TUAW Certification Series: Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server

This program is currently being upgraded by Apple and they will not be allowing anyone in until October.

If you want to join I would advise you to pass the exam. Until you become certified you will not have full access to everything the program offers.

I would also aware of two things when dealing with Apple stores. Most of them are already dealing with 'consultants' that they give referral business to that are NOT in the ACN program. Don't expect to get preferred treatment by Apple or the Apple Store just because you've shelled out 695 for membership and 200 for an exam assuming you pass it the first time. ;-)

The other strange item to be aware of is Apple has people working in Best Buy stores now. That Apple person has to refer folks to the GeekSquad even if the GeekSquad doesn't have a single guy on staff with a ACN membership or Apple certification.

I'm finding it challenging to justify the time and money I've invested in this program.

I've loved every minute of learning everything there is to know about my Mac. I also am learning Objective-C in my free time but you can't buy food with knowledge or certifications. You need paying customers and Geek Squad is in this space in a big way so be aware.

Kind regards,
Ed

How much can an Apple Certified System Administrator make? I've got over 10 years experience writing software and leading projects and I've fallen in love with Macs over the last 5 years and I am considering jumping into Apple SA'ing. While some of you are scratching your heads and wondering why a programmer would want to be an SA, I've always enjoyed systems and it's actually made me very effective every where I have worked because I understand things from a systems perspective and a software engineer's perspective. Any thoughts on the jump and how much I can make if I become an ACSA?

Opps

http://training.apple.com/certification/acsa104

Steven,
A few inaccuracies regarding ACSA certification:

Current ACSA Certification according to Apple's training web site http://training.apple.com/certification/acsa only requires successfully passing 4 exams (3 of which are currently being re-authored for Mac OS X v10.5 client and server):

- Mac OS X Server Essentials v10.5 (9L0-509)
- Mac OS X Directory Services v10.5 (unavailable, being written)
- Mac OS X Deployment v10.5 (unavailable, being written)
and finally
- Mac OS X Advanced System Admin v10.5 (unavailable, being written)

On the other hand, if you're seeking 10.4 ACSA Certification (available through the end of 2008) http://training.apple.com/certification/acsa/104 that requires taking and passing:

- Mac OS X Support Essentials
- Mac OS X Server Essentials

and any of the following electives (for a total of 7 credits):

- XSan Administration (3 credits)
- Mac OS X Deployment v10.4 (2 credits)
- Mac OS X Directory Services Integration and Administration v10.4 (4 credits)
- Security Best Practices v10.4 (3 credits)
- Podcast and Streamed Internet Media Administration v10.4 (3 credits)
- Mac OS X Server Command Line Install and Configuration v10.4 (3 credits)
- Network Account Management v10.4 (3 credits)
- XSan for Pro Video Technician v10.4 (3 credits)

Well, i meant the consultant programm, which appears to exist only in the US, not in Europe. Of course the certification programm exists globally.

Small correction to original article. ACSA certification requires the person pass the Server Essentials exam and the three ACSA exams, Deployment, Directory Services and Advanced System Administration. It does NOT require someone to have passed the ACSP exam (Support Essentials) but it would be a "good idea". And these certifications are available globally even in New Zealand where I'm the only Apple Certified trainer ……;-).

How is the market for certified people out there in the higher population states or in Canada? Since the high cost of training is higher than other qualifications and bean counters frown on that.

Appears that this is a US-only programm right? Would be cool if Apple expands this to Europe, especially Germany, France and the UK.

Quadrant... while I don't consider myself a "Genius" I certainly consider myself knowledge. I work the bar, and bring 7 years of enterprise/corporate level support and infrastructure management. On top of that, a BA and MA from two very prestigious universities.

Whether I'm the exception or the norm, I've done my fair share of extensive troubleshooting and support for customers that require it at the store. So certainly, a general categorization of people in this case would be unfair.

Well, what is the right time for giving these exams...?
I have done my A Levels, so I should giv them now or after my Bachelors degree..?

And how does this help me..?

Finally, hows this compared to Microsoft's Certifications..?