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.

About SPSS Inc.

SPSS Inc. is a leading global provider of Predictive Analytics software and solutions. The Company's complete portfolio of Predictive Analytics Software (PASW) products -- data collection, statistics, modeling and deployment -- captures people's attitudes and opinions, predicts outcomes of future customer interactions, and then acts on these insights by embedding analytics into business processes. SPSS Solutions address interconnected business objectives across an entire organization by focusing on the convergence of analytics, IT architecture and business process. Commercial, government and academic customers worldwide rely on SPSS technology as a competitive advantage in attracting, retaining and growing customers, while reducing fraud and mitigating risk. Founded in 1968, SPSS is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. For more information, please visit www.spss.com.

SOURCE: SPSS Inc.

Tim Powers, SPSS Inc. 
(312) 261-6553 
tpowers@spss.com

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 to attract and retain customers, grow revenue and mitigate risk.

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.

PASW Statistics Certification testing will begin in November 2009. To ensure success in the certification exam, SPSS also offers a training program providing the necessary skills and understanding of PASW Statistics to become certified.

((Comments on this story may be sent to newsdesk@closeupmedia.com))