Apple offers in-depth certification programs designed to create a high level of competency among Macintosh service technicians, help desk personnel, technical coordinators, system administrators and Pro users.

 

Apple Certified Help Desk Specialist (ACHDS)

The Apple Certified Help Desk Specialist (ACHDS) certification 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 at a help desk or otherwise assists Mac OS X users with technical issues. The currently required exam is based on Mac OS X v10.4.

Exam Requirements :

Mac OS X Support Essentials v10.4 Exam (9L0-401). ($150USD)

 

Apple Certified Technical Coordinator (ACTC)

Apple Certified Technical Coordinator (ACTC) certification verifies a foundation in Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server core functionality and an ability to configure key services and perform basic troubleshooting of the essential Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server capabilities. The currently required exams are based on Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server v10.4.

Exam Requirements :

• Mac OS X Support Essentials v10.4 Exam (9L0-401). ($150USD)
• Mac OS X Server Essentials v10.4 Exam (9L0-507). ($150USD)

Note :  For UPDATE Certification, Candidates who are already ACTC 10.3 certified may update their certification to ACTC 10.4 by taking a single update exam: 

Apple Certified Technical Coordinator v10.4 Update Exam (9L0-508). ($150USD)

 

Apple Certified System Administrator (ACSA)

Apple Certified System Administrator (ACSA) certification verifies an in-depth knowledge of Apple technical architecture and an ability to install and configure machines; architect and maintain networks; enable, customize, tune, and troubleshoot a wide range of services; and integrate Mac OS X, Mac OS X Server, and other Apple technologies within a multi-platform networked environment. The ACSA certification is intended for full-time professional system administrators and engineers who manage medium-to-large networks of systems in complex multiplatform deployments.

Exam Requirements :

Candidates for ACSA certification are required to pass elective exams totaling 7 credits. Eligible exams include:

• Mac OS X Deployment v10.4 Exam (9L0-609). ($150USD) - 2 credits
• Xsan Administration v1.1 Exam (9L0-610). ($150USD) - 3 credits
• Directory Services Integration and Administration v10.4 Exam (9L0-611). ($150USD) - 4 credits
• Security Best Practices v10.4 Exam (9L0-612). ($150USD) - 3 credits
• Podcast and Streamed Internet Media Administration Exam (9L0-613). ($150USD) - 3 credits
• Mac OS X Server Command Line Install and Configuration v10.4 Exam (9L0-614). ($150USD) - 3 credits
• Network Account Management v10.4 Exam (9L0-615). ($150USD) - 3 credits
• Xsan for Pro Video Technician Exam (9L0-932). (Cost is included in price of the Xsan 410 class) - 3 credits

Note : (Additional elective exams will be announced as they become available.)

Note : The retired ACSA 10.3 exams also count toward the new ACSA certification. The 9L0-606 and 9L0-607 ACSA exams are valued at 5 credits each and the ACSA 10.3 Update Exam (9L0-608) is valued at 10 credits. The credits expire two years after the date the exam was taken.

 

Apple Certified Desktop Technician (ACDT)

Apple Certified Desktop Technician (ACDT) certification verifies the ability to perform basic troubleshooting and repair of Macintosh desktop systems, such as iMac and Power Mac G5. ACDT certification exams emphasize identifying and resolving common OS X problems, and using Apple Service and Support products and practices to effectively repair Apple hardware.

ACDT certification is valid for one year from the date of certification. Apple requires technicians employed by AASPs or SSAs to recertify annually in order to repair in-warranty desktop products. Persons not employed by an AASP or SSA are not required to recertify, however, Apple recommends that people stay current with their certifications by taking the annual recertification exams.

Exam Requirements :

• Apple Desktop Service Exam (9L0-004). ($150USD)
• Mac OS X 10.4 Service & Support Exam (9L0-060). ($150USD) OR Mac OS X Support Essentials v10.4 Exam (9L0-401). ($150USD)

 

Apple Certified Portable Technician (ACPT)

Apple Certified Portable Technician (ACPT) certification verifies the ability to perform basic troubleshooting and repair of Macintosh portable systems, such as iBook and PowerBook G4. ACPT certification exams emphasize identifying and resolving common OS X problems, and using Apple Service and Support products and practices to effectively repair Apple hardware.

ACPT certification is valid for one year from the date of certification. Apple requires technicians employed by AASPs or SSAs to recertify annually in order to repair in-warranty portable products. Persons not employed by an AASP or SSA are not required to recertify, however, Apple recommends that people stay current with their certifications by taking the annual recertification exams.

Exam Requirements :

• Apple Portable Service Exam (9L0-206). ($150USD)
• Mac OS X 10.4 Service & Support Exam (9L0-060). ($150USD) OR Mac OS X Support Essentials v10.4 Exam (9L0-401). ($150USD)