SkillSoft PLC (Nasdaq: SKIL), a leading SaaS provider of on demand e-learning and performance support solutions for global enterprises, government, education and small to medium-sized businesses, today announced the availability of 28 online project management courses and a wide variety of other learning assets that support Project Management Institute’s Project Management Professional (PMP) Fourth Edition exam, which takes effect today. SkillSoft offers project management professionals a convenient, affordable way to gain the essential skills required to lead and direct project teams – without having to pay for costly travel.

For a limited time SkillSoft is offering free access to a sampling of their project management specific learning assets at http://www.skillsoft.com/solutions/project_management.asp.

SkillSoft’s myriad of focused resources help deepen the understanding of project management skills and ensure students are well-prepared for PMP and Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) exams. They include:

• Live Learning, a great option for those who prefer a classroom approach with a flexible schedule;
• Books24x7, Business Impact and SkillSims™ Business Skills Simulations. These self-directed, informal learning resources, which qualify for ongoing certification requirements, help deepen the understanding of project management skills and also ensure better results on certification tests.
• Blended Learning Program management services, available from SkillSoft Solution Services and KnowledgeCenters.

SkillSoft is a PMI Charter-Global Registered Education Provider, meaning it is recognized as a trusted provider of project management courses. PMI administers a globally recognized professional credential program that promotes professional development and maintains an ISO 9001 certification in Quality Management Systems. It is the certifying body and the leading membership organization for the project management profession, with more than 260,000 members in 171 countries. There are multiple levels of certification including: Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), PMP and Program Management Professional (PgMP). SkillSoft’s courseware also satisfies certification requirements known as Professional Development Units (PDUs), which are used to maintain certification over time.

“Effective project management is important for all organizations, with or without certification, so they can get the most return from resources and effectively manage projects to tight budgets and key deadlines,” said John Ambrose, Senior Vice President of Strategy, Corporate Development & Emerging Business, SkillSoft. “We at SkillSoft have shown continued commitment to project management and this is underscored by being first to market with such a wide range of learning assets aligned with the new edition.”

SkillSoft offers a wide range of products and services to customize the learning experience directly to project management students. SkillSoft’s awarding-winning Project Management Professional (PMP) Blended Learning services are fully customized to a company’s specific certification needs. Programs are managed by SkillSoft Blended Learning Consultants, who keep participants motivated and on-track toward certification, as demonstrated by the program’s first-time pass rate above 90 percent.

PMI, which has five levels of certification with Project Management Professional (PMP) considered the standard of all Project Management certifications, recently released their Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) – Fourth Edition. This guide will prepare individuals for the upcoming Project Management Professional (PMP) Fourth Edition exam. On June 30, 2009, PMI retired the PMP exam that was aligned with the Third Edition.

About SkillSoft

SkillSoft PLC (Nasdaq: SKIL) is a leading SaaS provider of on-demand e-learning and performance support solutions for global enterprises, government, education and small to medium-sized businesses. SkillSoft enables business organizations to maximize business performance through a combination of comprehensive e-learning content, online information resources, flexible learning technologies and support services.

Content offerings include business, IT, desktop, and compliance courseware collections, as well as complementary content assets such as Leadership Development Channel™ video products, KnowledgeCenter™ portals, virtual instructor-led training services and online mentoring services. SkillSoft’s Books24x7® product offering includes access to more than 20,000 digitized IT and business books, as well as book summaries and executive reports. Technology offerings include the SkillPort® learning management system, Search & Learn(R), and SkillSoft® Dialogue™ virtual classroom.

SkillSoft courseware content described herein is for information purposes only and is subject to change without notice. SkillSoft has no obligation or commitment to develop or deliver any future release, upgrade, feature, enhancement or function described in this press release except as specifically set forth in a written agreement.

SkillSoft, the SkillSoft logo, SkillPort, Search & -Learn, SkillChoice, Books24x7, ITPro, BusinessPro, OfficeEssentials, GovEssentials, EngineeringPro, FinancePro, AnalystPerspectives, ExecSummaries, ExecBlueprints, Express Guide and Dialogue are trademarks or registered trademarks of SkillSoft PLC in the United States and certain other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners, countries.