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For years, Apple has been establishing itself as an excellent alternative to PCs in the corporate world. With IT departments increasingly overseeing a growing number of iPhones, iPads, and Macs, Apple’s significance as a vital enterprise endpoint has reached new heights. However, as Apple expands, I question the rationale behind charging for IT professional certifications. If Apple aims for enterprises to adopt its products, then why impose fees to obtain qualifications in managing them?
About Apple @ Work: Bradley Chambers oversaw an enterprise IT network from 2009 to 2021. Drawing from his experience in deploying and maintaining firewalls, switches, a mobile device management system, enterprise-grade Wi-Fi, thousands of Macs, and iPads, Bradley will discuss methods for Apple IT managers to deploy Apple devices, create supportive networks, train users, share anecdotes from the IT management trenches, and suggest enhancements Apple could make to its products for IT departments.
Overview of the 2022 Updates to the Program
In 2022, Apple launched redesigned training and certification initiatives for IT teams and support staff. The courses—Apple Device Support and Apple Deployment and Management—represent significant progress in providing IT professionals with the necessary tools to excel in managing Apple devices. Accessible online and self-paced, these programs are a modern upgrade to Apple’s training offerings.
While the training itself does not incur charges, the examination fee stands at $149. This means that professionals seeking certifications for both courses are looking at a near $300 expense. It’s hard to believe that enough candidates are taking these exams for Apple to see notable financial benefit.
Apple’s Focus: Hardware and Services, Not Certification Fees
Apple’s business model primarily focuses on selling hardware and services, rather than generating revenue from certification fees. The rise of Macs and iPhones within the enterprise sector stems from IT teams recognizing the benefits of deploying Apple devices, not because individuals possess an Apple certificate. Certification programs help increase Apple’s market presence by ensuring IT professionals are capable of deploying and troubleshooting its products.
If Apple aims to broaden its enterprise influence, charging for certifications seems misguided. By offering virtual certification exams for free, Apple could eliminate a significant barrier for professionals at small and large businesses, as well as managed service providers. This could encourage IT professionals to pursue certification, thereby enlarging the pool of Apple-trained experts.
Vendor-Specific Training and Certifications Should Be Free
Apple is not alone in this practice. Numerous tech companies continue to levy charges for certification exams, viewing them as added revenue rather than as investments in their ecosystems. However, the truth is that certifications should not be a product for sale—they serve as a pathway to customer adoption. The more professionals equipped to deploy and manage your products, the better for all.
Apple’s training programs have made significant strides in the right direction. Now is the time for them to take it a step further. By making certification exams complimentary, Apple can empower IT teams, strengthen its enterprise presence, and reduce barriers for those aiding in the daily support of its devices.
My straightforward advice: If Apple wishes to further its enterprise influence, their certification initiatives should support this aim rather than act as a source of profit.
Apple @ Work is proudly presented by Mosyle, the sole Apple Unified Platform. Mosyle is the only service that fuses all the professional-grade solutions necessary to effortlessly and automatically deploy, manage, and secure Apple devices in the workplace. With over 45,000 organizations placing their trust in Mosyle, millions of Apple devices are ready for work without hassle and at a reasonable price. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today to discover why Mosyle is all you need to work efficiently with Apple.
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