Pearson Names Certiport 2026 Adobe Certified Professional U.S. National Champion

Pearson (NYSE:PSO) announced winners of the 2026 Certiport Adobe Certified Professional U.S. National Championship, held in Nashville, TN, with 41 finalists aged 13–22.

Rhea-AI Summary

Pearson (NYSE:PSO) announced winners of the 2026 Certiport Adobe Certified Professional U.S. National Championship, held in Nashville, TN, with 41 finalists aged 13–22.

Hannah Forbes of Florida took first place. The top three finalists advance to the World Championship in Anaheim, CA, July 27–30, 2026.

Argus Jun 17 session

-0.72% close to close Open Argus

Details

News Market Reaction – PSO

On Jun 17, the day this news came out, PSO closed 0.72% below the previous close.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus for the Jun 17 session.

Key Figures

Event finalists: 41 finalists Student age range: Ages 13–22 Championship edition: 13th annual +4 more

Event finalists

41 finalists

Certiport 2026 Adobe Certified Professional U.S. National Championship

Student age range

Ages 13–22

Eligible student participants in the championship

Championship edition

13th annual

Certiport Adobe Certified Professional U.S. National Championship

Top finalists advancing

Top three finalists

Advancing to World Championship in Anaheim, CA

World Championship dates

July 27–30

Certiport Adobe Certified Professional World Championship in Anaheim, CA

Participating countries

More than 30 countries

Finalists expected at World Championship

Employers struggling for AI-ready graduates

53%

Share of employers struggling to find AI-ready graduates (related Pearson research)

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: May 28

5 events

1. May 28

   AI skills modules

   24h Move

   -0.7%

   Launch of AI modules to build workforce-ready AI skills for students.

2. May 05

   AI efficacy data

   24h Move

   +1.8%

   Data showing AI-powered practice improves student proficiency vs static practice.

3. May 01

   Q1 trading update

   24h Move

   +2.7%

   Q1 sales growth, segment strength, reaffirmed 2026 guidance and buyback progress.

4. Apr 22

   IT certification study

   24h Move

   +0.6%

   Study highlighting strong employer demand and ROI for certified IT skills.

5. Apr 13

   AI readiness research

   24h Move

   +2.8%

   Global research with AWS on employers’ difficulty finding AI-ready graduates.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Key Terms

adobe certified professional, adobe creative cloud, artificial intelligence

3 terms

adobe certified professional technical

"earned an Adobe Certified Professional certification in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign"

A certified credential awarded to individuals who pass Adobe’s hands-on exams proving practical skills with Adobe creative or document tools (like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, or Acrobat). For investors, the certificate signals that a workforce or customer base has verified expertise with widely used software, which can drive demand for subscriptions, training services, hiring decisions, and product adoption—similar to a driver’s license showing someone can operate a specific vehicle reliably.

adobe creative cloud technical

"By mastering Adobe Creative Cloud software and actively participating in the competition"

A subscription service that bundles a set of professional creative software apps—like tools for image editing, graphic design, video production and web creation—delivered over the internet. Investors care because it converts one‑time software sales into recurring, predictable revenue and high-margin cash flow, similar to renting a well-stocked toolbox where customers pay continuously for access and updates rather than buying single tools outright.

artificial intelligence technical

"preparing them for future careers in a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence"

Artificial intelligence is the ability of computers and machines to perform tasks that typically require human thinking, such as understanding language, recognizing patterns, or making decisions. For investors, it matters because AI can enhance efficiency, uncover new insights, and enable smarter strategies, potentially impacting the value and performance of companies that develop or utilize this technology.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

See more from StockTitan in Google Search and AI answers. Adds StockTitan as a preferred source · opens Google

Add on Google Not now

HOBOKEN, N.J., June 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L) announced the winners of the 13^th annual Certiport 2026 Adobe Certified Professional U.S. National Championship. Hosted in Nashville, TN, this year's event drew 41 finalists from thousands of students (ages 13–22) across the U.S. who qualified by earning an Adobe Certified Professional certification in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign.

By mastering Adobe Creative Cloud software and actively participating in the competition, students not only build their confidence but also develop essential creative skills that are highly valued in today's digital landscape. This hands-on experience provides students with opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills, preparing them for future careers in a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence and technological innovation.

The winners:

• First: Hannah Forbes, Florida
• Second: Emily Torres, Florida
• Third: Lulu Emanuele, Ohio
• Fourth: Adelaide Burk, Oklahoma
• Fifth: Annabel Messerle, Maryland
• Sixth: Alexandra Acosta Wettel, Florida
• Seventh: Payton Earwood, North Carolina
• Eighth: Christian Miller, Oklahoma
• Ninth: Srushti Swami, Georgia
• Tenth: Meghan Bartch, Illinois

Why it matters: "Achieving an Adobe certification and participating in this competition help students build self-assurance, acquire important skills, and lay a solid foundation for their professional futures. We are proud to support their progress and recognize the remarkable talents they offer to the design industry. Earning Adobe certifications and excelling in this event marks the beginning of a promising career," said Laura Peterson, Managing Director of Professional Assessments at Pearson.

What's next: The top three finalists will now advance to the Certiport Adobe Certified Professional World Championship in Anaheim, CA, July 27–30. Finalists from more than 30 countries will come to the World Championship and demonstrate their proficiency using Adobe Creative Cloud, competing for the world champion title.

The Adobe Certified Professional credential is highly valued in the digital media and design industry. It serves as objective, globally recognized proof of software and design capabilities, helping students bridge the gap between creative passion and professional hiring requirements. Learn more about the Adobe Certified Professional U.S. National Championship here.

Related Pearson News

• The Certification Imperative: Empowering Young People to Bridge the Skills Gap
• Employers Use IT Certification to Close High Risk Skills Gaps and Gain Competitive Advantage, Pearson Study Finds
• New Pearson and AWS Global research: 53% of Employers Struggle to Find AI-Ready Graduates

About Pearson

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our c. 18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world's lifelong learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. Visit us at plc.pearson.com.

Media Contacts

Greg.Forbes@pearson.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pearson-names-certiport-2026-adobe-certified-professional-us-national-champion-302803534.html

SOURCE Pearson

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What is the Certiport 2026 Adobe Certified Professional U.S. National Championship hosted by Pearson (PSO)?

The Certiport 2026 Adobe Certified Professional U.S. National Championship is a national design competition for students aged 13–22. According to Pearson, 41 finalists competed in Nashville after earning Adobe certifications in Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign through Certiport.

Who won the 2026 Adobe Certified Professional U.S. National Championship organized by Pearson (PSO)?

Hannah Forbes from Florida won first place in the 2026 Adobe Certified Professional U.S. National Championship. According to Pearson, Emily Torres (Florida) placed second and Lulu Emanuele (Ohio) placed third, followed by seven additional finalists from states across the U.S.

How do students qualify for the 2026 Adobe Certified Professional U.S. National Championship by Pearson (PSO)?

Students qualify by earning an Adobe Certified Professional certification in Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign. According to Pearson, thousands of U.S. students competed, with only 41 finalists selected to showcase Adobe Creative Cloud skills at the national event in Nashville, Tennessee.

What happens next for the top finalists from Pearson’s 2026 Adobe Certified Professional U.S. National Championship (PSO)?

The top three U.S. finalists advance to the Adobe Certified Professional World Championship in Anaheim, California. According to Pearson, finalists from more than 30 countries will compete July 27–30, demonstrating Adobe Creative Cloud proficiency for the world champion title.

Why is the Adobe Certified Professional credential important for students, according to Pearson (PSO)?

The Adobe Certified Professional credential validates software and design skills for digital media careers. According to Pearson, it offers objective, globally recognized proof of capabilities that helps students bridge the gap between creative passion, hiring requirements, and future careers shaped by technology and artificial intelligence.

What skills do students gain by joining Pearson’s 2026 Adobe Certified Professional U.S. National Championship (PSO)?

Participants gain hands-on experience with Adobe Creative Cloud and build creative confidence. According to Pearson, the competition helps students develop essential digital design skills, self-assurance, and a strong foundation for professional futures in a technology-driven, AI-influenced job market.