Apple began offering updated professional training and certifications for IT support and management. They are now in an online, self-paced format so are accessible to almost anyone.
The courses are free, but the exams required to earn the certifications are $149.
Start a career change with Apple IT certifications
“Apple Professional Training helps anyone with an interest in technology — whether they are changing careers or upping their skill set — pursue high-paying IT jobs with certifications that will stand out to potential employers,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Enterprise and Education Marketing. “We believe deeply in inclusion in technology, so the new courses are self-paced and freely available, and we are working to ensure ability to pay isn’t a barrier to earning Apple certification.”
The goal is to help Apple users meet demand for skilled support and technical staff within the enterprise. “As companies expand their use of technology, employees are demanding to use iPhone, iPad, and Mac at work, resulting in an increased need for IT professionals skilled in supporting and managing Apple products,” notes Apple.
Courses teach skills needed for device support and deployment
The two courses are sequential, and build on skills and concepts as the user progresses.
The new IT training series begins with the Apple Device Support course. Apple says it covers the tools, services and best practices used by a help desk professional, technical coordinator or service provider for an organization’s Mac, iPhone and iPad users.
After completing an estimated 14 hours of learning, users can take an exam to earn the Apple Certified Support Professional certification.
The second in the training series is the Apple Deployment and Management course, which Apple says covers how to configure, manage, and secure Apple products using mobile device management (MDM). Through an estimated 13 hours of learning, users will cover developing a deployment strategy, using Apple Business Manager and Apple School Manager, and configuring devices with an MDM solution.
After passing a second exam, users will receive the Apple Certified IT Professional certification.
As noted, each of the two exams costs costs $149. Recertification exams for unexpired certifications cost $49.
To help expand availability, Apple partnered with Mac Admins Foundation, which offers vouchers to applicants with financial need.
“There’s a lot to like about the all-new Apple Professional Training courses, which give users a solid grounding in the concepts and theory around supporting and deploying Apple products,” said Tom Bridge, the Mac Admins Foundation’s co-chair. “Furthermore, both Apple exams are fully representative of the depth and breadth of skills needed for success.”
The Apple Professional Training courses are available now at training.apple.com.
