Adobe Certified Expert Exam: 50% discount!!

[Rick Miller]

I originally posted this a while ago, although the forum link went missing.

Adobe sent me this to me and I'm turning it on to you:

For anyone interested in becoming an Adobe Certified Expert in Photoshop, you'll be interested in the 50% savings you'll get from this link off of Adobe's site. Instead of paying the regular 150 clams, you'll only have to pay $75 (I guess "only" is a relative term).

Check it out: www.adobe.com/education/educators/ace_register.html (http://www.adobe.com/education/educators/ace_register.html)
Note: you only have until December 31st to receive the discount.
[May, 2002 update: there is no deadline for the discount now!]

Good luck

PS: You can justify charging your clients more dinero when you're an Adobe Certified Expert as opposed to them basing your fee off of other digital imagers pay structure. Although if you do work for family this just means they'll super-size your fries at McDonalds!

Update: Link was changed, thanks to sPECtre for pointing this out.

Rick Miller



Rick Miller
Adobe Certified Expert: Photoshop
Certified Web Designer
Member - National Association of Photoshop Professionals
RickMiller@bigvalley.net

[sPECtre]

Rick, the link you posted didn't work for me, but I found this one (http://www.adobe.com/education/educators/ace_register.html) , wich is stated as for educators and students only.
Thanks for the info, anyway!
(now, it looks like the same... so forget the "didn't work", and look at the edu only!)

[Rick Miller]

sPECtre
You wrote:
is stated as for educators and students only.

Adobe defines students and educators very loosely. "Adult Education", "Vocational/Career". A couple of friends have taken advantage of this loose interpretation, so should you!
;}

If you're interested in taking the test, let me know. I can give you a heads up on what areas/questions to be prepared for.

Rick

[sPECtre]

If you could, yes, it may be useful in a near future :D

[Javen]

Is the test tough?

[Scott W.]

Could someone explain what the REAL benefits are?

I know about using the logo and calling yourself certified. But honestly are there benefits that you just can't get without the ACE tag?

I've been considering the certification for several years, but I've yet to be able to justify the cost. I can't seem to see what exactly I'm getting for the $$$ other than bragging rights.

Thanks

[Rick Miller]

Scott W.

You wrote:
I can't seem to see what exactly I'm getting for the $$$ other than bragging rights.

You have the ability to market yourself to clients as an Adobe Certified Expert, this allows you to command, or at least justify, a higher price. Although it's no different then any other software/tech certification - it's not a magic bullet.

For me it's been net beneficial in that it helps me immediately establish credibility with both clients and students, I consider this very important. Could I do this without it? Of course, although the ACE status makes it easier.

I think Adobe needs to market the ACE program a lot better so clients know it exists - a lot of clients don't know it exists so it becomes important for me to communicate to them the advantages of hiring an ACE. NAPP is putting out their own certification program (Photoshop Web Expert and Photoshop Print Expert) with the intent of heavily marketing it so clients are aware of it and the benefits associated with it.

Check out the information below:
Before you take the test you'll want to read the Photoshop User Guide - the questions are directly from there. Additionally you'll want to download the Adobe Photoshop 6.0 Exam Bulletin PDF (http://partners.adobe.com/asn/training/PDFS/phs6acebull.pdf). The Exam Bulletin will let you know the topic areas to study (the chapters in the User Guide).

You'll want to know information such as:
RGB is complementary to CMY (Red is opposite the color wheel of Cyan, Green is opposite the color wheel of Magenta, Blue is opposite the color wheel of Yellow). Why this is important is that when you decrease a color, its complementary is increased. For example - if I decrease the Red in an image its complement Cyan is increased. This relationship can be illustrated through the Image > Adjust > Variations command.

Additionally, in the Color Picker: Saturation lies on a horizontal axis, while Brightness lies on a vertical axis.

Any questions that you can't get from Adobe's site, let me know and I'd be more then happy to help out.

Rick

Adobe Certified Expert Main Page (http://partners.adobe.com/asn/training/aceprogram.html)


Adobe Certified Expert FAQ (http://partners.adobe.com/asn/training/faq.html)

Q What is an Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)?
A An Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) has earned Adobe's entry-level certification created specifically for graphic designers, Web designers, system integrators, value-added resellers, developers, or business professionals seeking recognition for their expertise with Adobe products. By passing an Adobe Product Proficiency Exam, you become eligible to promote yourself to prospective clients as a highly skilled, expert-level user of Adobe software.

Q How do I become an ACE?
A To become an ACE, you must pass an Adobe Product Proficiency Exam. For more information visit How to Become an Adobe Certified Expert.

Q What is the fee for the ACE exam?
A Each exam is US$150.

Q How do I prepare for the exam?
A The key to preparing for the ACE exams is the Exam Bulletin. Download and review the appropriate product exam bulletin. Adobe also recommends that the bulletin be used with other study materials such as the User Guides included with Adobe software and the Classroom in a Book series.

Q How do I get training?
A Once you know what product you want to get certified in, use the Adobe Partner Finder database to locate an instructor or training center in your area that teaches a class on the Adobe product you want to learn. Contact them directly for more information about their classes and registration details.

Q What are the benefits to becoming an ACE?
A As an ACE, you will enjoy a special relationship with Adobe. Once you have demonstrated your product knowledge and passed a Product Proficiency Exam, Adobe makes a commitment to provide you with support that includes the following:
Professional recognition
An ACE program certificate
Use of the ACE logo on your promotional materials



Q How do I register for an Adobe Product Proficiency Exam?
A Call Prometric, our worldwide test administrator. In the U.S. and Canada, call 1-800-356-3926. Outside the U.S. and Canada, refer to the Prometric Web site to register for an exam. Please note that you can schedule your exam up to six weeks in advance. Exams are conducted Monday through Saturday during normal business hours.

Q What is the process for getting recertified on a new product?
A As new exams for new product versions are released, ACEs have 90 days to get recertified on that new product. The recommended process for getting recertified is as follows:

1) Call Prometric at 1-800-356-3926 to register for the new Product Proficiency Exam. Prometric customer service representive (CSR) will verify your current certification on that product.
2) Give the promotional code "RETEST" to the CSR, and you will be eligible to receive a 25 percent discount.

Q What type of exam is the Adobe Product Proficiency Exam?
A The Adobe Product Proficiency Exams are computer-delivered, closed-book tests consisting of 60 to 90 multiple-choice questions. Choose the best answer. A 15-minute tutorial will precede the test to familiarize you with the function of the Windows-based driver. You will receive your results right after you complete the test at the testing center.

Q What can I expect from Adobe if I pass the Product Proficiency Exam?
A As soon as you pass the exam, your name and exam results are given to us by Prometric, our worldwide test administrator. Your exam data is then entered into our database. You will then be sent an ACE Welcome Kit and access to the ACE logo. You are also placed on our certification mailing list to receive special Adobe announcements and information about promotions and events that take place throughout the year.

Q How long does it take to receive my Welcome Kit?
A You can expect your Welcome Kit to arrive four to six weeks after we receive your exam results.

[Scott W.]

Thanks Rick.

I did read the Adobe FAQ on it... but it all just sounds like bragging rights. Which I'm not condeming, by any means. I was just curious if there were any other 'hidden' benefits.

I do have other certifications, but so far, little has benefit has come of them. You are right it does establish credability a bit quicker, especially in the faceless realm of the net.

I really appreciate the tips on RGB > CMY and the little things that may get missed when preparing.

Thanks Again.

[Ammar Midani]

Rick you're quite right about the credibility with both clients and students. The business side of it is very fruitful.

passing the exam will make you able to know more about Photoshop, the way it works, all its features, which make it so much easier and faster to do an assignment. All you have to do is to know the user guide :nuts:

i personally enjoyed preparing for it, and discovered how much i didn't know about the tool.

The exam bulletin could be a little tricky,'cause you read and you think you already know what there’re talking about, there is so many hidden things to know in the bulletn.

so everybody, if you want to get helped with the exam, i'll be delighted to help, though Sir Rick is the man, i know.

[Rick Miller]

Ammar.

You wrote:
i personally enjoyed preparing for it, and discovered how much i didn't know about the tool.
I had the same experience, preparing for the exam introduced me to concepts that I probaly would have made only a cursory examination of and moved on unless I was studying to pass the test. I humbly submit that I am much more diverse in my knowlege after having spent the time studying for the test; the test forces you to learn breadth and depth of the program.

Scott W, you wrote:
I do have other certifications, but so far, little has benefit has come of them. You are right it does establish credability a bit quicker, especially in the faceless realm of the net.
Then it is net beneficial; this is a real, tangible benefit. Trying to establish credibility is of paramount importance for me, students and clients alike want to know that one knows what they're talking about - this is just another way of doing that.

One needs to communicate to their clients/students that this feature: ACE status, translates to a compelling benefit to the client/student. Ergo our job then doesn't end with the certificate - we need to take the additional step of informing and educating.

I hope this helps.

Rick

[Scott W.]

It does help, Rick. Thank you.

[ApWizard]

hello guys, i'm a new member


i haven't understand this point:

Recertification: Recertification is required of each ACE within 90 days of a designated Adobe Product Proficiency Exam release date.

i must do a recertification every 90 days???$}

[Rick Miller]

i must do a recertification every 90 days???
No, just 90 days after the new version's Adobe Product Proficiency Exam release date. For example, when the ACE exam for 7 is available (I asked, no one at Adobe knew when the ACE exam for PS7 would be available) and if you pass it, you won't have to take it until 90 days after the ACE exam for Photoshop 8 is available (usually around 18 months).

Rick

[Ammar Midani]

Rick, ar you willing to ACE 7.0, i'm thinking about it.

[ApWizard]

ok very big thanks... ;)

i'm going to study!!!:)))

[Rick Miller]

Ammar.

you wrote:
Rick, ar you willing to ACE 7.0, i'm thinking about it.
As soon as it comes out, I'll take it. I asked Julieanne Kost at PhotoshopWorld if Adobe had any indication of when the test would be out and she said of now, no date had been set.

Note to anyone interested in taking the test with the discount: When I originally posted the thread Adobe set the cutoff date for the educational discount as December 31st, 2001. That has been changed!! Yeah!! The link doesn't have a cutoff date anymore, so take the test for 50% off.
http://www.adobe.com/education/educators/ace_register.html

Rick

[settec+]

I find this pretty strange, but it seem true: in Italy we cannot take the ACE... At least according to what they say here:

http://partners.adobe.com/asn/training/aceprogram.html

sob!

settec+

[Rick Miller]

settec+

Italy, being one of the industrialized G7/G8 countries, has the ACE exam available at 51 test centers - from BOLOGNA to VIMERCATE. Although the test is only available in English, French, German, and Japanese.

The ACE exam is run through prometric.com which links to www.2test.com

Any information you need, just let Ammar or me know and we'd be more then happy to help you out. The test for version 6, as of now, is still available. The test for 7, according to those from Adobe I asked at PhotoshopWorld - won't be out for awhile. They couldn't give me a date, however it's usually sometime after the classroom in a book is released.

Good luck!

Rick

[settec+]

Rick: thank you for your help. Next time I will spend more time in checking the webpages !
Anyway I still don't see Italy in the list in http://partners.adobe.com/asn/training/aceprogram.html...


settec+

[Ammar Midani]

ofcourse select +, as a first step download the exam bulletin from Adobe's site (http://partners.adobe.com/asn/training/acehowto.html#164209)

[settec+]

Thank you ammar, I already downloaded the doc !


settec+


P:S: is there a particular reason for which you're calling me select+?

[Ammar Midani]

Originally posted by settec+
P:S: is there a particular reason for which you're calling me select+?

listen i'm really sorry, just realized it....and i've always wondered whay do he call himself "add to selection'. sorry settec +:]

[settec+]

No problem Ammar, I was just wondering wether there was a particular reason or not ! ;)


settec+

[jloehle]

Does anyone know if the Photoshop ACE 7.0 test is out yet? I am interested in certifying and thought I might as well wait for the new test before doing so.

Also, are there certain books that people (especially ACEs) recommend for studying for the test?

Thanks for the help. This site looks like it will be a big help to me.

Joe Loehle

[Ammar Midani]

Hello Jon and welcome. Yes you've come to the right place.

The Adobe product proficiency exam for Photoshop 6 is still available. 7 exam is excepted to out in around 50 – 60 days.
Books recommended for preparing is Classroom in a Book a great resource. Also I recommend you download (http://partners.adobe.com/asn/training/acehowto.html) the exam bulletin from Adobe site, it a very good guide on the exam, letting you know which areas you need to concentrate and areas that require further efforts.
as Rick later indicated that there is also a discount on taking the exam.


Rick and I would be glad to answer any question you might have further on your preparing.

stick around here and you'll be more able to pass the exam...;}


Ammar

[Ranoka]

I can't really justify the cost at the moment, maybe after my Graphics course...

Although, I may study for the exam, as if I were going to take it over the summer. Therefore improve my skills, but not pay the actual certificate. Then I can do the exam for PS 9 or whatever version is out in several years time, and I would have already have done most of the study, and kept it fresh in my mind by general use of PS, then re-revise before doing the actual exam.

[Ranoka]

Oh I was also going to ask if people recomend the Photoshop Classroom in a Book as a good way on learning Photoshop. I'm considering getting it when ver7 comes out.

[Rick Miller]

jloehle, you wrote:
Also, are there certain books that people (especially ACEs) recommend for studying for the test?
Ammar gives you some excellent information.

Additionally, the book I read before taking the Adobe Certified Expert Exam for PS5 was Adobe Photoshop 5 Certification Guide. Too bad they didn't update it for 6. As for the book I read to prepare for the ACE exam for 6: Real World Photoshop.

Real World Photoshop was co-authored by our own PST's community member, and Super- Photoshop Guru: Bruce Fraser.
This book is amazing!

As well, check out this thread (http://photoshoptechniques.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=385&highlight=book) . I list 11 books I found very beneficial.

Even though Photoshop 7 is out, Exam 9A0-019: Adobe Photoshop 6.0 ACE is the current exam and should be for at least the next couple of months. When the test for seven comes out, there will be an announcement on this site (along with something else).
;}

Let me know if I can be of any help.

Rick

[jloehle]

Rick and Ammar--

Thanks for your replies. They are very hepful.

Rick, I did see your list on that other thread and have made notes on the books I should get. I figure if I can start studying now, than by the time the test is out I can take it not too long after.

I must say this forum is great. I really appreciate how open and inviting everyone is. So many people in this type of field are wary about sharing anything that may help someone else. It's a breath of fresh air.

Has anyone seen the software you can buy to help with the test. It is located here:
http://www.photoshopace.co.uk/examaid/

I downloaded the sample questions and they seemed absurdly easy. I assume that is just because they are samples.

Thanks again,

Joe Loehle

[Ammar Midani]

Joe,

i must tell you though that there is a note on the back cover of Classroom in a book, that says:
classroom in a book does not replace the documentation, support, updates. or any other benefits of being a registed owner of Adobe Photoshop software.

it a good way to start, everything you know, everything you read, everything you come across will be proven to be a great help.

Rick mentioned some great books, look for thier 7.0 relatives.

as for Shangara Singh exam aid, it's an awesome great help for passing the PS 6 exam.

Ammar

[Rick Miller]

jloehle:

No problem, anything we can do to help you out - just let us know. When the test for 7 is released, an announcement will be made on this site as well as some...uh... additional news that should make you happy.
;}


In addition, once you pass the test Adobe Authorizes you to use the Adobe Certified Expert Logo on all your marketing material:

Adobe and the Adobe logo are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

[el_Brujo]

Rick you said "some.......uh......additional news that should make you happy"
What do you know Rick? go on tell us ....tell us ........ come on..... pleeeeaassseeee.... oh to hell with you, fine dont tell us then, be a jerk, i need a drink.........
*mumbles to self* lousy Rick knowing more than me

[spook]

Hi, I would like to become ACE but the course near us that runs it costs around £1,000, so my simple question is, do you think its as good studying from books and learning yourself as opposed to learning within a classroom?

I think my level is lower intermediate

[Ammar Midani]

That's so funny Spook. I teach it in Syria for around $300 (well somtimes less) %( %/

Anyways. Adobe Classroom in a book is a very good place for preparing in addition to info mentioned in this thread.
if you'll ever have any question please contact Rick Miller or me, we would be so happy to help.

welcome.


Ammar

[Luspher]

why can't i just take the cert graphic, and tack a symbol on it and set that equal to not. Clients who would be dumb enough to hire me simply because of the certification would still most likely fall for it. ex:

I'm 'an adobe certified expert <-- apears in top, and is simple overlooked as a typo

'an = "Not an" <-- appears at the bottom in a color barely visible in the oh so friendly fine print.

[Rick Miller]

Cute.
;)

[strych9ine]

I think you might be paid a "persuasive" visit by the real certified professionals here... and a molotov cocktail. #:}

[Luspher]

lol. i'll supply the cocktail if my house isn't the one scourched.
:-) Remember it's 50/50 Kerosene/Petroleum. Creates a nice burn see?. :-)... stop looking at me like that.....I DIDN'T DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!! *runs from an angry mob who's houses seem to be on fire after a demonstration of how well the moltov cocktails work*

[lokki]

Originally posted by Frayz
uh oh.... a "persuasive" visit. I told you guys already I am not going to your church. Damn jahovas witnesses waken me up at 8 am on a saturday..no more visits!

:lol: :lol: :lol:

**edit**
started to post a better cocktail recipe, then thought twice about it. Even posting it as a joke, I'm sure some idiot would mix and use it. Let's just say there are *much* better ways to get very effective mixtures, some of which are self-igniting on impact or simply shock-sensitive.

So, a word to the wise... if anyone tries the mixture listed or any others, be prepared for the consequences. The worst possible outcome is that you'll live through the experience. For a short, painful while, at least.

[Luspher]

i agree. I just stated recipe for the military's version.

[Greg Vander Houwen]

Yeah guys. PST legal just chimed in to say that Photoshoptechniques.com is not responsible for people that light themselves or other people on fire based on information found on this site.

Be carefull out there.

Peace.

Greg

[Luspher]

good idea with the legal note. I'd also like to state that I'm not responsible for the actions of anyone who chooses to use the moltov cocktail recipe i previously stated.

Thanks for the reminder

[sPECtre]

Ok , Fray, it might not be the best idea to fake a protected logo like the ACE one, it lacks respect for the ones that passed the test, and it is dangerous especially if Luster lives close to your house...

You can make a very explosive text using this recipe : http://user.fundy.net/morris/redirect.html?photoshop16.shtml
or even : http://www.photoshopcafe.com/tutorials/explosion/explosion.htm

(just to allow PST legal to sleep tonight by keeping the topic, well, on the Photoshop topic)