5/10/2005 -- Apple recently updated its certification Web site to reflect the upcoming 10.4 version of its OS X exams. The company released OS X10.4, code-named Tiger, late last month.

The release dates for the OS X 10.4 exams for the Apple Certified Help Desk Specialist (ACHDS) and Apple Certified Technical Coordinator (ACTC) certifications are as follows:

• Mac OS X Support Essentials 10.4 (9L0-401): Late May 2005; required for ACHS and ACTC
• Mac OS X Server Essentials 10.4 (9L0-507): Late May 2005; required for ACTC
• Apple Certified Technical Coordinator 10.4 Update Exam: Late July 2005; for current 10.3 ACTCs only

With the update to 10.4, Apple has announced it is revamping the requirements for its Apple Certified Systems Administrator (ACSA) title to allow candidates to pick and choose from a number of exams on a variety of OS X-related topics. The company released a partial list of the exams that will be available; they are:

• Mac OS X Deployment 10.4 (9L0-609): 2 Credits
• Xsan Administration 1.1 (9L0-610): 3 Credits
• Mac OS X Directory Services Integration and Administration (9L0-611): 4 Credits

According to the company's Web site, the OS X Deployment and Xsan Administration exams will be released in June, with the OS X Directory Services exam coming in August. Those holding a 10.3 ACSA certification will be automatically upgraded to the new version.

For those still seeking to become Apple-certified in any 10.3 title, the 10.3 exams will remain available through the end of the year, the company said. Apple's exams cost $150 (U.S.) and are available at Prometric testing centers worldwide.

For more information on these announcements, go here. -Becky Nagel