Not a good way to prepare for a test
I have been an Apple Nut since 1984 when I first used a Mac in school. I am a bit obsessed with the company and the goings on of all things Apple. Hell, for my 40th birthday I slept out in front of the San Francisco Apple store for two nights just so I could be first in line at the Grand Opening.
I have never thought of Apple as central to any of my businesses. While I have been making money as an Apple consultant since 1990, it has always been a side business of mine. I formalized the relationship with Apple a few years ago by becoming an Apple Authorized Business Agent (AABA). When that program ended January 1 this year, I joined the Apple Consultants Network (ACN). I mostly did this for two reasons:
1) YVOD clients enjoy knowing we have an official relationship with Apple. When my staff and I give advise on Apple solutions they have confidence in knowing we have at least heard the official “Party Line”. [Just yesterday I ended up selling an Apple TV to a client because I highlighted a marketing point that was not widely advertised by Apple yet spoke to a core problem of the client.]
2) I am increasing being asked to advise educational bodies on Apple solutions.
A good friend of mine and fellow ACN, Jason Morenz, suggested we partner and offer completed solutions to our clients. We both signed up to take the OS X Server Essentials in Washington DC, February 21-24.
Apple recently changed the way the certification courses are run and I writing to say the new way is not working. The course was taught very well and I felt like I got my monies worth. The instructor was patient, covered all the material in the workbook and generally had a good demeanor. He performed a good overview of OS X Server.
What he did NOT do was prepare us to take the test. He never once said; “Make sure you know this because it will be on the test.” He did not perform any sort of review, neither a daily review nor a complete course review. He never asked example questions. In short, he taught a course but did not help us prepare for a test.
I spent the over $500 a day on the course specifically because I wanted to prepare for the certification test. 12 people took the course. More than 6, including myself, failed the test.
I will take the test again in a week or so. However, I will not take the course again. I will study on my own and I am sure I will pass the test. It is a shame that Apple has created a situation where it is better to study on your own rather than take training classes. It is in Apple’s best interest to revamp their training courses to give greater value to the students… or more students will follow me in deciding not to take the courses.