FirstTech is one of a select number of Apple Authorized Training Centers in the country. We provide Apple certification training using Apple developed courses and materials plus we provide Apple Certification testing. FirstTech is among the top Apple Training Centers in the country.
Apple provides three certification tracks for technical professionals who support Mac OS X customers:
- Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP) is the perfect starting place on the Mac OS X certification path, addressing basic Mac OS X support and troubleshooting.
- The Apple Certified Technical Coordinator (ACTC) certification is the next step up, adding essential Mac OS X Server support and troubleshooting skills.
- Apple Certified System Administrator (ACSA) is Apple's premier Mac OS X certification, addressing the needs of full-time professional system administrators and engineers.
Apple also provides three Apple Certified Specialist (ACS) certifications. ACS certifications all require ACTC certification as a foundation, and build on that knowledge. ACS certifications are intended for advanced technical professionals who specialize in a specific area of systems administration:
- 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.
- ACS - Directory Services 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 Servers to provide user accounts and authentication for Macintosh and Windows computers.
- ACS - Security and Mobility 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.
Below are some of the benefits of Apple Certification
- Gain competency
- Validate your skills
- Differentiate yourself and your business
- Gain recognition for your technical competency
- Build your credibility with clients and employers
- Increase visibility and enhance your reputation in a competitive marketplace
- Publicize your certifications on the Apple Certified Professionals Registry
- Display your personalized certificate and a logo that distinguishes you as an Apple Certified professional
Apple Certifications
| Apple IT Certification Programs | Required Exams | Recommended Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Certified Associate - Mac Integration 10.8 | Mac Integration Basics Exam (9L0-408) Available online | Mac Integration Basics Guide 10.8 |
| Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP) 10.8 | OS X Support Essentials 10.8 Exam
|
Mountain Lion 101: OS X Support Essentials 10.8
Exam Preparation Guide |
| Apple Certified Technical Coordinator (ACTC) 10.8 | OS X Support Essentials 10.8 Exam
OS X Server Essentials 10.8 Exam |
Mountain Lion 101: OS X Support Essentials 10.8 Exam Preparation Guide Mountain Lion 201: OS X Server Essentials 10.8 Exam Preparation Guide |
Apple Certified Support Professional v10.8
This certification is designed for help desk professionals who support Mac OS X users or work in a business that uses Mac OS X systems and technical coordinators or power users who manage networks of Mac OS X systems in your organization - for example, a teacher or a technology specialist who manages classroom networks or computer labs.
Formerly named Apple Certified Help Desk Specialist (ACHDS), ACSP 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 as a support professional or otherwise assists Mac OS X users with technical issues.
Apple Certified Technical Coordinator v10.8
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 v10.8.
The ACTC certification is intended for Mac OS X technical coordinators and entry-level system administrators tasked with maintaining a modest network of computers using Mac OS X Server. Since the ACTC certification addresses both the support of Mac OS X clients and the core functionality and use of Mac OS X Server, the learning curve is correspondingly longer and more intensive than that for the Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP) certification, which addresses solely Mac OS X client support.
Apple Certified System Administrator v10.8
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 multi-platform deployments. ACSA certification has just become easier and more flexible.
FirstTech is a member of the Certified Training Alliance assuring the highest level of professionalism. We are also proud to be Minnesota’s only training organization with the Apple Gold Level authorization.
