6/18/2001 -- Apple has announced two certifications for Macintosh administrators working with OS X: Apple Certified Technical Coordinator (ACTC) and Apple Certified System Administrator (ACSA).

According to Apple, the ACTC is designed for the "traditional Mac and AppleShare IP user who may not be a full-time professional system administrator but who is tasked with maintaining a modest network of computers." It tests skills such as enabling and configuring key services, performing basic troubleshooting, and assisting end-users with specific tasks when using Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server.

To achieve this title, candidates must pass two multiple-choice exams: Mac OS X Administration Basics and Mac OS X Server Essentials Exam. Both exams launched this month.

The ACSA is designed for "full-time professional system administrators managing medium-to-large networks of Mac systems in demanding and relatively complex multiplatform deployments."

To earn this certification, candidates must pass four exams: Mac OS X Server Services Administration and Mac OS X Server Client Management Exam, plus the two listed above for the ACTC. This title will not officially be available until September 2001.

According to Apple, exams for both certifications will be available through Prometric. Each will cost $150 (U.S.). For the immediate future, the exams will only be available in the U.S. and Canada.

For more information on these certifications, including skill guidelines and sample questions, click here. -B.N