How to Become an Apple Expert (with Pictures)

Apple has a certification process for creative and information technology (IT) professionals and others looking to increase their knowledge and expertise in using Apple products or systems. This process involves taking classes and exams. Which classes you take may depend on what field of work you are in. Apple has certification programs for people working in education, business, and film, for example. Try these steps to become an Apple expert.
STEPS

1

PICK WHICH CERTIFICATION PATH IS BEST FOR YOU. Apple has various paths for you to choose from, based on your professional field or certain Apple products or system areas you can get expertise in.
The Professional (Pro) Applications certification focuses on Apple's application programs for professionals, such as Aperture, DVD Studio Pro, Final Cut Pro, Soundtrack Pro, and more. This certification program is well-suited for those working in a creative field, such as film, sound design, special effects, editing or teaching.


Getting a Mac OS X certification allows you to provide troubleshooting and support for IT issues concerning the Mac OS X operating system. Multiple certification levels exist under this category, from the initial Apple Certified Associate - Mac Integration to the most advanced Apple Certified System Administrator (ACSA). Mac OS X certifications are geared toward system administrators and other IT or technical support professionals.


Certification in Xsan Administration indicates your depth of knowledge about Xsan, the storage area network (SAN) file system created for the Mac OS X. Becoming certified in Apple Certified Media Administration (ACMA) lets others know you have the ability to perform system installations and configurations, troubleshooting, network maintenance, and integrate Mac OS X programs or technologies in an Xsan installation.


The Apple Certified Mac Technician (ACMT) certification is for professionals who wish to develop and prove their understanding of Apple's hardware. This certification is especially suited for potential or current service technicians, help desk personnel or consultants who work with Apple's Macintosh computers, other hardware or systems.


If you currently use or will be using Apple's iWork suite of products often, you may want to get certified as an Apple Certified Associate for iWork. This certification is aimed at teachers and students as well as professionals looking to certify their digital authoring skills in iWork, which can be used to create presentations, spreadsheets and word processing documents.


Consider getting certified as an Apple Certified Trainer if you wish to share your knowledge and expertise in Apple technology with others. Industry experts, training professionals, or those who are simply passionate about Apple products and technology can become certified to teach curriculum concerning Apple's Pro Applications or the Mac OS X and train others at Apple Authorized Training Centers (AATCs).

2

TAKE THE NECESSARY COURSE(S) TO ACHIEVE YOUR DESIRED CERTIFICATION LEVEL. Read the required Apple Training Series or Apple Pro Training Series book(s) for your certification and study any other course materials or resources being used. The training book(s) may be in digital or print format.
Learn by attending classes in-person at a local Apple Authorized Training Center if you prefer. You can search for AATCs in your area on Apple's website.


Prepare for the exam(s) by studying any exam preparation guides provided by Apple. Use the Test Yourself applications (apps) if desired.

3

SELECT WHERE TO TAKE YOUR CERTIFICATION EXAM(S). The Apple Authorized Training Centers offer all the certification exams.
Certain certification exams can be also be taken through Prometric Testing Centers or online. You can find a local Prometric Testing Center through the Prometric website.

4

REGISTER FOR YOUR EXAM(S). Contact your local AATC or use the Prometric website to register for an exam(s) with the respective testing center. Pay the required exam fee(s) and take the exam(s).
TIPS
Apple's books from both training series can be found in digital format in Apple's iBookstore. Access the digital books by downloading the free iBookstore application to a compatible Apple device, such as its smartphone.
Apple gives many certification exams in other languages besides English. You may be able to take your exam(s) in French, German, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Simplified or Traditional Chinese.
The training books from Apple come in languages other than English as well.
You can also watch online training videos as another learning option.
Advantages of getting an Apple certification include increasing your credibility with customers and employers, positively benefiting your professional reputation, and getting recognition for your skills and knowledge of Apple technology.
WARNINGS
You may need an account with Apple's App Store and its smartphone or tablet to get and use apps.
THINGS YOU\'LL NEED
Apple website
Certification path
Certification course(s)
Training book(s)
App Store account
Apple smartphone or tablet
Apps for learning
Exam preparation guide(s)
Apple Authorization Training Center
Prometric website
Prometric Testing Center
Exam registration
Payment of exam fee(s)
Certification exam(s)