, glossaries, quick-reference guides, and other specially designed materials to help you achieve your goals.
• Weekly Webinars: Join our weekly webinars, led by top industry experts. Deepen your understanding of our best-practice frameworks, network with peers, and earn CPD credits to keep your certifications current.
• Practice Guides: Enjoy exclusive access to 34 updated ITIL 4 practice guides and participate in the corresponding Masterclass webinars to effectively implement these practices in your role.
• Case Studies and Reports: Accelerate your decision-making process in digital governance and transformation by accessing extensive industry research, benchmarking reports, and practical case studies.
• Exclusive Offers: Take advantage of special offers and discounts that let you save money while learning and make the most of the opportunities available to you.

Here's what's new in the world of Global Best Practices from rights holder PeopleCert: For up-to-date knowledge on ITIL^®, PRINCE2^® Starting this year, the rights holder is offering recertification through "und Co.". To find out what this entails, by when you should complete your recertification, and much more, check out our FAQ.

Are all PeopleCert certifications now generally valid for only three years?

No, that is not true. The fact is that, effective retroactively as of June 30, 2020, all so-called PeopleCert Global Best Practice certifications are now valid for only three years. However, there is no requirement for recertification. According to PeopleCert, the rights holder, the following certification areas are included in the Global Best Practices: ITIL^®, PRINCE2^®, PRINCE2^® Agile, M_o_R^®, MSP^® and MoP^®.

Which certifications require renewal?

In the near future, renewal will be particularly relevant for certifications issued before June 30, 2020. These can be renewed until July 1, 2023.

If your certification was issued after June 30, 2020, you can successfully renew it within three years.

Is recertification mandatory?

No, you are not required to pursue recertification. However, renewing your certification has the advantage of ensuring that you always have the most up-to-date knowledge and are familiar with the latest versions of the frameworks. After all, feedback from the community is constantly incorporated into the frameworks and the certification process, so keeping your certification current will be worthwhile for you.

How can you renew your certification?

There are three ways to renew certificates:

• Successfully retaking the same exam before the certificate's renewal date expires
• Earning and recording CPD (Continuing Professional Development) credits. To do this, you need an active “MyAxelos Subscription.” For more information on renewing certificates using CPD credits, visit this link: https://peoplecert.org/ways-to-get-certified/keep-your-certification-current/renew-your-certifications
• Successful completion of an exam from the same product family. PeopleCert has grouped the products affected by the renewal policy into product families.