[stefanicotine]

I convinced my boss to pay for my Apple certification, but he only agreed on the condition that I can complete all three exams in approximately 6 months. That's the Mac OS X 10.4 Service and Support exam, the Portable exam, and the Desktop exam.

I haven't so much as peeked inside a training manual to see what I'm getting into, so I'm curious to know if 6 months (or 2 months for each certification) is going to be long enough. Any input would be great. If you have a better period of time I should mention to my boss then write that too!

I'm also curious to know if the PeachPit Press textbooks are good enough. I know they're Apple Certified (and MUCH much cheaper), but will they be enough to help me pass?

Thanks for your help guys!

[screamingFit]

Wow. Nice of your boss!

What's the reason for the stipulation of 6 months? It's not impossible (I mean, nothing is, right?) but it's going to depend on your current skill set on how quickly you can get through this.

For the hardware stuff, you're also going to want to get the AppleCare Technician Training pack from the Apple Store: http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL....8.25.7.11.1.3

A friend of mine took the cert tests for desktops and laptops with no preparation other than spending an hour with the Peachpit book at the local book store. But, as I said, how quickly you can do the tests is going to depend upon your experience with the subject matter.

[memory-minus]

Yes, the PeachPit books are geared towards the exam and I recommend them highly. As was mentioned, it really depends on how much experience and knowledge you have to begin with. The ACHDS is very broad (I had some trouble with Kerberos and Windows printer sharing questions because I don't use these technologies at work) so I would recommend even a full time professional Mac support person at least review the PeachPit book before going in.

Since the Desktop and Portable Systems book covers both certifications, it really comes down to "Can you read 2 books in 6 months?" If so, you should be golden, especially for such basic certifications. If you were trying to get your ACSA in 6 months you might have some trouble depending on your experience level.

Good luck!

Edit: I disagree with the AppleCare Technician Training purchase recommendation. I think it's a waste of $300.

[stefanicotine]

Thank you so much guys, that's just what I needed to hear. I don't think I could pull off getting the Applecare Technician Training though. He's taking a HUGE loss just so I can get certified. I'm the only Apple user in the store and we live in a town of about 30, 000. I only personally know 1 other Mac user in town. So I'm hoping this will generate some sales. He needs me to bring in $6000 to make a profit on my certification. It's going to be tough.

But like you already suggested, he's a nice guy! If we ever find any software that can make our jobs easier he'll buy it without a second thought. So cool.

If so, you should be golden, especially for such basic certifications.

A friend of mine took the cert tests for desktops and laptops with no preparation other than spending an hour with the Peachpit book at the local book store.

Are the exams relatively easy?

[memory-minus]

Originally Posted by stefanicotine

Are the exams relatively easy?

This question is impossible to answer accurately. Relatively easy if you are technically inclined and have been supporting Macs in a professional environment for any decent amount of time? Yes, I'd say so. It's more than just studying the books in my opinion. You have to have a fundamental understanding of the way Macs and OS X work.

Also, keep in mind the hardware certifications expire after a year and must be renewed.

[stefanicotine]

I am, however, having a hard time knowing which peachpit press books to purchase. For example, there's 2 volumes of desktop and portables! Which one do I choose :S

If someone could head here for a second and tell me which ones I'll need that would be so great http://www.peachpit.com/series/serie...13531&rl=1

[memory-minus]

Second edition.

http://www.peachpit.com/bookstore/pr...35465&rl=1

[stefanicotine]

And for the Service and Support exam I'll be needing the Mac OS X Support Essentials book, correct?

http://www.peachpit.com/bookstore/pr...35473&rl=1

[memory-minus]

Originally Posted by stefanicotine

And for the Service and Support exam I'll be needing the Mac OS X Support Essentials book, correct?

Yes, exactly.

[stefanicotine]

*phew* that's good! Haha, I barely mentioned which books to buy and my boss ordered them right there on the spot! He's a hasty guy. It's always an adventure working there lol. Thanks for your help, I can't wait to get started