HOME ABOUT ACT EMPLOYMENT NEWS SHOP ACT SITE INDEX CONTACTING ACT

ACT, SmartForce Sign Major Agreement to Double College
e-Learning Network Offerings

August 6, 2002

IOWA CITY, Iowa and REDWOOD CITY, Calif.—ACT, a provider of assessment, certification and workforce development programs and services for education and business, and SmartForce (Nasdaq: SMTF), the world's largest and most experienced e-Learning company, announced today that they have signed a multi-year, major agreement to provide SmartForce e-Learning through a nationwide network of ACT Centers, located primarily at community colleges. This agreement significantly boosts the range of training options offered through the ACT Centers, expanding the number of available courses to nearly 2,500.

In the first network of its kind, more than 250 two- and four-year colleges across the nation will host ACT Centers to provide state-of-the-art electronic and online testing and training services that can also be accessed by business, government and not-for-profit entities. ACT Center users will have access to the breadth of SmartForce's learning solutions covering information technology, business, interpersonal, and management skills. Deployed to help organizations gain competitive advantage through a more knowledgeable and experienced workforce or to better prepare users for new jobs and better careers, the combination of ACT and SmartForce learning solutions incorporates real-time mentoring with subject matter experts and other collaboration tools for interactive and engaging learning experiences.

"This agreement with SmartForce helps position colleges that sponsor ACT Centers at the forefront of the e-Learning industry in their communities," said Tom Saterfiel, senior vice president of ACT. "Colleges will be able to enhance their mission to serve the workforce needs in their communities. And businesses will have unprecedented, affordable access to the best training programs on the market to ensure that their employees remain sharp and up-to-date in their job skills."

"SmartForce is committed to providing learning solutions that help businesses, individuals and academic institutions achieve significant results," said Greg Priest, chairman and CEO of SmartForce. "The new offerings available through the ACT Centers will enhance educational opportunities that help people to further their careers and improve their competitive positions in the workplace."

Beyond training, ACT Centers also provide WorkKeys skills-based tests and professional certification and licensure testing. Training available at ACT Centers includes courses from leading publishers in information technology, computer basics, industrial technology and safety skills, management and leadership, adult literacy and employability skills, personal and professional development, and English as a Second Language. Courses can be taken at an ACT Center or from a computer at work or at home. This anytime, anywhere option gives people more flexibility in how and when they learn. ACT Centers also feature fully equipped, secure testing facilities to deliver high-stakes tests.