How to Become a Certified Mac OS X Leopard Technician

Apple certifications are some of the fastest growing certifications in the industry and becoming an Apple certified tech is a great way to make your resume stand out from the crowd. With the release of Leopard, Apple has been updating their certification program to support their new operating system. I would like explain these newly updated certifications and show you what is required for each one so you can be on your way to becoming a certified Mac OS X Leopard technician.

Apple Certified Macintosh Technician (ACMT) Certification

The Apple Certified Macintosh Technician Certification is focused on basic troubleshooting and repair knowledge of Apple Macintosh desktop and portable systems. This certification is for technicians who either currently work or desire to work at Apple Authorized Service Providers or with organizations that are a part of the Self Servicing Account Program. However, this certification is also available to anyone wanting to demonstrate their ability to troubleshoot and repair Macs.

Required Exams:

• Apple Macintosh Service Exam (9L0-006)
• Mac OS X v10.5 Troubleshooting Exam (9L0-061)

Training:

• AppleCare Technician Training – Self-paced online training material.
• Apple Authorized Training Centers – Two and five day classes.
• Global Service Exchange – Available to employees at AASPs or SSPs. [Update – Link removed as no longer valid – Ed]

Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP) Certification

The Apple Certified Support Professional Certification is focused on basic troubleshooting and supporting users of Mac OS X. This certification is geared towards power users, help desk professionals, and technical coordinators who manage small networks of Mac OS X systems.

Required Exams:

• Mac OS X Support Essentials v10.5 Exam (9L0-402)

Training:

• Mac OS X Support Essentials v10.5 Course (Mac OS 101)
• Apple Self-Paced Learning Books
• Skills Assessment Guide (Available Soon By Apple)
• Sample Test (Available Soon By Apple)

Apple Certified Technical Coordinator (ACTC) Certification

The Apple Certified Technical Coordinator Certification is focused on basic troubleshooting of Mac OS X and Mac OS X Servers. This certification is geared towards Mac OS X technical coordinators and entry-level system administrators.

Required Exams:

• Mac OS X Support Essentials v10.5 Exam (9L0-402)
• Mac OS X Server Essentials v10.5 Exam (9L0-509)

Training:

• Mac OS X Support Essentials v10.5 Course (Mac OS 101)
• Apple Self-Paced Learning Books
• Skills Assessment Guide (Available Soon By Apple)
• Sample Test (Available Soon By Apple)

Apple Certified System Administrator (ACSA) Certification

The Apple Certified System Administrator Certification is focused on advanced knowledge in configuring, installing, and troubleshooting Mac OS X systems, servers, and networks. This certification is geared towards full-time system administrators who manage medium to large networks of Mac OS X systems and servers.

Required Exams:

• Mac OS X Server Essentials v10.5 (9L0-509)
• Directory Services v10.5 (Available In Mid-2008)
• Deployment v10.5 (Available In Mid-2008)
• Advanced Administration v10.5 (Available In Mid-2008)

Training:

• Mac OS X Server Essentials v10.5 Course (Mac OS 201)
• Directory Services v10.5 Course (Available In Mid-2008)
• Deployment v10.5 Course (Available In Mid-2008)
• Advanced Administration v10.5 Course (Available In Mid-2008)
• Apple Self-Paced Learning Books

Apple Pro Applications Certifications

The Apple Pro Applications Certifications allow you to either become an Apple Certified Pro or an Apple Certified Master Pro. The Apple Certified Pro Certifications are focused on knowledge in one ore more individual Apple application. The Apple Certified Master Pro Certifications are focused on knowledge in an entire Apple product suite.

Required Exams:

• Based On Product

Training:

• Apple Pro Training Courses
• Apple Self-Paced Learning Books

How To Take The Exams

Step 1: If you don’t already have one, sign up for a Apple Tech ID.
Step 2: Find an Apple Authorized Training Center or Prometric Testing Center.
Step 3: Register for your exams.

If you have any experience with Apple certifications or desire to become an Apple certified tech, please feel free to share.