9/10/2002 -- Just months after completing the exam launch for its new OS X certifications, Apple recently announced that it will soon be updating the titles for the newest version of its operating system, Mac OS X v. 10.2 (a.k.a. Jaguar).

The new 10.2 track also lowers the number of exams required to achieve the program's two titles: Apple Certified Technical Coordinator (ACTC) and Apple Certified Systems Administrator (ACSA).

To be certified as an ACTC in 10.1, candidates are required to pass two exams: Mac OS X Administration Basics and Mac OS X Server Essentials. According to Apple, when the 10.2 track for the ACTC goes live this fall, candidates will only be required to pass one exam for this track: Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server Essentials.

The number of required exams for the ACSA has also been lowered with the 10.2 track, which requires three exams, instead of 10.1's four. Apple is also using the 10.2 ASCA to introduce elective exams into the program; candidates must choose between a client management, QuickTime streaming and WebObject deployment exam to fulfill their third requirement. The new 10.2 ACSA exams are not expected to debut until next year.

Apple's exam prices remain the same between the two tracks: $150 U.S.

Because Apple certifications do not expire, previously certified candidates will not be required to update to 10.2. However, Apple said that it plans to release an ACSA upgrade exam next year.

More information about Apple's certification program can be found here. - B.N.