How Smithbucklin simplified operations, strengthened communication, and improved exam delivery across 9+ certification programs.
Background: Managing Multiple Certification Programs Without Losing Momentum
At Smithbucklin, no two certification programs are exactly alike. Supporting organizations across healthcare, trade associations, and technical industries, the team operates as an extension of their clients, overseeing everything from exam development and psychometrics to delivery and security.
For Certification Manager and Psychometrician Yenny Caceres, that means managing multiple certification programs at once, each with its own demands, timelines, and stakeholders.
It’s rewarding work, but without the right systems and support, even small inefficiencies can quickly multiply.
The Challenge: When Fragmented Support Slows Down Critical Work
Before partnering with Strasz Assessment Systems (Strasz), vendor relationships often felt reactive and transactional.
When issues came up, resolution wasn’t always immediate. Communication gaps meant time spent following up, escalating, and waiting—time that could have been spent supporting programs.
“In a lot of cases, the relationship felt very transactional rather than collaborative… we were often chasing people down for answers.”
For a team managing multiple programs, that friction added up quickly.
At the same time, many of the programs Smithbucklin supports are small- to mid-volume, making it difficult to access high-quality test delivery options without meeting the volume requirements of larger vendors.
The Solution: A Partner That Operates Like Part of the Team
Working with Strasz introduced a different kind of relationship—one built on responsiveness, transparency, and shared ownership of outcomes.
Instead of waiting for problems to surface, the Strasz team stays closely connected to day-to-day operations—flagging issues early, resolving them quickly, and keeping programs moving forward.
“It feels like someone is looking out for our programs rather than only stepping in when something has already gone wrong.”
That shift—from reactive support to proactive partnership—has made a measurable difference.
The Experience: Clarity, Consistency, and Control in Daily Operations
With structured weekly reporting and ongoing communication, Smithbucklin now has a clear, real-time view into each program’s progress.
From candidate scheduling to exam completion, the team can quickly identify who needs follow-up and where attention is required, without digging through systems or chasing updates.
“Those reports make it much easier to stay organized and make sure candidates are progressing through the process.”
Just as importantly, the technology supporting that work feels accessible.
The Pro! Item Banking System gives both staff and volunteers the ability to work directly in the platform—collaborating on item development, maintaining consistency, and managing workflows without unnecessary complexity.
“Pro! is much more user-friendly… I can go in and do the work myself without hitting constant barriers.”
The Impact: Expanding Access Without Adding Operational Burden
For smaller certification programs, flexibility matters.
Strasz’s delivery model, combined with its partnership with Pearson Professional Assessments, makes it possible to offer high-quality, widely recognized testing experiences without the constraints of large-scale volume requirements.
That means Smithbucklin can support a broader range of programs while still delivering a consistent, trusted candidate experience.
The Result: Less Time Managing Processes, More Time Supporting Programs
The impact of the partnership is felt across every level of the organization.
Administrative teams spend less time tracking down information. Program managers stay better organized. Psychometric work becomes more efficient and less interrupted.
“The proactive communication, the weekly reporting, and the usability of the platform have made managing certification programs much smoother.”
The result is not just improved efficiency, but greater confidence in the process itself.
“The consistency and reliability of the Strasz team has created a strong sense of trust.”
The impact is clear:
Key Results
- Reduced administrative burden through centralized workflows and reporting
- Improved visibility across upwards of 9 certification programs with structured weekly reporting
- Minimized delays and escalations through proactive communication and issue resolution
- Increased efficiency in exam development workflows with collaborative item banking
- Expanded access to high-quality test delivery for small- to mid-volume programs
- Strengthened confidence and trust in exam delivery and program management
Looking Ahead: A Partnership Built for What’s Next
As certification programs continue to evolve, through remote delivery, AI, and changing candidate expectations, Smithbucklin values having a partner that is evolving alongside them.
With early success in remote proctoring and an eye toward future innovation, the foundation is already in place for what comes next.
“It feels like Strasz is paying attention to where the industry is heading and continuing to move in the right direction.”
Closing Reflection: A Partnership That Earns Trust
Today, Strasz is more than a vendor—it’s a trusted extension of the team.
“Whenever clients ask me for recommendations for testing vendors, Strasz is always at the top of the list.” —Yenny Caceres, Certification Manager and Psychometrician, Smithbucklin
And for organizations managing complex certification programs, that kind of trust makes all the difference.
Ready to Simplify Your Certification Program?
Smithbucklin is one example of how Strasz Assessment Systems helps organizations streamline operations, improve visibility, and deliver high-quality exam experiences—without adding complexity.