Apple Certified System Administrator (ACSA) Certification

Apple Certified System Administrator (ACSA) certification verifies an in-depth knowledge of Apple technical architecture and an ability to install and configure machines; architect and maintain networks; enable, customize, tune, and troubleshoot a wide range of services; and integrate Mac OS X, Mac OS X Server, and other Apple technologies within a multi-platform networked environment. The ACSA certification is intended for full-time professional system administrators and engineers who manage medium-to-large networks of systems in complex multiplatform deployments.

ACSA certification has just become easier and more flexible…

The ACSA program has been revised to provide candidates greater flexibility and is now focused on individual job functions. All ACSA exams are elective, so candidates are free to structure the program to meet their needs. (See the Requirements section below for available exams.)

Each passed exam earns a specialization certificate and a specific number of credits toward ACSA certification. Credits earned are valid for 2 years from the date of the exam, whereupon they expire. ACSA certification is granted when the candidate achieves a total of 7 valid (unexpired) credits. As credits expire, the candidate will need to replace them to keep the ACSA certification current.

All exams (except for Xsan Administration) are based on Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server v10.4.

Requirements

Candidates for ACSA certification are required to pass elective exams totaling 7 credits. Eligible exams include:

  • Mac OS X Deployment v10.4 Exam (9L0-609) — $150USD — 2 credits
Covers the knowledge necessary to streamline the installation and configuration of Mac OS X on large numbers of computers, and to maintain software deployments on Mac OS X systems. The recommended preparatory course for this exam is the Mac OS X Deployment v10.4 course. For specific exam objectives, see the Skills Assessment Guide for the Mac OS X Deployment v10.4 Exam.
  • Xsan Administration v1.4 Exam (9L0-616) — $150USD — 3 credits
Covers the knowledge necessary to configure and maintain all Apple software and hardware components necessary for an Xsan cluster file system. The recommended preparatory course for this exam is the Xsan Administration course. For specific exam objectives, see the Skills Assessment Guide for the Xsan Administration v1.4 Exam. For an example of exam question types, see the Sample Test.
  • Directory Services Integration and Administration v10.4 Exam (9L0-611) — $150USD — 4 credits
Covers the knowledge necessary to configure Mac OS X to access directory services provided by Mac OS X Server or other third-party solutions; to use Mac OS X Server to provide LDAP–based directory services; and to integrate Mac OS X Server into an existing heterogeneous directory services architecture. The recommended preparatory course for this exam is the Directory Services Integration and Administration v10.4 (Client/Server) course. For specific exam objectives, see the Skills Assessment Guide for the Directory Services Integration and Administration v10.4 Exam. For an example of exam question types, see the Sample Test.
  • Security Best Practices v10.4 Exam (9L0-612) — $150USD — 3 credits
Covers the knowledge necessary to secure Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server against local and network attacks. Solutions include using Mac OS X specific features as well as third-party tools for monitoring and analysis. The recommended preparatory course for this exam is the Security Best Practices for Mac OS X v10.4 course. For specific exam objectives, see the Skills Assessment Guide for the Security Best Practices v10.4 Exam. For an example of exam question types, see the Sample Test.
  • Podcast and Streamed Internet Media Administration Exam (9L0-613) — $150USD — 3 credits
This exam covers the knowledge necessary for technical professionals to ensure rich media is web accessible. The recommended preparatory course for this exam is the Podcast and Streamed Internet Media Administration course. For specific exam objectives, see the Skills Assessment Guide for the Podcast and Streamed Internet Media Exam. For an example of exam question types, see the Sample Test.
  • Mac OS X Server Command Line Install and Configuration v10.4 Exam (9L0-614) — $150USD — 3 credits
This exam covers the knowledge necessary for advanced Mac OS X Server administration. The recommended preparatory course for this exam is the Mac OS X Server v10.4 Command Line Install and Configuration course. For specific exam objectives, see the Skills Assessment Guide for the Mac OS X Server Command Line Install and Configuration v10.4 Exam. For an example of exam question types, see the Sample Test.
  • Network Account Management v10.4 Exam (9L0-615) — $150USD — 3 credits
This exam verifies the knowledge necessary to implement and maintain a centralized user, workgroup, and computer list account management system based on Mac OS X Server v10.4. The recommended preparatory course for this exam is the Network Account Management v10.4 course. For specific exam objectives, see the Skills Assessment Guide for the Network Account Management v10.4 Exam. For an example of exam question types, see the Sample Test.
  • Xsan for Pro Video Technician Exam (9L0-932) — Cost is included in the price of the Xsan 410 class — 3 credits
This exam covers the knowledge necessary to prepare for Xsan integrations of any size or configuration. Xsan components, requirements, topologies and installation challenges are covered, as well as implementation from component setup and connection to software installation and configuration. The required preparatory course for this exam is the Xsan 410 Xsan for Pro Video course. Specific exam objectives are provided during the course.

Registration

Exams are administered by Prometric, a worldwide provider of comprehensive technology-based testing and assessment services, at testing centers located worldwide.

Candidates are required to have an Apple Tech ID number before registering for an exam. You can apply for a Tech ID by following the instructions at certifications.apple.com. Then, to register for an exam, call Prometric toll-free at 888-APL-EXAM (888-275-3926) or register online at prometric.com/apple.

Key Features

  • Industry-wide recognition of Apple technical expertise
  • Comprehensive, job-related certification for Mac OS X system administrators and engineers
  • Self-directed career development path
  • Valuable tool for assessing the technical skills of consultants, current staff, or new employees
  • Locally accessible at hundreds of Prometric testing centers throughout the United States, and many other countries.



Customer Quotes

The bottom line is that having a staff well-trained and certified staff gives you bragging rights and a quantifiable advantage over the competition. I'm proud of my staff and their collective experience and without a doubt, our certifications are a powerful and effective sales tool when we consult with potential new clients.
— Kevin Klein, Principal, Three18, Inc.

Certification does a lot for the employees. It builds confidence and it demonstrates skill. It differentiates them from other technicians.
— Hal Hanson, owner, Hal-Com IT Group, Inc.