Apple certification programs

Apple certification programs are programs created by Apple Inc. to verify an in-depth knowledge of various areas of Apple's products. They are designed to create a high level of technical proficiency among Macintosh service technicians, help desk support, technical support, system administrators, and professional users. Apple certification exams are offered at Prometric testing centers and Apple Authorized Training Centers.

Hardware Certifications

These certifications designed for individuals interested in becoming Apple service technicians, help desk, desktop support, or Macintosh consultants who need all-around experience in servicing Macintosh computers. It includes two separate certifications.

Apple Certified Macintosh Technician

This certification is for the repair and diagnostics of all Macintosh desktops, portables, and servers. This certification is required to perform warranted hardware repairs for an Apple Authorized Service Provider.

Required exams

• Macintosh Service Certification Exam (Prometric exam: #9L0-008)
• Mac OS X 10.6 Troubleshooting Exam (Prometric exam: #9L0-062) Apple Certified Desktop Technician

Previously, the hardware certification came in the combination of Apple Certified Desktop Technician (ACDT) and Apple Certified Portable Technician (ACPT), but has been combined into a single hardware certification. This certification also includes an extensive knowledge of Apple's operating system OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard including its installation, settings, troubleshooting, and applications.

Software Certifications

Pro Apps certifications

These certifications are designed for individuals who need a high skill-level in the use of Apple's pro applications or for professionals who provide support for Final Cut Pro software and peripheral devices.

Apple Certified Pro - Level One (pass any single exam from the list below)

• Aperture 3
• Color Correction in Final Cut Pro
• Compressor 3.5
• DVD Studio Pro 4
• Final Cut Express 4
• Final Cut Pro 7 (Level One)
• Final Cut Server
• Logic Pro 9 (Level One)
• Motion 4
• Sound Editing in Final Cut Studio

Apple Certified Pro - Level Two

• Final Cut Pro 7 (Level One)
• Final Cut Pro 7 (Level Two)

Apple Certified Master - Final Cut

• Final Cut Pro 7 (Level One)

and any three of the following exams:

• Final Cut Pro 7 (Level Two)
• Color Correction in Final Cut Pro
• Compressor 3.5
• DVD Studio Pro 4
• Motion 4
• Sound Editing in Final Cut Studio

Logic Studio Master Pro

• Logic Pro 9 (Level One)
• Logic Pro 9 (Level Two)

Xsan 2 Administrator

• Xsan 2 Administration exam (Prometric exam: #9L0-622)

Apple Certified Media Administrator

• Mac OS X Server Essentials v10.5 or v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-509 or 9L0-510)
• Xsan 2 Administration Exam (Prometric exam: #9L0-622)
• Final Cut Server (Prometric exam: #9L0-580)

and any one of the following exams:

• Final Cut Pro 7 (Level One) (Prometric exam: #9L0-827)
• Mac OS X Support Essentials v10.5 or v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-402 or 9L0-403)
• Mac OS X Deployment v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-623)
• Mac OS X Directory Services v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-624)

IT Professional Certifications

These certifications are designed for IT professionals who support Mac OS X or who perform Mac OS X desktop support and troubleshooting, such as help desk staff, system administrators, service technicians, and service desk personnel.

Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP)

ACSP verifies an understanding of Mac OS X core functionality and an ability to configure key services, perform basic troubleshooting, and assist end users with essential Mac OS X capabilities. This certification addresses the technical skills needed by a Mac OS X specialist who works as a support professional or otherwise assists Mac OS X users with technical issues.

Required exams

• Mac OS X Support Essentials v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-403)

Apple Certified Technical Coordinator (ACTC)

This certification is designed for entry-level system administrators who provide help desk support to Mac OS X users, as well as maintain the Mac OS X Server platform.

Required exams

• Mac OS X Support Essentials v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-403)
• Mac OS X Server Essentials v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-510)

Apple Certified System Administrator (ACSA)

Main article: Apple Certified System Administrator

This certification is catered for system administrators managing large multiplatform IT networks using Mac OS X Server and other Apple technologies. The ACSA program has been changed to offer individuals more flexibility and is now focused on individual job functions. Each passed exam earns a specialization certificate and a specific number of credits toward ACSA certification, which requires a total of 7 valid (unexpired) credits.

Required exams

• Mac OS X Server Essentials v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-510)
• Mac OS X Deployment v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-623)
• Mac OS X Directory Services v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-624)
• Mac OS X Security & Mobility v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-625)

Apple Certified Specialist in Deployment (ACS - Deployment)

Verifies the ability to deploy and manage Mac OS X computers and software through the creation of installation packages and system images and the configuration of services including NetBoot and Software Update.

Required Exams

• Mac OS X Support Essentials v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-403)
• Mac OS X Server Essentials v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-510)
• Mac OS X Deployment v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-623)

Apple Certified Specialist in Directory Services (ACS - DS)

Verifies the ability to configure Mac OS X computers to access directory servers as well as configure the Open Directory service on Mac OS X Server to provide user accounts and authentication for Macintosh and Windows computers.

Required Exams

• Mac OS X Support Essentials v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-403)
• Mac OS X Server Essentials v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-510)
• Mac OS X Directory Services v10.6 (Prometric exam #9L0-624)

Apple Certified Specialist in security and Mobility (ACS - SAM)

Verifies the ability to configure Mac OS X Server to provide secure access to a private network, allowing select mobile devices controlled access to internal services.

Required Exams

• Mac OS X Support Essentials v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-403)
• Mac OS X Server Essentials v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-510)
• Mac OS X Security & Mobility v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-625)

Apple Certified Media Administrator (ACMA)

Verifies in-depth knowledge of Xsan architecture, including an ability to install and configure systems, architect and maintain networks, customize and troubleshoot services, and integrate Mac OS X, Final Cut Server, and other Apple technologies within an Xsan installation. ACMA certification is for system administrators and technicians working for resellers, post houses, studios or other large facilities. To earn ACMA status, students must pass three required exams and one elective exam as outlined below.

Required Exams

• Mac OS X Server Essentials v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-510)
• Xsan 2 Administration (Prometric exam: #9L0-622)
• Final Cut Server Level One (Prometric exam: #9L0-980)

Plus one of the following:

• Mac OS X Support Essentials v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-403)
• Mac OS X Directory Services v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-624)
• Mac OS X Deployment v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-623)
• Final Cut Pro Level One (Prometric exam: #9L0-827)

Xsan 2 Administrator

Verifies comprehensive knowledge of Apple's SAN file system for Mac OS X. An Xsan Administrator is responsible for the life cycle of Xsan, including installation, deployment, infrastructure. To earn Xsan Administrator certification, students must pass one exam.

Required Exam

• Xsan 2 Administration (Prometric exam: #9L0-622)

Associate Certifications

Certified Associate certifications are designed for professionals, educators and students to validate their skills in Apple's digital lifestyle and authoring applications, iLife and iWork.

Apple Certified Associate in iWork

Required exam

• iLife Level One (Prometric exam: #9L0-808)

Apple Certified Associate in iLife

Required exam

• iWork Level One (Prometric exam: #9L0-806)

List of Apple certification programs

• Apple Authorized Training Centers (AATC)
  • Novaworks (NYC,NY)
  • Business Rules, Inc. (Rhinecliff, NY)
  • Digital Media Academy
  • Ex'pression Pro / Ex'pression College for Digital Arts (Emeryville, California)
  • Go4Cast (Florida, South Carolina, Cleveland)
  • Tarny Network Consulting & Training, Inc. (Cincinnati, Ohio)
  • Video Symphony (Burbank, CA)
  • MC Services (Pewaukee, Wisconsin)

Hardware

• Apple Certified Macintosh Technician (ACMT)
  • Apple Certified Desktop Technician (ACDT)
  • Apple Certified Portable Technician (ACPT)

Trainers and Training Centers

• Apple Certified Trainer (ACT)
• Apple Authorized Training Centers (AATCs)
• Apple Authorized Training Centers for Education (AATCEs)

Software Certifications

• Apple Certified Pro
  • Final Cut Pro
  • Final Cut Express
  • Color
  • DVD Studio Pro
  • Motion
  • Logic Pro
  • Shake
  • Color Management
  • Xsan for Pro Video
  • Aperture
  • Soundtrack Pro
• Apple Certified Master Pro
  • Final Cut Studio
  • Logic Studio

Mac OS X and IT certifications

• Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP)
• Apple Certified Technical Coordinator (ACTC)
• Apple Certified System Administrator (ACSA)
• Apple Certified Specialist (ACS)
• Apple Certified Media Administrator (ACMA)
• Xsan 2 Administrator

See also

• Apple Specialist
• Genius Bar
• One to One (service)
• Cisco Career Certifications
• Microsoft Certified Professional
• Oracle Certification Program
• Red Hat Certification Program
• Sun Certified Professional
• Ubuntu Certified Professional

External links

• Apple's Certification Programs homepage
• Apple's online training locator
• Apple Certified Professionals Registry