PASW® Statistics Certification from SPSS Inc. Sets Standard and Validates Expertise in Predictive Analytics

Creates Globally Recognized Credential for Edge in Competitive Employment Markets; Advances Skills for Statisticians, Analysts and Business Line Managers

CHICAGO.- SPSS Inc. (Nasdaq: SPSS), the leading global provider of Predictive Analytics software and solutions, today announced PASW® Statistics Certification, a new standard that confirms an individual’s level of expertise with PASW Statistics. With this certification program, SPSS has created a body of statistical knowledge that can advance the skills of analysts, statisticians and business line managers – across any industry – and give organizations greater confidence in hiring those with proficiency in the world’s leading statistical software.

Beginning November 2009 at Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide, PASW Statistics Certification offers an objective assessment of an individual’s skill in PASW Statistics – the foundation of Predictive Analytics. Part of the Predictive Analytics Software (PASW) portfolio of products from SPSS, PASW Statistics is used by commercial, government and academic organizations worldwide to attract and retain customers, grow revenue, reduce fraud and mitigate risk.
A recent IBM Global CIO Study involving 2,500 CIOs from 78 countries found that leveraging analytics to gain a competitive advantage and improve decision-making is now the top priority for CIOs. As more organizations harness the exponential growth of data with Predictive Analytics to improve decision-making, the demand for smart and savvy professionals fluent in this knowledge is critical. The PASW Statistics Certification gives employers the confidence in an individual’s ability, and advances careers and creates leadership opportunities for these professionals.

Joe Somma, director, market intelligence at Independent Health, said, “We have built an analytical platform with Predictive Analytics Software from SPSS to improve our marketing efforts, better engage with customers and improve treatment outcomes. Finding professionals with the right skill set in statistical analysis is paramount to furthering our organization’s goals. The PASW Statistics Certification establishes a basis to find qualified candidates, screen for the best talent and locate low-risk employees that can give us a competitive edge.”

PASW Statistics Certification will also create a worldwide user community taking advantage of Predictive Analytics Software to improve business outcomes. This trusted network allows those with certification to collaborate on development efforts, share business problems and solutions (by industry), showcase achievements and search for potential employment.

Michael Bigenwald, vice president of worldwide education for SPSS, said, “The introduction of an official certification program for PASW Statistics establishes an industry baseline of knowledge for statistical analysis using our product. By providing a formal declaration of an individual’s professional competence with PASW Statistics, this certification serves as a significant differentiator in Predictive Analytics and an asset for those vying for positions in today’s job market.”

Availability
PASW Statistics Certification testing will begin in November 2009. To ensure success in the certification exam, SPSS also offers a comprehensive training program providing the necessary skills and understanding of PASW Statistics to become certified. Pearson VUE, the global leader in computer-based testing, will administer the exams at its testing centers worldwide. For all other inquiries or certification questions, please visit www.spss.com/certification or send an email to certification@spss.com.