Prometric, the US-based testing agency that conducted the first computer-based Common Admission Test (CAT) last year, has dropped NIIT as its delivery partner and has selected MeritTrac Services and Everonn Education as its delivery partners for CAT-2010.

"Both partners were selected after a thorough evaluation process based on their responses to our Request for Proposal. As experienced players in the testing industry, both MeritTrac and Everonn bring with them competency in testing logistics and manpower, thereby providing good synergy with Prometric,” the agency said in a statement.

Unlike last year, the test will be held in 33 cities, with Vishakhapatnam being the new entrant this year. The work will be divided among the two companies city-wise as that is the only way to avoid duplication in a particular city. Both will use uniform and standardised practices and the work will be divided depending on their expertise,” said Prometric India Managing Director Soumitra Roy.

They will work closely with us for the preparation of testing venues as well as the administration of the CAT-2010. In addition to tightening the processes for site readiness and training, Prometric will also be implementing a longer test site preparation period.

However, sources in Prometric said NIIT had indicated that they would not participate in CAT 2010 as far as its administration is concerned.MeritTrac will be conducting the tests using Pariksha, a platform of MeritTrac that helps deliver the exams online through assessment centres across the country. High-ranking sources from MeritTrac said the company understands the terrain to deliver tests online anywhere in the country.Everonn is an existing test delivery partner of Prometric’s IT certification business .