Apple Certified Pro exam

[Matt Radbourne]

Thanks for all the info Chris! That’s brilliant.

I’ll check them out. All of the London trainers look fairly good from the websites so it’s great to get a recommendation.

I totally agree with your points below:
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.

Matt Radbourne
Media Designer
CEM, UK

[Matt Radbourne]

Yeah, Photoshop and After Effects are as important IMO.

I think that, as a junior, it would show application and dedication. The price isn’t a factor, but, in a way, that would emphasise commitment.

In my opinion it will act as an at-a-glance benchmark in technical and troubleshooting skills.

Matt Radbourne
Media Designer
CEM, UK

[Kylee Pena]

I took the FCP6 level 1 exam in March. And also the ones for DVD Studio Pro, Motion, Color, and Soundtrack Pro. Basically I was a senior in college and I initially decided to try and reach the FCP level 2 certification as part of my big final project. My reason for doing this was so I could feel totally comfortable within the software. You’re always going to get people who say they don’t pay attention to certifications when they’re hiring. To that I say DUH. Of course your actual storytelling skills and natural ability are the most important things by far. And you learn a lot of the software by just using it a lot, yes. But it’s so much easier to just take the leap and learn it at a much deeper level initially – it helps you tell your story much more easily when you aren’t fumbling around. The Apple Pro Training Series books are AWESOME. From this process, I learned more than what buttons Apple thinks I should push. The books tell you many ways to go about editing something, workflow suggestions, and how the software really works at a deeper level. Just knowing that helps me greatly. So basically, I did the certs for myself to ease anxiety that I would seem like a total noob in front of Final Cut.

That being said, I was a pretty regular user of FCP before I took the FCP101 exam. I studied the Apple Pro Training book for that pretty intensely anyway, just to be safe. I thought it would be super easy. It so wasn’t super easy lol. Like I said, I initially was going to do the 3 day workshop and take the FCP 2 exam the next month. Unfortunately, I was the only person signed up for it so they cancelled it. Long story short, I had to scramble for a way to make up for that loss in my graduation project. So I decided to attempt the master level certification. I knew there was little to no chance of actually obtaining it. It consists of taking the Motion, Color, Soundtrack Pro, and DVD Studio Pro level 1 exams. Those along with final cut level 1 = master certification. I had one month to study those books and software on top of 18 credit hours and two other major projects to finish and I had barely touched Color and Motion. I passed Color and Soundtrack Pro somehow (the proctor mentioned Color was the hardest of all the tests and I would agree), and BARELY failed Motion and DVD Studio Pro. GAH. I’m talking less than 10% with each. Not bad for cramming for one month. Even though I failed, I saw what the tests were like and I really did learn a lot about the whole suite, so it was worth a try. Especially with Color, I learned a ton about color correcting I never knew.

Basically my point is use the Apple Pro Training Series books. But don’t rely on just the questions at the end…read the chapters, do all the exercises, AND don’t memorize it – actually learn it.

In terms of format, I went to a testing center and took a computer based multiple choice test. It didn’t take very long, although you have a time limit. I think I took all 4 of those tests above within an hour and a half. The FCP one was definitely under an hour.

Hopefully this novel of a response is what you’re looking for. I did certifications for myself, though of course I still stick them on my resume. It certainly helps a bit to have things like that being in the midwest where a lot of jobs are obtained through HR people.

[Joe Wilby]

Well put Kylee.

I’ve been editing with FCP for 9 years now, never done any proper training, and mainly i have just got to grips with the software as i’ve gone along. I mainly cut commercials in London and last year a feature film, so I know how to use FCP enough to do what I need to do.

But, I too have finally taken the plunge and signed up for an advanced course with Soho Editors. Not because I want to be a certified pro, but because i want to invest in myself. I want to make sure that I know the fastest way to achieve what I want to achieve. Yeah if I pass the test I’ll stick the apple pro logo on my website, it’s not going to lose me any jobs and some producers may think its impressive. You never know, they might pay an extra £50/day for it?! worth a try 😉

It’s true that people will hire you mainly because of your personality, talent and competency. I see the course just gives a boost to your competency. Some editors may ‘poo poo’ getting training, but then again you can’t teach an old dog new tricks can you…

Plus its tax deductable. bonus!

[Xavier Casado]

To pass the train the trainer exam would you recommend to read the white paper documentation about Apple ProRes?.
Thanks a lot.

[Thomas Frank]

If I want to take the Level 2 Exam do i need a recent Level 1 Cert?
I took the Level 1 Cert when FCP6 hit the market.

Thanks

[Joe Wilby]

You’d have to check with Apple to be sure. But I do know you can do the Level 2 exam without having done Level 1, but sneekily and they won’t certify you for level 2 unless you’ve passed level 1.