Apple Tech Certification ~ suggestions? possible careers?

[quantum003]

Hi,

I am an Apple computer enthusiast. I work with Apple software and hardware a lot at my job, and when I get home I tinker, repair, and rebuild Mac desktops and laptops as my hobby.

A friend mentioned to me recently that I ought to look into getting my Apple Tech Certification, and it's been on my mind ever since he mentioned it. I browsed an Apple Certification page but I didn't see any certifications offered for "techs"- can anyone suggest a certification I might pursue? I most enjoy repairing broken Apple desktops and laptops, and making working machines from pieces of broken ones.

What sort of jobs or careers could I target with an Apple Tech Certification? I have a very good job now, but playing with Macs is my real passion and working for Apple would be my dream... if I can find a career in the field I would be very interested in pursuing it.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[calderone]

Like you, I am a Mac enthusiast. I am actually working on Macintosh certs, more so when I finish up my B.S.

For those who want to work on Apple hardware, the ACMT is offered:
http://training.apple.com/certification/acmt

There are many others. Such as the Apple Certified Service Professional (ACSP), which would essentially be helpdesk troubleshooting:
http://training.apple.com/certification/acsp

Apple Certified Technical Coordinator (ACTC), which would be for an entry level sysadmin:
http://training.apple.com/certification/actc.html

Apple Certified System Administrator, for full-time sysadmins:
http://training.apple.com/certification/acsa

With an ACMT you could work at an Apple Authorized Service Center. Or start your own!

ACSP a possibility would be Apple Tech Support, Apple Genius, or a tech support position at an institution or business.

ACTC would allow you to manage small Mac networks, labs, etc that utilize OS X Server.

ACSA would allow you to manage large Mac networks including deployment solutions and advanced storage solutions. You could also add Xsan to this (I would recommend it as some experience with SANs will help you in large universities), although it is not required for an ACSA, at least for 10.5.

There are a number of application specific certs, such as FCS, iLife, etc.

The Peachpit Apple Training Series are the self study books Apple recommends, and from my experience they are excellent:
http://www.peachpit.com/topics/topic.aspx?st=61436

There are courses, but they can be pricey. You can find locations here:
http://training.apple.com/locations

There are a few jobs that are Apple specific, but I have found them to be pretty rare. For the ACMT, combining it with A+ would open up your possibilities. If you find an all Apple house, grab it quick.

For what you are looking for I would say an ACMT and ASCP would be a "tech." ACMT has Mac OS X troubleshooting as a requirement, but the ACSP would make you stand out little more.

Hope that helps. If you ever have questions feel free to PM me. Good luck!

 

[MrMacintoshBlog]

Great response calderone!

I am ASCP Certified myself and am working on the ACMT now. I also finished my A+ Certification.

If you get to work with mac's now and like your job keep it. I made the mistake when i was younger working as an intern, that i left for a higher paid pc job. I used to repair all the macs and work with brand new ones, it was a great job. I should have stayed and tried to work my way up the ranks.

But it is what it is and im trying to find a job now that deals with apple but the jobs available are very slim and the competition is very tough!

Good luck though!

 

[quantum003]

Indeed, thank you for the excellent post and great information Calderone! All the info I could possibly need or ask for right there in one post. Thank you sincerely. You will probably be hearing from me after I explore the links you provided.

Thank you as well ClassicII. I am very lucky to have the job I currently have, and I do enjoy it. I will still pursue the certifications though.

I have a lot of information to comb through now. Thanks again to you both for the posts.