2026 Predictions: What’s Next for Assessment, AI, and Test Security with Janet Garcia

In this forward-looking episode of Tried and Tested, host Isabelle Gonthier is joined by Janet Garcia, CEO of PSI and President of ETS, for a timely conversation on what’s next for assessment as the profession looks toward 2026. Recorded at PSI’s headquarters in Olathe, Kansas, the discussion reflects on the shifting landscape of credentialing and licensure and the growing responsibility assessment organizations carry in protecting public trust. Janet shares her predictions for the coming year, highlighting how artificial intelligence is reshaping the entire assessment lifecycle—from content development and delivery to how competence itself is defined in an AI-enabled workforce. The conversation explores evolving expectations around relevance, data-driven decision-making, and whether traditional single-point exams can continue to meet the needs of rapidly changing professions. The episode also takes a deep dive into test security, examining how emerging technologies present both new risks and powerful solutions. Janet outlines how AI, advanced identity verification, biometrics, and continuous monitoring are being used to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated threats while preserving exam integrity at scale. Whether you’re a credentialing leader, testing professional, educator, or regulator, this episode offers practical insight into the trends and decisions that will shape assessment, AI adoption, and test security in 2026 and beyond.