Cengage Work, the workforce skills business of global edtech company Cengage Group, today announced the launch of CIMA ExamReady™, a new exam preparation product available through Milady, its beauty and wellness education business.
The beauty and wellness sector represents one of America’s largest and fastest-growing skilled trades, yet licensing pass rates across many programs remain persistently low, often hovering around 50%. For students who have already completed their training, the licensure exam is the final and often most difficult barrier to employment. Many candidates struggle because they rely on outdated study materials and static practice tests that don’t reflect state licensing exams or provide personalized guidance.
CIMA ExamReady addresses these challenges by providing a tailored, state-aligned preparation experience built directly on the Candidate Information Bulletins (CIBs) used in National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) and PSI exams. The product ensures students practice the exact topics, and weightings, they will encounter on test day, rather than studying all material equally as in traditional chapter-based test prep.
HR Technology Insights: Preferred Rate Mortgage Validates Remote Productivity, Cuts Costs and Boosts Earnings Potential with ActivTrak
“At Cengage Work, our mission is to close the gap between education and employment - and that means investing in the skilled trades that will matter even more in the age of AI,” said Justin Singh, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Cengage Work. “Licensure is the bridge to the workforce, and passing on the first attempt changes the trajectory for students, schools and employers. CIMA ExamReady gives learners the clarity and confidence they need to build meaningful careers in a trades workforce that is only growing in importance.”
Because every state licensure exam is different, CIMA ExamReady offers state-specific materials, ensuring students receive targeted preparation aligned to their jurisdiction’s requirements. The product includes an initial 110-question diagnostic assessment, more than 600 exam-style questions, unlimited quizzes and full-length mock exams. A personalized mastery dashboard shows learners exactly where to focus to strengthen performance and build confidence.
Instructors also gain access to a streamlined analytics dashboard that highlights class-wide learning gaps and individual student needs. This visibility supports targeted remediation while reducing manual grading.
“Passing the state licensing exam is not just an academic milestone; it is the gateway to employment,” said Corina Santoro, General Manager, Milady. “Because students cannot begin working until they earn their license, improving pass rates expands access to the meaningful careers they’ve worked so hard for. CIMA ExamReady helps learners succeed on their first attempt, removing barriers to employment and strengthening the pipeline of future beauty professionals.”
HR Technology Insights: Cresta Launches Agent Operations Center to Manage the Human-AI Hybrid Workforce for the Customer Experience
To participate in our interviews, please write to our HRTech Media Room at info@intentamplify.com
Source: Businesswire
Your source for breaking news in HR innovation The HRTech Media Room is the dedicated news and updates division of HR Technology Insights, focused exclusively on delivering the latest market intelligence from the world of HR technology. With a pulse on emerging trends, product launches, funding updates, strategic partnerships, and industry movements, our team ensures you stay informed and ahead of the curve. Backed by a team of researchers and editors with deep expertise in HR tech and enterprise solutions, the Media Room brings you timely, verified, and concise reporting designed for busy HR professionals and tech decision-makers. Whether it's a breakthrough in AI-powered recruitment or a disruptive HR SaaS startup entering the scene, we cover what matters—fast. Stay informed with HRTech Media Room—your trusted lens on the dynamic world of HR innovation.
Businesses can now oversee and guide every customer interaction in real time, creating a new role in the customer experience center: the AI Supervisor.
New collaboration equips teams with the practical skills, ethical frameworks, and governance tools needed to keep pace with rapid innovation.
