New Delhi: A report brought out by Brainbench, a global leader in online skills measurement, has ranked India second among 10 top countries for concentration of certified professionals in nine categories, including IT, Finance and Healthcare.

The ''Global Skills IQ 2003 Report'' has mapped the global distribution of skilled knowledge workers. The United States heads the list, and among the key findings are large concentrations of certified professionals in emerging markets outside the US, including India and Russia.

The other eight countries apart from US and India are Russia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Romania, Australia, Ukraine, Pakistan and Bulgaria.

The nine key categories include computer software, essential skills like basic literacy, mathematics, inter- personal communications and basic computer skills, financial status, healthcare, industry knowledge, information technology, language and communication, management and office skills.

The US continues to dominate skill certifications in North America and the World with over 239,000 in 2002. Despite far fewer certifications earned than in 2001, India retains its dominance in South Asia, with 38,195 professional certifications earned from 2002-2003. Pakistan comes in second with 4,970, while tiny Nepal registered 105.

ANI