Snow Leopard Certifications

With the release of Mac OS X v10.6, Apple have announced some exciting changes to the Mac OS X certification tracks. Below you will find information on how to upgrade your exisiting Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) certification or if you are new to Apple certifications, how to get certified as well as information on the new Apple Certified Specialist tracks.

Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP) v10.6
The ACSP 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.

New ACSP Candidates
Will need to take the following courses:

Apple Certified Support Professional

Exisiting v10.5 ACSPs
Can take the 1 day upgrade course for Mac OS X Support Essentials v10.6 course and exam.

Apple Certified Technical Coordinator (ACTC) v10.6
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.

New ACTC Candidates
Will need to take the following courses:

Apple Certified Support Professional

Exisiting v10.5 ACTCs
Can take the 2 day ACTC v10.6 Recertification course and exam.

Apple Certified System Administrator (ACSA) v10.6
The ACSA 10.6 program has been revised to provide candidates greater flexibility and is now focused on individual job functions. Unlike the 10.5 track, ACSA 10.6 now a new module which covers security and mobility issues. This replaces the Advanced Administration course found in the v10.5 ACSA track. On completion of these exams you will be granted the ACSA certification.

New ACSA Candidates
Will need to take the following courses:

Apple Certified Support Professional

Existing v10.5 ACSAs
Will need to take the ACSA v10.6 Recertification course and exam.

New Specialist Certifications v10.6
As well as the three main Apple certifications (ACSP, ACTC and ACSA), Apple are introducing a new specialist certification. This certification will be discipline specific, for candidate who have passed their ACTC qualifications and go on to take one of the ACSA level exams.

Three specialist certifications are available:

Apple Certified Specialist - Directory Services v10.6
ACTC 10.6 certification + Mac OS X Directory Services v10.6 Course and Exam

Apple Certified Specialist - Deployment v10.6
ACTC 10.6 certification + Mac OS X Deployment v10.6 Course and Exam

Apple Certified Specialist - Security and Mobility v10.6
ACTC 10.6 certification + Mac OS X Security and Mobility v10.6 Course and Exam