ACSP and ACMT exams

[patent10021]

ACTC study guide says a second machine is needed for server connectivity reasons but since I don't have one I'll have to buy a second machine unless there are some other solutions.

If I install OS X server on this machine I'm using now are there any free services that will allow me to create mock server connections?

Or what about OS X server on this machine but using an iPad some how as the administrating machine?

I mean technically I could get by with just reading and after the Pearson Vue exam and move practice when I'm settled in overseas.

 

[adam9c1]

get a 2009 Mac Mini for $190 or so and call it a day.

 

[DJLC]

Could always use a VM too. Install Server.app into a VM so you're not messing with your only system.

 

[patent10021]

Could always use a VM too. Install Server.app into a VM so you're not messing with your only system.

That's what I was considering but really, what's it messing with. Nothing really. Nothing you can't change in System Prefs. It's just for training so I just went a head and installed in my current user. What's the big deal. Only thing I can't figure out is how to set custom IP/DNS/Search Domain using an Airport. I tried messing with server IP but no go. All the training is done on ethernet which is odd because I don't know anyone who has a Mac with ethernet because all my friends have semi new machines. I think this would be much more practical if they taught how to set up OS X Server on machines with both WiFi / ethernet.

 

[DJLC]

That's what I was considering but really, what's it messing with. Nothing really. Nothing you can't change in System Prefs. It's just for training so I just went a head and installed in my current user. What's the big deal. Only thing I can't figure out is how to set custom IP/DNS/Search Domain using an Airport. I tried messing with server IP but no go. All the training is done on ethernet which is odd because I don't know anyone who has a Mac with ethernet because all my friends have semi new machines. I think this would be much more practical if they taught how to set up OS X Server on machines with both WiFi / ethernet.

Historically speaking, Server is a flaky mess that needs pretty consistent maintenance. Your machine will never be the same. But YMMV; I don't mean to imply that it's a terrible idea — just not what I personally would choose for myself.

Typically an OS X Server would always be a wired machine — whether a Mini, iMac, Mac Pro, Xserve, or perhaps a repurposed MacBook of some variety with a Thunderbolt -> Ethernet adapter. Generally speaking wifi isn't used for servers because it's not as reliable. That's likely the logic they're going with.

Best of luck to you on the exam!

 

[patent10021]

Typically an OS X Server would always be a wired machine — whether a Mini, iMac, Mac Pro, Xserve, or perhaps a repurposed MacBook of some variety with a Thunderbolt -> Ethernet adapter. Generally speaking wifi isn't used for servers because it's not as reliable. That's likely the logic they're going with.

Best of luck to you on the exam!

Thanks I do realize that they're wired but I'm sure they could've added a WiFi config especially with Airport since it's an Apple product for those who don't have an ethernet machine. They even say in the book if you're doing independent path and have WiFi you can "custom your system" for training. But they don't show you how. Ironic considering we're supposed to be noobs and configuring a server with an Airport can be trickier than standard ethernet.

 

[Butchie-T]

Greetings fellow Apple Certification seeker! I have a hard time finding other people within this forum that are actively seeking their Apple Certifications. (I'm one!)

To you question, it is really hard not to have at least two machines and do the exercises in the PeachPit book. You really do need at least two Apple devices. And furthermore, if you want to avoid messing with your current home use set up, you really need to install the test framework on external drives or at least partition your current devices with about 128Gb (you could get by with 64Gb) of space and install the test (pretendco.com) environment onto those partitions. You can run Server within a wireless environment with no problems and complete pretty much all the labs for Support Essentials with no concerns. Just give it a static address though.

However, if/when you go down the road for the Server Essentials exam, you will be making changes to the server box that are in some instances, not easily backed out of. In fact, the best thing to do once you have completed those labs is to delete and reinstall OS X on the device, or just delete it if you never plan on using it again. Too many internal server configurations are just not easily backed out from.

I have a Mac Mini and a MacBook Pro that I have been using for my certification training. I have an external T-bolt LaCie drive that I have partitioned and use that for my OS X Server environment. As for the MacBook, I image the day-to-day OS and install my test OS onto the MacBook and then I just blow that environment away after I am done with my labs and reinstall the day-to-day image back onto the MacBook.

Yeah, it takes time and is sometimes a pain. But it also works for me just fine. Oh, and btw, no, you cannot use your iPad as an administering machine, that simply will not work for you.

You can pick up a Mac Mini 2011, for a fair price if you keep an eye out for one and use that in you lab environment. Even the 2012's are finally starting to drop in price that makes them very reasonable for a test lab environment. All depends on what your budget looks like for you.

If all of the above is not gonna work for you, you can do the exercises in the PeachPit book up to a point, just do not reconfigure you device when the steps call for it. You can simulate a good deal of the labs, you just will not get the full benefit of each lab.

Heads-up. If you have not heard yet, Apple has decided to delete the Server Essential (ACTC) certification as well as delete the MAC Management exam and is just going to have two certifications for El Capitan.

Apple Certified Associate (ACA) MAC Integration 10.11 and
Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP) 10.11

Here is the link to their site with this information.

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

 

[Geeky Chimp]

We went through the ACTC 10.10 using some Mac Minis we had for R&D but there's nothing to stop you using VirtualBox on a good spec iMac/MacBook Pro or if you've got one a Mac Pro. Enjoy your Certification Pathway.
[doublepost=1453203128][/doublepost]

Heads-up. If you have not heard yet, Apple has decided to delete the Server Essential (ACTC) certification as well as delete the MAC Management exam and is just going to have two certifications for El Capitan.

Apple Certified Associate (ACA) MAC Integration 10.11 and
Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP) 10.11

Here is the link to their site with this information.

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

Apple had originally only listed Apple Certified Associate - Mac Integration 10.11 on their site, and the Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP) 10.11 is a new addition. It tends to take some time for Apple to add the ACTC one. The PeachPit book is due for release soon though so I'm assuming it will be added.

 

[Butchie-T]

We went through the ACTC 10.10 using some Mac Minis we had for R&D but there's nothing to stop you using VirtualBox on a good spec iMac/MacBook Pro or if you've got one a Mac Pro. Enjoy your Certification Pathway.
[doublepost=1453203128][/doublepost]

Apple had originally only listed Apple Certified Associate - Mac Integration 10.11 on their site, and the Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP) 10.11 is a new addition. It tends to take some time for Apple to add the ACTC one. The PeachPit book is due for release soon though so I'm assuming it will be added.

When I took the Yosemite Server Essentials exam last month at the Apple Training Center / Testing Center, it was there that I found out from the instructor that there would be no ACTC for El Capitan. Plus I was pointed to the below link that also mentions the same thing.

http://www.amsys.co.uk/2016/01/os-x-el-capitan-certified-courses-arrived/

I hope the info is incorrect but it does seem Apple may have removed the requirement. Time will tell.....

 

[patent10021]

Greetings fellow Apple Certification seeker! I have a hard time finding other people within this forum that are actively seeking their Apple Certifications. (I'm one!)

To you question, it is really hard not to have at least two machines and do the exercises in the PeachPit book. You really do need at least two Apple devices. And furthermore, if you want to avoid messing with your current home use set up, you really need to install the test framework on external drives or at least partition your current devices with about 128Gb (you could get by with 64Gb) of space and install the test (pretendco.com) environment onto those partitions. You can run Server within a wireless environment with no problems and complete pretty much all the labs for Support Essentials with no concerns. Just give it a static address though.

However, if/when you go down the road for the Server Essentials exam, you will be making changes to the server box that are in some instances, not easily backed out of. In fact, the best thing to do once you have completed those labs is to delete and reinstall OS X on the device, or just delete it if you never plan on using it again. Too many internal server configurations are just not easily backed out from.

I have a Mac Mini and a MacBook Pro that I have been using for my certification training. I have an external T-bolt LaCie drive that I have partitioned and use that for my OS X Server environment. As for the MacBook, I image the day-to-day OS and install my test OS onto the MacBook and then I just blow that environment away after I am done with my labs and reinstall the day-to-day image back onto the MacBook.

Yeah, it takes time and is sometimes a pain. But it also works for me just fine. Oh, and btw, no, you cannot use your iPad as an administering machine, that simply will not work for you.

You can pick up a Mac Mini 2011, for a fair price if you keep an eye out for one and use that in you lab environment. Even the 2012's are finally starting to drop in price that makes them very reasonable for a test lab environment. All depends on what your budget looks like for you.

If all of the above is not gonna work for you, you can do the exercises in the PeachPit book up to a point, just do not reconfigure you device when the steps call for it. You can simulate a good deal of the labs, you just will not get the full benefit of each lab.

Heads-up. If you have not heard yet, Apple has decided to delete the Server Essential (ACTC) certification as well as delete the MAC Management exam and is just going to have two certifications for El Capitan.

Apple Certified Associate (ACA) MAC Integration 10.11 and
Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP) 10.11

Here is the link to their site with this information.

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

This seems a lot easier don't you think? ACSP and ACA are a breeze. I already have 10.11 Support Essentials and 10.11 Server Support book will be released in March. Although 10.10 is so similar if you study for 10.10 there isn't going to be a difference really. Mostly GUI changes with a bit of iOS stuff.

Thanks for the info!

p.s. I did the whole book with just my AEBS, rMBP (server) and my Mum's old 2007 MBP (client). Was pretty easy!

Oh and...I was able to replicate all the same client connections and methods using iOS. I set up our family's iPad iPhones for provisioning etc which is MORE then the book lessons have you do.

As long as you know what you'll do differently between Ethernet / AEBS all is good!

 

[patent10021]

Updating this thread again. So there is no ACTC right? So now the main focus is ACSP and ACMT. ACMT still being the goliath.

Some of you may be thrilled to know that starting May 02, 2016 we now have Apple Certified iOS Technician (ACiT).

Cool right? There is even a separate one for the iPad Pro which is sorta strange.

I will be taking ACSP 10.11 for sure then maybe ACMT 10.11 and ACiT. Great timing for me as I can probably take all at the same time.

 

[bradl]

Updating this thread again. So there is no ACTC right? So now the main focus is ACSP and ACMT. ACMT still being the goliath.

Some of you may be thrilled to know that starting May 02, 2016 we now have Apple Certified iOS Technician (ACiT).

Cool right? There is even a separate one for the iPad Pro which is sorta strange.

I will be taking ACSP 10.11 for sure then maybe ACMT 10.11 and ACiT. Great timing for me as I can probably take all at the same time.

I'm actually scheduled to take the ACSP 10.11 this afternoon, which I expect to pass after breezing through the ACSP 10.9 and 10.10.

If you have time, have a look in the App store for the iOS app Revise IT:

http://appshopper.com/education/lion-101

This has the practice exams for the ACSP and MIB for 10.11 back to 10.7. I found these to be really useful when prepping for the actual exam. I'd bet on there being an update to this when ACiT becomes certified.

BL.

 

[patent10021]

yeah I've been using the app plus other sources. Sure wish we could take these online since that's essentially what you're doing when you go to these ACTCs. Some people have to travel out of state and even out of country.

Good luck.

 

[adam9c1]

I am currently studying for the ACTC 10.10 and will take both tests soon.
How do you obtain study materials for ACiT? It seems like they are only available via Atlas, am I correct?

 

[patent10021]

@adam9c1 yes but if you buy Apple Care for $300 or whatever you get access to all.

Btw, can someone who has taken the courses please confirm the process? Because something interesting has happened on my end. I am in GCX and ATLAS access but I'm not a technician

I remember way back in the early 2000s when a friend of mine gave me access to their store GCX. Could that be the reason why I have access to GCX and ATLAS? Or can anyone get in?

Hmm EDIT: What's the difference between GCX and GSX?

In my ATLAS these exams are old. Maybe because I got registered a few years ago?

If I purchase a 2015/2016 exam at Pearson will the exam show up here?

If I purchase Apple Care will more exam options show up here?

 

[adam9c1]

I was under impression the Apple Care stuff was discontinued.
and can only get into GSX if your company supports it.

I'd love to buy AC.

 

[patent10021]

AppleCare Technician Training is available. Yes you need your company to get you GSX access.

My page says GCX and I'm not sure what the difference is.
[doublepost=1461357475][/doublepost]I see.


GSX - Global Service Exchange
GCX - Global Certification Exchange

So anyone has access to GCX. But how did I get ATLAS access? Simple because I have a Tech ID?
[doublepost=1461357800][/doublepost]What does this mean exactly?

Training for certification is available to technicians who work at Apple-authorized service facilities. Technicians need a Global Service Exchange (GSX) account to view the courses in ATLAS. The public can also get ACMT 2016 certification by purchasing AppleCare Technician Training.

Can the public get free ACMT training i.e. online courses if we purchase AppleCare Technician Training? Will those courses show up in ATLAS if we purchase AppleCare Technician Training with our Tech ID? Or purchasing the AppleCare Technician Training only gives us access to ACMT exams?
[doublepost=1461358872][/doublepost]Just to confirm, ACMT actually encompasses ACSP right? For example here is a list of ACMT courses. Half are service related and half are OSX related. ACSP should take care of everything that says OSX right?

• Introduction to Mac Hardware
• Evaluating and Isolating Mac Issues
• Resolving Mac Educational and Environmental Issues
• Resolving Mac Hardware and Software Issues
• Diagnostics
• OS X El Capitan: Navigation
• OS X El Capitan: Control
• OS X El Capitan: System Preferences
• OS X El Capitan: Apple ID
• OS X El Capitan: Setup
• OS X El Capitan: Updating OS X
• OS X El Capitan: Power Management
• OS X El Capitan: Security
• OS X El Capitan: User Accounts
• OS X El Capitan: Time Machine
• OS X El Capitan: Connectivity
• OS X El Capitan: iCloud
• OS X El Capitan: Mail
• OS X El Capitan: Continuity
• Repairing All Macs
• Repairing the iMac
• Repairing the MacBook Pro (13-inch)
• Repairing the MacBook Pro (15-inch)
• Repairing the MacBook
• Repairing the MacBook Air (11-inch)
• Repairing the MacBook Air (13-inch)
• Repairing the Mac Pro
• Repairing the Mac mini (Late 2014)
• Repairing the Apple Thunderbolt Display (27-inch)
• Service Process Exercise

 

[bradl]

yeah I've been using the app plus other sources. Sure wish we could take these online since that's essentially what you're doing when you go to these ACTCs. Some people have to travel out of state and even out of country.

Good luck.

Apparently, you can take them online now. For the 10.9 ACSP, I was lucky to have a ACTC in town, so it wasn't bad to get to (halfway between home and work). They stopped hosting any Apple exams, so my next closest is a 2.5 hour drive into San Francisco, followed by Santa Clara, N. Hollywood, San Diego, then Portland. But my latest registration for the 10.11 ACSP came with a one-time code to use to take it online.

That's funny in itself, because the exam is supposed to be proctored; so with it now being online, they have no way of telling if the person taking the exam doesn't have any material sitting next to them while they are taking it. Weird..

BL.

 

[patent10021]

Apparently, you can take them online now. For the 10.9 ACSP, I was lucky to have a ACTC in town, so it wasn't bad to get to (halfway between home and work). They stopped hosting any Apple exams, so my next closest is a 2.5 hour drive into San Francisco, followed by Santa Clara, N. Hollywood, San Diego, then Portland. But my latest registration for the 10.11 ACSP came with a one-time code to use to take it online.

That's funny in itself, because the exam is supposed to be proctored; so with it now being online, they have no way of telling if the person taking the exam doesn't have any material sitting next to them while they are taking it. Weird..

BL.

Are you sure you're not talking about the Mac Basics that's available online? I think with ACSP you have to use the Pearson system @ ACTC. You have a link because I know you can register for the exam online but you have to take it @ ACTC.


Anyone new like me is well advised to not take these exams until after May 2nd because they're all new exams.

ACMT 2016 certification
Apple Service Fundamentals Exam (SVC-16A)
ACMT 2016 Mac Service Certification Exam (MAC-16A)

ACiT 2016 certification
Apple Service Fundamentals Exam (SVC-16A)
ACiT 2016 iOS Service Certification Exam (iOS-16A)
To service iPad Pro, you must also complete the iPad Pro course in ATLAS.


What's unknown is new ACSP 2016. I guess it's just the regular Support Essentials exam as usual.

 

[adam9c1]

ACSP and ACTC are proctored. $250 per exam.

Management Basics
Integration Basics
are online.

 

[patent10021]

I think you meant ACSP and ACMT no?

ACTC is no longer starting this year right?


Question
Half of ACMT actually encompasses ACSP right?

 

[bradl]

Are you sure you're not talking about the Mac Basics that's available online? I think with ACSP you have to use the Pearson system @ ACTC. You have a link because I know you can register for the exam online but you have to take it @ ACTC.


Anyone new like me is well advised to not take these exams until after May 2nd because they're all new exams.

ACMT 2016 certification
Apple Service Fundamentals Exam (SVC-16A)
ACMT 2016 Mac Service Certification Exam (MAC-16A)

ACiT 2016 certification
Apple Service Fundamentals Exam (SVC-16A)
ACiT 2016 iOS Service Certification Exam (iOS-16A)
To service iPad Pro, you must also complete the iPad Pro course in ATLAS.


What's unknown is new ACSP 2016. I guess it's just the regular Support Essentials exam as usual.

Nope.. I am absolutely positive. I have my ACSP certification exam scheduled:

9L0-425NP
OS X Support Essentials 10.11 Exam
English

Exam Available:
From: Thursday, April 21, 2016 10:24:48 AM PDT
To: Saturday, April 23, 2016 10:24:48 AM PDT

This is for the ACSP 10.11 certification. My co-worker just took the Mac Integration Basics exam online as well. Both of these came directly from Pearson VUE. I actually looked over his shoulder as he answered his last five questions.

I thought it was weird that they were offered online, as for the past 2 years I've taken them, the exams were proctored.

So why they are being offered online now, I do not know, but they are.

BL.

 

[Butchie-T]

Nope.. I am absolutely positive. I have my ACSP certification exam scheduled:



This is for the ACSP 10.11 certification. My co-worker just took the Mac Integration Basics exam online as well. Both of these came directly from Pearson VUE. I actually looked over his shoulder as he answered his last five questions.

I thought it was weird that they were offered online, as for the past 2 years I've taken them, the exams were proctored.

So why they are being offered online now, I do not know, but they are.

BL.

While you may have scheduled this exam from home, you will need to go to an Authorized Testing Center to take the exam. It has to be proctored. It even states that clearly at the following link. http://training.apple.com/en/certification/osxyosemite.html

When you go through the process of the exam, there will be a section where the proctor will need to enter their authorization number. Without that number you cannot go any further with the exam process.

The MIB is an on-line exam and you are able to take that one at home. Not so much with the ASCP 10.11 exam.
[doublepost=1461379886][/doublepost]

I think you meant ACSP and ACMT no?

ACTC is no longer starting this year right?


Question
Half of ACMT actually encompasses ACSP right?

Correct, ACTC is not offered in the 10.11 track.... Just ACSP and MIB....

 

[patent10021]

While you may have scheduled this exam from home, you will need to go to an Authorized Testing Center to take the exam. It has to be proctored. It even states that clearly at the following link. http://training.apple.com/en/certification/osxyosemite.html

That's what I said. He claims otherwise.

Correct, ACTC is not offered in the 10.11 track.... Just ACSP and MIB....

But ACSP is integrated into ACMT right? The entire OSX section of ACMT seems to be ACSP.
[doublepost=1461384761][/doublepost]

Nope.. I am absolutely positive. I have my ACSP certification exam scheduled:
This is for the ACSP 10.11 certification.

I beg to differ. This needs to be proctored. It's just scheduled. They always are scheduled. That's the point. But now you have to find a locale.

 

[bradl]

While you may have scheduled this exam from home, you will need to go to an Authorized Testing Center to take the exam. It has to be proctored. It even states that clearly at the following link. http://training.apple.com/en/certification/osxyosemite.html

When you go through the process of the exam, there will be a section where the proctor will need to enter their authorization number. Without that number you cannot go any further with the exam process.

The MIB is an on-line exam and you are able to take that one at home. Not so much with the ASCP 10.11 exam.
[doublepost=1461379886][/doublepost]

Correct, ACTC is not offered in the 10.11 track.... Just ACSP and MIB....

This is what we received from our account rep at Apple:

From: xxxxx@apple.com<mailto:xxxxx@apple.com> [mailto:xxxxx@apple.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 20, 2016 11:31 AM
To: -----------
Subject: Re: Apple Reseller - Certification Refresh Deadline - DEADLINE IS FAST APPROACHING

Hi there,

That does not qualify, what you attached is for the 10.10 version. We need everyone to update to the 10.11.

Your Company is currently missing 2 people with 9K+ points on ASTO, 1 ACSP certification and 1 MIB certification. Your Company is required to update your certifications before April 30th, 2016, or you will have your April BDF funds forfeited. Sometimes it takes up to 5 days for a certification to show up in our portal, and scheduling issue may arise, so please do this immediately. If you have completed your certifications but they aren’t showing up, please let me know and we can troubleshoot to get the issue fixed.

You need two (2) people take the ASTO trainings, one (1) person to take the ACSP, and one (1) person to take the MIB.

ASTO (Apple Sales Training Online)
1. Log into the Salestraining.apple.com<http://salestraining.apple.com>
2. If you do not have an Apple ID, follow the prompts for “Create Apple ID”
3. Start taking quizzes and earning points until you reach 9,000+ training points

ACSP 10.11 Online Exam
1. Log into the Apple Certification Records System<http://www.training.apple.com/acrs>.
2. If you do not have an Apple ID, follow the prompts for "Create Apple ID".
3. Once your Apple ID is created, return to the Apple Certification Records System<http://www.training.apple.com/acrs> and log in.
4. Click "Take an Exam" on the homepage.
5. Under "Taking an exam from your home or office?" enter code "Xxxxxxx".
6. Follow the Pearson prompts, complete the next steps, and purchase the Exam. (You will not be charged until you submit your order.)
7. "Proceed to Checkout" and follow the instructions to complete your purchase.

Mac Integration Basics (MIB) Exam
Prepare for the exam by studying the Mac Integration Basics 10.11<http://training.apple.com/pdf/mac_integration_basics_1011.pdf> Guide.
1. Log into the Apple Certification Records System<http://www.training.apple.com/acrs>.
2. If you do not have an Apple ID, follow the prompts for "Create Apple ID".
3. Once your Apple ID is created, return to the Apple Certification Records System<http://www.training.apple.com/acrs> and log in.
4. Click "Take an Exam" on the homepage.
5. Under "Taking an exam from your home or office?" enter code "Xxxxxxxx".
6. Follow the Pearson prompts, complete the next steps, and purchase the Exam. (You will not be charged until you submit your order.)
7. "Proceed to Checkout" and follow the instructions to complete your purchase.​

Bold and Red for emphasis.

Like I said, I've taken the previous exams, and they were proctored. I do not understand what Apple is doing by allowing the 10.11 ACSP exam to be taken at home or online, instead of proctored at an ATCT.

EDIT: Additionally, after purchasing the exam, we received this for the scheduled time:

Quantity Item ID Description Shipped To Unit Price Amount
1 298610093 9L0-425NP
OS X Support Essentials 10.11 Exam
English

Exam Available:
From: Thursday, April 21, 2016 10:24:48 AM PDT
To: Saturday, April 23, 2016 10:24:48 AM PDT

Again, note the time. They wouldn't give you a 48 hour period to take the exam from the time that the exam was purchased if it weren't able to be taken online, let alone have that time period be over a weekend.

Yes, this is a clip of the original message. PM me if you want to see the full email.

BL.