Mac OS X certification...

[gerbick]

I was just wondering what's the forum's take on the MacOS X certification program/banners here as macosx.com?

I can only speak for myself, but I'm rather curious - but I have yet to do the homework into it... yet

Any opinions?

[ScottW]

gerbick,

Press 3 Certifications are an extension of this site. It is a work in progress and will be fine tuned for months. It is an ongoing process, and paving the path for our expansion here.

Our goal is to bring quality certifications to Mac users. It won't be huge over night, but give it some time, and by supporting it (getting certified) you show your support for Press 3 & for macosx.com.

Admin

[gerbick]

Thanks for the reply. Trust me when I say that I'm curious. As an MCSE+I (yes, certified by the dark side ) I am noticing more and more businesses are switching to MacOS X desktops. I'm even doing that at my own house, it seems.

Certification is a path that I would like to follow. Not only would it increase my knowledge on X, but it would validate any and all claims I have about the OS.

regardless, I wish you guys luck. and look for me to be taking those exams soon

[shrill]

I took the test, and am Mac OS X certified now (can't wait to see my certificate!). I'm still waiting for the other certifications (Classic Mac OS and Mac OS Hardware) to come online, so I can be a "MacCSE."

I know for me, the certification was important since there really aren't any Mac certifications out there (except the Certified Apple Tech). That means that there's no way to tell prospective clients and employers that you really know anything about Macintoshes.

To put it in another perspective, good Mac knowledge is so hard to come by, you often see a lot of jobs that are mystically titled, implying knowledge of Macintosh is an Arcane Art. Some of my favorites are "Mac Guru," "Mac Thaumaturgist," and the like; poor Windows folks just get "Technician." Quite often, the title is unofficial .. in my last job everyone called me "The Mac God."

Now that I'm certified, I can back up my deity status with a piece of paper :-)

There's also the one-sided problem of certifications. For PCs you've got CNE, MCSE, A+, etc. Up until now, Macs had "Apple Certified Tech" (and that's only a year old or so).

The Mac world needs a good, independant certification. And if they ever get the tests online, I think it will be

- seth -

[cybergoober]

Originally posted by shrill
I know for me, the certification was important since there really aren't any Mac certifications out there (except the Certified Apple Tech). That means that there's no way to tell prospective clients and employers that you really know anything about Macintoshes.

Umm, that's not entirely true. Apple now offers two additional certifications. Apple Certified Technical Coordinator and Apple Certified System Administrator. You can learn more about them here. I've taken the Mac OS X Administration Basics class and Exam. Look forward to the Press 3 certs, as well.

[shrill]

Ahh, I stand corrected. That's good to know.

To be honest, I haven't looked into Apple's program for a while. I was laid off in February, and went back to school instead of competing with the quarter million other tech people laid off up here

[bishop3]

Hello

How does one go about getting MAC OS X certified?

aaron

[ScottW]

A couple of different ways:

1) Apple Certification

You can research Apple's Information and go take a series of exams for around $150/each, plus you might want to take one of the classes to go along with it, which will run you $1000-$2000. I believe though, you have to take numerous exams as well.

2) Press 3 Certification

Press 3 provides independent certification for Mac OS X. The Mac OS X Exam runs $40 and you can take it online. You can take 3 Exams and pursue Press 3's MacCSE program. Right now if you purchase all three, you can get Master Mac OS X (800 page book) for free. http://www.press3.com.

Both companies stand behind their certifications. The choice is yours.

Admin