-
Apple Certified Pro exam
Hi forum
I was considering taking a 3 or 4 day Apple certified course on FCP “Advanced Editing” in an effort to add “Apple Certified Professional” to my resumé.Has anyone taken the exam?
What’s it like in terms of difficulty, format, duration etc.?Thanks
Matt Radbourne
Media Designer
CEM, UK -
17 Replies
-
The classes and exams follow the APT books, and there are review questions in the books. The exams are multiple choice questions.
-
How many people will look at the PRO CERTIFICATION as a reason to hire you? Typically people don’t look at skill level on an edit system, but rather your ability to tell a story to cut what they want cut. Just because you know how to use FCP doesn’t mean you are a good editor.
Just saying.
It is really only for people who want to teach or…maybe become assistants.
Shane
GETTING ORGANIZED WITH FINAL CUT PRO DVD…don’t miss it.
Read my blog, Little Frog in High Def -
I agree with Shane, a certifications only tells people you know what to click on in the software, it does not tell them that you can edit a story well.
If your vary new to video and dont have much in the way of a demo reel then sure it cannot hurt to get a certification. But your time would probably be better spent putting together a reel that actually shows people you know how to edit a story.
There are no “technical solutions” to your “artistic problems”.
Don’t let technology get in the way of your creativity! -
Yeah, that’s true.
I guess I’m just thinking that, if an employer had the choice between a good editor and the same editor with a pro certification, they’d probably choose the latter.
I guess it’s the same as the whole “How much is a degree worth?” dilemma.
Anyone know where I can get a copy of any example questions?
Matt Radbourne
Media Designer
CEM, UK -
For FCP, there is a book by Diana Weynand from Apple Pro Training series which was used as a working material for the course, available at https://www.peachpit.com/promotions/promotion.aspx?promo=135631
At the end of every chapter there are questions (with answers), which are similar to those in the test.
The course is a good reminder of basic FCP functionality, but it does not seem usefull to solve real life production problems.The next level Train the trainer course goes a bit further, but it still leaves the impression that you can do everything inside a Mac Book Pro.
Peter
-
[Matt Radbourne] “I guess I’m just thinking that, if an employer had the choice between a good editor and the same editor with a pro certification, they’d probably choose the latter.”
Not for and editing job. Possibly for a teaching job. Personality helps too.
Steve Eisen
Eisen Video Productions
Vice President
Chicago Final Cut Pro Users Group -
Hi Matt
please be aware that you will need to sit for and pass the FCP7 Certified Pro Level One exam
before attempting the Level 2 (advanced) exam. This FCP101 exam is tough – Prometric pass rate for my last set of students in Sydney Australia in December 09 was 80%. It is a closed book exam. The current peachpit book Final Cut Pro 7 by Diana Weynand is your best resource for study. The FCP7 advanced editing book has just been released and would be worth going through as well.
There are plenty of AATCs in London who can help you with this.
Probably the most central is soho editors: https://www.sohoeditors.com/uk
There is a sample test available. There are no ‘train the trainer’ books.
Becoming a certified apple trainer in FCP means sitting for a T3 exam in FCP7. This course is run by an FCP trainer and involves delivering training from the current resource set in front of your class (other trainers), being assessed on your training performance and passing a closed book T3 exam at the end of the course. The current exam covers workflows including formats like Digital Betacam and P2 media among others.
It is not laptop biased in my opinion.
This information is all directly availabe from the apple website.
I think that Zane and Shane are right however – being able to tell a story is what makes you a valuable editor. Getting experience editing different formats helps as well – a music promo, sports show and documentary for example. And of course a short film or two.
And yep, I’m an Apple Certified FCP7 trainer. But I still line up for freelance edit/production gigs like everyone else and I’m only as good as my last edit which I will laminate into my current showreel or proof of competency package.
This qualification may be of direct use with some broadcasters like the BBC or Channel 4 because many of their current staff have this certification and it means one less thing to check off on their skills matrix list in job applications. As stated earlier in this thread having your certification will not hurt your job chances and it is proof of some knowledge of FCP.Best regards
Chris Wyatt
Apple Certified Trainer in Motion 4, FCP7, Final Cut Server. -
I’ll wager that if I took that test today, I’d fail.
Shane
GETTING ORGANIZED WITH FINAL CUT PRO DVD…don’t miss it.
Read my blog, Little Frog in High Def -
Sure the certificate doesn’t makes you a better video editor, but shows that you care about your job and profession and that you have gone through the manual.
As Shane said, today I would fail the exam too.
Many people dismiss the Certificate, but if everybody would have it, the posts to our FCs forums would drop dramatically.
Cheers,
Rafael -
[Matt Radbourne] “I guess I’m just thinking that, if an employer had the choice between a good editor and the same editor with a pro certification, they’d probably choose the latter.”
Nope. I can tell you I don’t even look at pro certification when I consider people. I’ve never been certified because I know the class just makes sure you can push the buttons the way Apple wants you to and I have no desire to be a “certified teacher” right now.
I look at your resume (as in experience working in the field), your Reel and your references.
Certification will probably only come in handy if you’re going for a corporate video department type of gig where you have to go through a human resources dept. first before you get to the actual video folks. They’ll probably like to see that, but as a means to getting a working video job, I don’t see certification being worth the price.
Taking an art class, a Photoshop class, an After Effects class. THOSE would be beneficial. I think it’s very important for an FCP editor to know Photoshop and After Effects. Those skills are very useful in setting yourself apart from other editors.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Editor, Colorist, Director, Writer, Consultant, Author.
HD Post and Production
Biscardi Creative Media“Foul Water, Fiery Serpent” now in Post.
Creative Cow Forum Host:
Apple Final Cut Pro, Apple Motion, Apple Color, AJA Kona, Business & Marketing, Maxx Digital.
Reply to this Discussion! Login or Sign Up