Reimagining Smart Exam Development with Anna Rubin from Cisco
In this episode of Tried and Tested, host Isabelle Gonthier, PSI’s Chief Assessment Officer, sits down at the Conference on Test Security (COTS) with Anna Rubin, Manager of Professional Certification Programs at Cisco. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of test development, test security, and the operational strategies behind protecting one of the world’s most recognized certification programs.
Anna shares her 30-year journey across credentialing, from early work in educational measurement to leading exam innovation at Cisco. She breaks down the organization’s “smart exam development” approach—using templates, frames, and performance-based labs to strengthen exam quality while reducing exposure risk. The conversation also touches on AI-driven pool expansion, the role of SMEs in validating generative outputs, and the balance between rigor and fairness for the minimally qualified candidate.
From commercial cheating threats to the growing impact of AI on data integration and detection, Anna highlights the industry’s need for collaboration and collective action—especially through groups like the Credentialing Integrity Action Alliance.
Whether you’re modernizing a certification program, enhancing your security strategy, or exploring the future of assessment, this episode offers practical insights into safeguarding integrity while elevating the test-taker experience.
Anna Rubin
Manager of Professional Certification Programs at Cisco
Anna Rubin is the Manager of Cisco’s Associate and Professional Certification programs where she oversees the development, delivery and maintenance of over 100 of Cisco’s Associate, Professional and Specialist exams.
Anna is a certification and workforce development expert with 30 years of experience helping organizations manage and grow their certification, accreditation and recognition programs. Prior to joining Cisco, she was Vice President of The Communicators, a certification consulting firm, where she led associations and organizations through the certification design and delivery process, market research and gap analysis, and development of education and corporate partnerships.
Anna’s experience also includes directing ACT’s Washington, DC office where she oversaw government affairs and partnerships with education and workforce development organizations. During her time with ACT, she also managed scholarship and recognition programs for higher education.
Anna began her career with the U.S. Department of Education working on education policy issues and directing the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.
Anna is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is active in the Association of Test Publishers and the Institute for Credentialing Excellence.