CERT and TOEFL Partner to Expand UAE Student Opportunities

The Centre of Excellence for Applied Research and Training (CERT), the education and training arm of Capital H Group, has signed a strategic agreement with TOEFL to expand access to English-language assessment and open broader academic and professional pathways for students in the United Arab Emirates and beyond.

Under the partnership, six TOEFL iBT test centres will be established across CERT’s network. This move makes CERT the largest education and training institution in the UAE to offer the TOEFL iBT through its own assessment centres. The agreement is designed to give learners more convenient access to a globally recognised English proficiency test while supporting the UAE’s wider goals in education, skills development and international competitiveness.

CERT brings nearly three decades of experience in education and training. Over the years it has built partnerships with government entities, private-sector organisations and educational institutions. The organisation focuses on applied research, practical training and talent development that align with national priorities. By joining forces with TOEFL, CERT aims to strengthen its offering in English-language assessment and help students navigate university admissions and career opportunities both inside the UAE and overseas.

TOEFL iBT is a comprehensive test that evaluates reading, listening, speaking and writing skills in academic contexts. It is accepted by more than 13,000 universities and institutions in over 160 countries. More than 40 million people worldwide have taken the test, making it one of the most widely recognised English-language assessments. For UAE students planning to study abroad or pursue programmes that require proof of English proficiency, easier local access to the test can reduce logistical barriers and support smoother application processes.

Khalid Alhammadi, Chief Executive Officer of CERT, described the partnership as more than a simple expansion of testing facilities. “Our partnership with TOEFL goes beyond expanding access to a globally recognised assessment; it gives students greater choice and the confidence to shape their academic and professional futures,” he said. Alhammadi noted that the collaboration supports the UAE’s continued investment in national talent and reinforces the country’s position as a global education hub that connects learners with wider opportunities.

David Hand, Vice President of TOEFL, emphasised the complementary strengths of the two organisations. He said the collaboration combines CERT’s deep understanding of the UAE education sector and its strong local presence with TOEFL iBT’s expertise in English-language assessment and research. “The launch of six TOEFL iBT test centres across the CERT network is an important first step, expanding access and helping more students pursue academic and professional opportunities both in the UAE and internationally,” Hand stated.

The new centres are expected to improve convenience for candidates across different emirates. Students will no longer need to travel long distances or wait for limited testing slots at existing venues. Greater availability of test dates and locations can also help institutions and employers rely on timely, standardised results when evaluating applications.

The partnership arrives at a time when English proficiency remains a critical skill for higher education and the workplace. Many UAE universities and international programmes require official proof of English ability. Professional fields such as aviation, healthcare, engineering, finance and technology increasingly expect strong communication skills in English. By making a trusted assessment more accessible, CERT and TOEFL aim to support learners at different stages of their journeys from secondary school students preparing for university to working professionals seeking further qualifications.

CERT’s broader role in applied research and training positions it well to integrate language assessment into wider talent-development programmes. The organisation already collaborates with government and private partners on initiatives that build national capabilities. Adding TOEFL testing capacity creates a clearer pathway from language preparation through to formal assessment and, ultimately, to academic or career progression.

The agreement also reflects the UAE’s long-standing focus on education quality and global engagement. Successive national strategies have prioritised skills development, lifelong learning and the attraction of international students and institutions. Expanding access to a major global English test fits within this framework by helping local talent compete on an international stage while supporting the country’s reputation as an education destination.

Both organisations indicated that the six new centres represent an initial phase. Future steps may include additional locations, enhanced preparation support, or closer alignment with CERT’s existing training programmes. Officials stressed that the priority remains practical access for students and reliable, research-backed assessment standards.

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The signing of the agreement underscores a practical approach to education partnerships: combining local delivery capacity with globally recognised credentials. For CERT, the deal strengthens its assessment services and reinforces its position as a major training provider. For TOEFL, it deepens its footprint in a key regional market and reaches more candidates through an established education network.

As the centres become operational, students, schools and higher-education institutions across the UAE will gain a more accessible route to TOEFL iBT testing. The partnership is expected to contribute to smoother academic pathways, stronger language skills and greater confidence among learners preparing for the next stage of their education or careers.

In a region where education and skills are closely linked to economic diversification and global competitiveness, initiatives that remove practical barriers to recognised assessments carry strategic weight. The CERT–TOEFL agreement is one such step, focused on expanding opportunity through convenience, quality and collaboration.