12/18/2003 -- Late last month Apple released its new desktop certification, Apple Certified Help Desk Specialist (ACHDS).

The title, which was named as December's "Certification of the Month" by Prometric Testing Centers, is Apple's first OS X credential aimed specifically at technicians who focus on the client version of Mac OS X, said Sharon Martin, Apple certification manager. "[The ACSA and ACTC] focus on OS X Server...so we saw a need for a title to certify expertise of those working just with the client," she explained.

With the debut, the title's one exam -- Mac OS X Help Desk Essentials v10.3 (9L0-400) -- will be a requirement for the 10.3 track of Apple's Certified Technical Coordinator (ACTC) title (scheduled for release in early 2004), as well as an elective requirement for Apple's two hardware-focused certifications: the Apple Certified Desktop Technician (ACDT) and the Apple Certified Portable Technician (ACPT).

The ACHDS exam is available at Prometric testing centers in several locations worldwide for $150 (US). Candidates must obtain an ID from Apple before registering.

More information on the ACHDS can be found here. -Becky Nagel