Apple Certified Associate - Mac Integration is the perfect starting point on the Mac OS X certification path, addressing the basics of integrating a Mac into an Active Directory or other standards-based environment. Next on the path, Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP) addresses Mac OS X support and troubleshooting needs. Apple Certified Technical Coordinator (ACTC) certification then builds on ACSP and adds essential Mac OS X Server support and troubleshooting skills.

Apple Certified System Administrator (ACSA) is Apple's premier Mac OS X certification, addresses the needs of professional system administrators and engineers who manage networks of systems in complex multi-platform deployments. Technical professionals who specialize in particular aspects of system administration can earn Apple Certified Specialist certifications in Directory Services, Deployment, and Security and Mobility.

Return to the Mac OS X Snow Leopard Certifications page for information about courses and Exam Preparation Guides.

Apple Certified Associate - Mac Integration certification verifies an understanding of the different ways to integrate a Mac within a Windows or other standards-based network. This entry-level certification is designed for anyone who needs to know how to set up a Mac system to take full advantage of network services such as directory services, file sharing, printing, email, and more.

ACSP verifies an understanding of Mac OS X core functionality and an ability to configure key services, perform basic troubleshooting, and support multiple users with essential Mac OS X capabilities. ACSP certification is designed for the help desk professional, technical coordinator or power-user who supports Mac OS X users, manages networks or provides technical support for the Mac in your organization.

ACTC certification builds on ACSP, and 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 on Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server. ACTC certification is intended for Mac OS X technical coordinators and entry-level system administrators who maintain small-to-medium networks of computers using Mac OS X Server. This certification addresses both the support of Mac OS X clients and the core functionality and use of Mac OS X Server.

NOTE: Candidates who are ACTC 10.5 certified can update to ACTC 10.6 by passing the ACTC 10.6 Recertification Exam available online, and at Apple Authorized Training Centers.

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 Server 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.

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. 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.

NOTE: Candidates who are ACSA 10.5 certified can update to ACSA 10.6 by passing the ACSA 10.6 Recertification Exam available at Apple Authorized Training Centers.