Is There Any Value to Apple Certifications?

While we see Apple products all the time in our daily life, and the Apple certification program has been around for years, many still do not consider Apple certifications to be worth the time, money and effort. Is it just the lack of Apple’s marketing of the certification program (we know that this company can be good at selling anything and everything they put their brand on, right?), or is it just not that good?

To answer this question, let’s take a closer look at Apple certification program. Apple certifications aim to create a high level of technical proficiency among professionals working with Apple/Mac technology and solutions. Are these certifications useful? They actually are, especially if you consider working in creative/advertising agencies, visual production companies, etc. These types of businesses tend to rely on Apple solutions more heavily than other industries. And if at least some people in the office work on Macs, the company may consider hiring an Apple technician. And if they don’t, they will eventually run into trouble of needing someone ASAP, and there aren’t that many Apple certified professionals out there! Adding this line to your CV can be a great USP to boost your career.

Apple Certifications – Closer Look

Basically there are two types of certification paths available for Apple: Creative Professionals (application oriented) and IT Professionals (support oriented). Depending on the area of your career, you can choose the track more applicable to you. Either way, there are many layers of training that include top credentials like Master Trainer and Master Pro.

Apple Creative professional certification path comes in 2 levels: Apple Certified Associate and Apple Certified Pro.

Apple Certified Associate credential validates basic entry level skills in a specific application. Unlike an Apple Certified Pro exam, you can take Associate exams online from the comfort of your home or office. Apple Certified Associate seems especially suitable for students or anyone interested in earning entry level Apple certification. It really sets candidates apart when they apply for schools, jobs and prospective clients as an Apple Certified Associate. All in all, this is a significant competitive edge in the current job market. As this certification requires candidates to pass an iWork exam, it is nice and easy to attain.

Pro Applications Certifications

Apple’s professional applications have become the industry standard for photographers, editors, sound designers, visual effects and multimedia artists. Certifications are available for Aperture, Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Motion.

Apple Certified Pro – Level One demonstrates essential operational knowledge of an application. Level One exams are administered at the end of the associated course.

Apple Certified Pro – Level Two attests to a deeper understanding and mastery of advanced features. Level Two exams can be taken only after Level One certification is earned.

Apple IT Professionals Certification program currently offers three paths:

• Mavericks (10.9) Certifications
• Mountain Lion (10.8) Certifications
• ACMT (Apple Certified Macintosh Technician) Certification

While the first two are pretty straightforward, Apple Certified Macintosh Technician (ACMT) certification definitely deserves a closer look. This credential verifies the ability to perform basic troubleshooting and repair of both desktop and portable Macintosh systems, such as iMac and MacBook Pro. ACMT certification exams emphasize identifying and resolving common Mac OS X problems, and using Apple Service and Support products and practices to effectively repair Apple hardware.

So, summing up, there is a definite value in Apple certifications, especially if you personally love Apple solutions, and wouldn’t mind building your career around them.

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• Tags: acmt, apple, apple certification program, certification, creative professionals, exam, exams, it certification, it certification exam, it certification exams, it certifications