Kryterion (part of Drake International) is a company specializing in transformational technology—especially in AI/ML, SaaS, and renewable markets, building brands from the ground up to multi-million dollar valuations. Pulse 2.0 interviewed Buzz Walker, Global Go-to-Market Leader, Drake International Group, Parent Company of Kryterion, to learn more.
Buzz Walker’s Background
What is Buzz Walker’s background? Walker said:
“I have extensive experience in business strategy, turnaround, marketing, and business development. My specialization lies in transformational technology, particularly in areas like AI/ML, data storage, internet, and SaaS. I’ve built impactful partnerships across marketing, technology, channels, strategic alliances, and mergers and acquisitions. These partnerships have consistently driven high-value, market-based solutions that deliver significant benefits while remaining adaptable to market shifts. As a strategist, ambassador, and team leader, I focus on creating solutions that are easier to sell, less vulnerable to competitive threats, and flexible enough to meet evolving market demands. My dedication to innovation and relentless commitment have left a lasting impact at organizations such as P&G and HP, educational institutions like Notre Dame and Wharton, three pioneering startups, and through my own business advisory and marketing firm. Throughout my career, my passion, commitment to continuous learning, and sense of fun have fueled an impressive journey.”
Formation Of The Company
How did the idea for the company come together? Walker shared:
“Kryterion was built by betting that learning and assessments would move online. That was a bold bet in 2001, when computer-based training and certification tests were distributed by shipping data disks around the globe, and Google was just a startup in Mountain View, CA. The driving mission was to enable more people worldwide to obtain a certification to prove their skills and get better jobs no matter where they lived. The internet was the clear enabler. Five years later, we introduced live, online proctoring of high-stakes certifications to reach more people globally. After a successful decade and a half of growth, online proctoring became a wise choice when a pandemic shut down testing centers globally overnight. We could continue testing and immediately move our test center clients to our online proctored test delivery.”
Favorite Memory
What has been your favorite memory working with the company so far? Walker highlighted:
“There are many, but I recently met with a new certification client at their offices in Paris. They were so enthusiastic about their new certification program and the growth it will support for their business. The view of the Eiffel Tower from their offices was magical too! It’s a special memory because I enjoy working with startup programs and discussing how a certification program is essential to their growth plans. If there are not enough people to architect, implement, or administer your solution, your sales growth will stall. A good certification program can prove to your prospects that sufficient talent is available.”
Core Products
What are Kryterion’s core products and features? Walker explained:
“Kryterion provides a comprehensive all-in-one SaaS platform to streamline workflows while delivering robust security, precise control, and unmatched flexibility in test development, management, and multi-modal delivery (online proctored, test centers, events, and unproctored). As a leader in test development and delivery, Kryterion offers a wide range of solutions for global assessments and high-stakes certifications. With advanced technology, expert psychometric services, and dedicated customer support, Kryterion sets the benchmark for secure online testing and proctoring.”
“Our core services include:
1.) Multi-Modal, Secure Test Delivery
a.) Global online proctors available 24/7
b.) Global network >1,000 test centers that can easily expand where needed
c.) Event and client-owned delivery
2.) Test Development Platform
3.) Psychometric Services
Challenges Faced
What challenges has Walker and the team faced in building the company? Walker acknowledged:
“The biggest challenge our industry faces is the speed of change, in particular in the technology sector. With agile software development, new capabilities are being released monthly. Some can have a material effect on the existing exam and require changes. Typically, a change to a certification exam is made by entering a ticket and waiting for the exam delivery vendor to make a change – this can take weeks to months. Kryterion solved this problem by putting the power in our client’s hands to reduce the time to change an exam to zero. Our clients can immediately change an exam question, section, or form, and with just the push of a button, it is immediately live. We don’t charge any fees for this service and capability.”
Evolution Of Kryterion’s Technology
How has the company’s technology evolved since its launch? Walker acknowledged:
“The underlying technology was ahead of all in the industry by moving online first and then moving proctoring online. Today we continue that innovation by implementing ‘responsible’ AI into the system – AI identity and fraud detection, AI proctor assist, and AI enhanced exam item writing. We are also enhancing the test candidate experience with updated user interface enhancements, calming features to reduce exam anxiety, and ways to smoothly reconnect and start where you left off if an internet service disruption occurs.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of the company’s most significant milestones? Walker cited:
“Established in 2001, Kryterion brings over 23 years of expertise as a pioneer in online testing and proctoring solutions. As the first company to deliver global internet-based testing and online proctoring, Kryterion has set the standard for innovation, holding 11 patents that underscore its commitment to advancing exam security and testing technology.”
“Kryterion’s processes meet stringent legal and technical requirements for credentialing examinations, allowing clients to align with ANSI and NCCA accreditation assessment standards. Beyond its technological innovations, Kryterion is also recognized for its outstanding company culture. In 2024, it earned the prestigious Great Place to Work® certification for the third consecutive year.”
Customer Success Stories
When asking Walker about customer success stories, he highlighted:
“At Kryterion, we’re proud of the transformative success we achieved with AT*SQA. When they approached us in 2006, their goal was to expand their global software testing certification program. Through our worldwide network of testing centers and online proctored testing, we streamlined their operations and enabled rapid growth. Innovations like AI-assisted pre-checks and dual-camera proctoring ensured exam security while enhancing accessibility, even during COVID-19. This partnership not only doubled their annual exam volumes but also positioned AT*SQA as a global leader in certification.”
Total Addressable Market
What total addressable market (TAM) size is the company pursuing? Walker assessed:
“Certification assessment and testing software is estimated to be a $13 billion market.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates the company from its competition? Walker affirmed:
“First, our test candidate satisfaction is the highest in the industry at 96%; client retention is the highest in the industry at 98%, and our psychometric exam development service has top honors in the industry. Our SaaS software test delivery system is seamlessly integrated from end-to-end to deliver proctored exams by our client’s mode of choice, whereas our competitors require multiple systems and exams to change delivery mode. As mentioned earlier, our clients can change the whole exam form and any item instantly with the push of a button.”
Future Company Goals
What are some of the company’s future goals? Walker acknowledged:
“For the past 23 years, our mission has centered on innovation, expertise, and an unwavering focus on our clients. As the global leader in online assessment and credentialing, we remain dedicated to advancing technology and shaping a future where everyone can demonstrate their skills and knowledge through reliable, flexible testing solutions. While AI inclusion is a dominant theme in every industry and organization, and we are no different, our focus is on the responsible use of AI. For the certification industry, the simple answer to that is that AI never makes a final decision; a human does. But we also think well beyond AI to provide the most supportive environment for test candidates and administrators of our system. We look at advanced security features to protect our client’s intellectual property and the integrity of their testing. We also look for more ways to support those who receive certifications to advance their careers.”
“We firmly also believe that cultivating a strong, ethical, and inclusive workplace is essential—not only for fostering employee satisfaction but also for consistently delivering exceptional service to our clients.”
