Advancing the Future of Performance-Based Assessment
The Performance Testing Council (PTC) is now part of the Association of Test Publishers (ATP). This merger unites PTC’s pioneering work in performance-based assessment with ATP’s global network of professionals, advancing best practices in credentialing, licensure, workforce skills, and education.
As part of this merger, ATP has launched the Testing by Doing Subcommittee under the Certification/Licensure Division. This new group will continue PTC’s mission by focusing on practical, skill-based demonstrations that define the future of assessment. Join ATP as a member to participate in the Test by Doing Subcommittee.
In 2002, David Foster, then CEO and president of Galton Technologies (currently president of Caveon), invited a cross section of IT certification industry representatives who were either already delivering or had indicated an interest in delivering performance tests to a two-day performance testing summit. The purpose of the meeting was to talk about ways to improve quality and increase validity of performance-based IT certification tests and thus to add value to certification tests throughout the industry.
On 14 and 15 March 2002, this invited group met in Park City, Utah. After identifying several areas that the group believed constituted barriers to developing good performance tests, they began brainstorming ideas to overcome the barriers and advocate widespread acceptance of demonstrably valid testing, including performance testing. During those two days, the group created a list of barriers spread across some 18 categories of test design, development and administration.
Learn more about what the ATP x PTC merger means for you, including details on membership, access to resources, and the new Testing by Doing™ Subcommittee. Explore how PTC’s legacy continues within ATP.
A: The merger brings together two organizations with a shared commitment to advancing best practices in assessment. By integrating with ATP, PTC’s mission to promote and expand the use of performance-based testing will continue within a larger global community, allowing for greater reach, collaboration, and long-term impact.
A: Yes. To continue PTC’s legacy, ATP has created the Testing by Doing™ Subcommittee under its Certification/Licensure Division. This subcommittee will serve as the central hub for collaboration, discussion, and innovation in performance-based testing.
A: The Testing by Doing™ Subcommittee builds directly on PTC’s mission to promote the value of “testing by doing.” It will focus on advancing practical frameworks, standards, and research that demonstrate how performance-based assessment drives learning, competence, and workplace readiness.
A: PTC’s leadership has worked closely with ATP to ensure a smooth transition. Many former PTC leaders are now involved in guiding the Testing by Doing™ Subcommittee and supporting ongoing projects within ATP’s Certification/Licensure Division.
A: Yes, active participation in ATP committees and subcommittees requires ATP membership. Joining ATP ensures you stay connected to the ongoing work of the Testing by Doing™ Subcommittee and the broader community of professionals dedicated to innovation in assessment.
A: All PTC intellectual property, including the Testing by Doing™ framework, has been transferred to ATP. This ensures continuity of ownership, protection of prior work, and ongoing development within the new subcommittee structure.
A: For questions about membership, volunteering, or the Testing by Doing™ Subcommittee, please contact Nena Hollis, Director of Communications at ATP, at nena.hollis@testpublishers.org or visit www.testpublishers.org
The Testing by Doing Subcommittee of ATP unites professionals committed to advancing the design, delivery, and validation of performance-based assessments. This group explores innovative approaches to evaluating real-world skills through authentic, hands-on tasks that go beyond traditional testing.
Formed as part of ATP’s merger with the Performance Testing Council (PTC), the subcommittee ensures that the important work and mission of the PTC live on through ongoing collaboration, research, and knowledge sharing. By promoting best practices and thought leadership in performance-based testing, the group continues to strengthen the credibility, accessibility, and impact of “testing by doing” across education, certification, and workforce settings.
