About PAR

From its modest beginnings in Bob and Cathy Smith’s home almost 35 years ago, PAR has grown into a leading publisher of psychological assessment materials designed to help our Customers better serve their clients. PAR has built an outstanding reputation in the test publishing industry on the basis of four guiding principles:

  • Publish innovative, high quality products that meet Customer needs.
  • Deliver unparalleled Customer Service.
  • Hire exceptional people and take great care of them.
  • Give back to the community through donations of time and financial support to worthwhile organizations that help others.

Today, PAR remains independently owned and operated and is managed by highly trained professionals in every facet of company operations. We continuously seek feedback from Customers about our products and services. We offer products in an array of assessment formats, including print materials, software, apps, and online testing materials, developed to meet the needs of professionals in psychology, mental health, counseling, education, forensics, pharmaceutical product development, and career counseling.

In 2009, PAR was recognized by the Principal Financial Group as one of the 10 Best Companies for Employee Financial Security in the U.S. The same year, Bob and Cathy Smith received the Spirit of Philanthropy award from the Suncoast Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals for “living the spirit of giving.” For five years running, PAR was the recipient of the United Way’s Spirit Award, which recognizes not only financial support but also staff commitment and involvement; last year, Cathy served as a United Way Spirit Award judge.

“Creating Connections, Changing Lives.” For us, this is much more than just a slogan. We chose these words to represent PAR not only because they articulate our approach to serving Customers, but also because they reflect the positive impact that our Customers make every day in the lives of their clients. We understand the important work that our Customers do—in hospitals and other healthcare settings, in private practice, at universities and schools, in forensic settings, in research, and in businesses across the country and around the world. Wherever they are, our Customers truly are creating connections and changing lives. We want to be a partner and trusted resource for the very best assessments to support that work.