Apple certification programs are programs created by Apple Inc. to verify an in-depth knowledge of various areas of Apple's products. They are designed to create a high level of technical proficiency among Macintosh service technicians, help desk support, technical support, system administrators, and professional users. Apple certification exams are offered at Prometric testing centers and Apple Authorized Training Centers.

Hardware Certifications[link]

These certifications are designed for individuals interested in becoming Apple service technicians, help desk, desktop support, or Macintosh consultants who need all-around experience in servicing Macintosh computers. It includes two separate certifications.

Apple Certified Macintosh Technician[link]

This certification is for the repair and diagnostics of all Macintosh desktops, portables, and servers. This certification is required to perform warranted hardware repairs for an Apple Authorized Service Provider.

Required exams

• Macintosh Service Certification Exam (Prometric exam: #9L0-009)
• Mac OS X 10.6 Troubleshooting Exam (Prometric exam: #9L0-062) Apple Certified Desktop Technician^[1]

Previously, the hardware certification came in the combination of Apple Certified Desktop Technician (ACDT) and Apple Certified Portable Technician (ACPT), but has been combined into a single hardware certification. This certification also includes an extensive knowledge of Apple's operating system OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard including its installation, settings, troubleshooting, and applications.

Software Certifications[link]

Pro Apps certifications[link]

These certifications are designed for individuals who need a high skill-level in the use of Apple's pro applications or for professionals who provide support for Final Cut Pro software and peripheral devices.

Apple Certified Pro - Level One (pass any single exam from the list below)

• Aperture 3
• Color Correction in Final Cut Pro
• Compressor 3.5
• DVD Studio Pro 4
• Final Cut Express 4
• Final Cut Pro X (Level One)
• Logic Pro 9 (Level One)
• Motion 4
• Sound Editing in Final Cut Studio

Apple Certified Pro - Level Two

• Final Cut Pro X (Level One) and Final Cut Pro X (Level Two)

or

• Logic Pro 9 (Level One) and Logic Pro 9 (Level Two)

Apple Certified Master Pro - Final Cut Studio

• Final Cut Pro X (Level One)

and any three of the following exams:

• Final Cut Pro X (Level Two)
• Color Correction in Final Cut Pro
• Compressor 3.5
• DVD Studio Pro 4
• Motion 4
• Sound Editing in Final Cut Studio

Apple Certified Master Pro - Logic Studio

• Logic Pro 9 (Level One)
• Logic Pro 9 (Level Two)

Xsan 2 Administrator

• Xsan 2 Administration exam (Prometric exam: #9L0-622)

Apple Certified Media Administrator

• Mac OS X Server Essentials v10.5 or v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-509 or 9L0-510)
• Xsan 2 Administration Exam (Prometric exam: #9L0-622)
• Final Cut Server (Prometric exam: #9L0-580)

and any one of the following exams:

• Final Cut Pro X (Level One) (Prometric exam: #9L0-827)
• Mac OS X Support Essentials v10.5 or v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-402 or 9L0-403)
• Mac OS X Deployment v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-623)
• Mac OS X Directory Services v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-624)

IT Professional Certifications[link]

These certifications are designed for IT professionals who support Mac OS X or who perform Mac OS X desktop support and troubleshooting, such as help desk staff, system administrators, service technicians, and service desk personnel. Each certification is specific to the version of OS X it relates to; an administrator who was qualified as ACTC for OS X 10.4 Tiger is not an ACTC for 10.6 Snow Leopard. Recertification exams are available to speed the process of moving from one version to the next. OS X 10.6 exams are only available until 31st May 2012, when they will be withdrawn.

Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP)[link]

ACSP verifies an understanding of Mac OS X core functionality and an ability to configure key services, perform basic troubleshooting, and assist end users with essential Mac OS X capabilities. This certification addresses the technical skills needed by a Mac OS X specialist who works as a support professional or otherwise assists Mac OS X users with technical issues.

Required exams

• Mac OS X Support Essentials v10.6 (Exam: #9L0-403, withdrawn May 31st 2012)

or

• OS X Support Essentials 10.7 Exam (9L0-410)

Apple Certified Technical Coordinator (ACTC)[link]

This certification is designed for entry-level system administrators who provide help desk support to Mac OS X users, as well as maintain the Mac OS X Server platform.

Required exams

• Mac OS X Support Essentials v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-403, withdrawn May 31st 2012)
• Mac OS X Server Essentials v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-510, withdrawn May 31st 2012)

or

• OS X Support Essentials 10.7 Exam (9L0-410)
• OS X Server Essentials 10.7 Exam (9L0-515)

Apple Certified System Administrator (ACSA)[link]

This certification is catered for system administrators managing large multiplatform IT networks using Mac OS X Server and other Apple technologies. The ACSA program has been changed to offer individuals more flexibility and is now focused on individual job functions. Each passed exam earns a specialization certificate and a specific number of credits toward ACSA certification, which requires a total of 7 valid (unexpired) credits. OS X 10.6 is the last version to have this certification, there is no equivalent for OS X 10.7 Lion.

Required exams

• Mac OS X Server Essentials v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-510, withdrawn May 31st 2012)
• Mac OS X Deployment v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-623, withdrawn May 31st 2012)
• Mac OS X Directory Services v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-624, withdrawn May 31st 2012)
• Mac OS X Security & Mobility v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-625, withdrawn May 31st 2012)

Apple Certified Specialist in Deployment (ACS - Deployment)[link]

Verifies the ability to deploy and manage Mac OS X computers and software through the creation of installation packages and system images and the configuration of services including NetBoot and Software Update. OS X 10.6 is the last version to have this certification, there is no equivalent for OS X 10.7 Lion.

Required Exams

• Mac OS X Support Essentials v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-403, withdrawn May 31st 2012)
• Mac OS X Server Essentials v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-510, withdrawn May 31st 2012)
• Mac OS X Deployment v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-623, withdrawn May 31st 2012)

Apple Certified Specialist in Directory Services (ACS - DS)[link]

Verifies the ability to configure Mac OS X computers to access directory servers as well as configure the Open Directory service on Mac OS X Server to provide user accounts and authentication for Macintosh and Windows computers. OS X 10.6 is the last version to have this certification, there is no equivalent for OS X 10.7 Lion.

Required Exams

• Mac OS X Support Essentials v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-403, withdrawn May 31st 2012)
• Mac OS X Server Essentials v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-510, withdrawn May 31st 2012)
• Mac OS X Directory Services v10.6 (Prometric exam #9L0-624)

Apple Certified Specialist in security and Mobility (ACS - SAM)[link]

Verifies the ability to configure Mac OS X Server to provide secure access to a private network, allowing select mobile devices controlled access to internal services. OS X 10.6 is the last version to have this certification, there is no equivalent for OS X 10.7 Lion.

Required Exams

• Mac OS X Support Essentials v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-403, withdrawn May 31st 2012)
• Mac OS X Server Essentials v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-510, withdrawn May 31st 2012)
• Mac OS X Security & Mobility v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-625, withdrawn May 31st 2012)

Apple Certified Media Administrator (ACMA)[link]

Verifies in-depth knowledge of Xsan architecture, including an ability to install and configure systems, architect and maintain networks, customize and troubleshoot services, and integrate Mac OS X, Final Cut Server, and other Apple technologies within an Xsan installation. ACMA certification is for system administrators and technicians working for resellers, post houses, studios or other large facilities. To earn ACMA status, students must pass three required exams and one elective exam as outlined below.

Required Exams

• Mac OS X Server Essentials v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-510)
• Xsan 2 Administration (Prometric exam: #9L0-622, withdrawn May 31st 2012)
• Final Cut Server Level One (Prometric exam: #9L0-980)

Plus one of the following:

• Mac OS X Support Essentials v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-403, withdrawn May 31st 2012)
• Mac OS X Directory Services v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-624, withdrawn May 31st 2012)
• Mac OS X Deployment v10.6 (Prometric exam: #9L0-623, withdrawn May 31st 2012)
• Final Cut Pro Level One (Prometric exam: #9L0-827)

Xsan 2 Administrator[link]

Verifies comprehensive knowledge of Apple's SAN file system for Mac OS X. An Xsan Administrator is responsible for the life cycle of Xsan, including installation, deployment, infrastructure. To earn Xsan Administrator certification, students must pass one exam. Xsan 2 exams are only available until 31st May 2012, when they will be withdrawn following Apple's integration of Xsan into OS X Server 10.7.

Required Exam

• Xsan 2 Administration (Prometric exam: #9L0-622, withdrawn May 31st 2012)

Associate Certifications[link]

Certified Associate certifications are designed for professionals, educators and students to validate their skills in Apple's digital lifestyle and authoring applications and iWork.

Apple Certified Associate in iWork[link]

Required exam

• iWork Level One (Prometric exam: #9L0-806)

List of Apple certification programs[link]

• Apple Authorized Training Centers (AATC)

Hardware[link]

• Apple Certified Macintosh Technician (ACMT)
  • Apple Certified Desktop Technician (ACDT)
  • Apple Certified Portable Technician (ACPT)

Trainers and Training Centers[link]

• Apple Certified Trainer (ACT)
• Apple Authorized Training Centers (AATCs)
• Apple Authorized Training Centers for Education (AATCEs)

Software Certifications[link]

• Apple Certified Pro
  • Final Cut Pro
  • Final Cut Express
  • Color
  • DVD Studio Pro
  • Motion
  • Logic Pro
  • Shake
  • Color Management
  • Xsan for Pro Video
  • Aperture
  • Soundtrack Pro
• Apple Certified Master Pro
  • Final Cut Studio
  • Logic Studio

Mac OS X and IT certifications[link]

• Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP)
• Apple Certified Technical Coordinator (ACTC)
• Apple Certified System Administrator (ACSA)
• Apple Certified Specialist (ACS)
• Apple Certified Media Administrator (ACMA)
• Xsan 2 Administrator

See also[link]

• Apple Specialist
• Genius Bar
• One to One (service)
• Cisco Career Certifications
• Microsoft Certified Professional
• Oracle Certification Program
• Red Hat Certification Program
• Sun Certified Professional
• Ubuntu Certified Professional

References[link]

External links[link]

• Apple's Certification Programs homepage
• Apple's online training locator
• Apple Certified Professionals Registry

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Professional certification, trade certification, or professional designation, often called simply certification or qualification, is a designation earned by a person to assure qualification to perform a job or task. Not all certifications that use post-nominal letters are an acknowledgement of educational achievement, or an agency appointed to safeguard the public interest.

Overview[link]

Certifications are earned from a professional society or from an IT vendor (e.g. Microsoft, Cisco, etc.). In general, must be renewed periodically, or may be valid for a specific period of time (e.g., the lifetime of the product upon which the individual is certified). As a part of a complete renewal of an individual's certification, it is common for the individual to show evidence of continued learning — often termed continuing education — or earning continuing education units (CEU).

Most certification programs are created, sponsored, or affiliated with professional associations, trade organizations, or IT vendors interested in raising standards. Even those programs completely independent from membership organizations enjoy association support and endorsement.

The growth of certification programs is also a reaction to the changing employment market. Certifications are portable, since they do not depend on one company's definition of a certain job. Certification stands about the resume and the professional reference by being an impartial, third-party endorsement of an individual's professional knowledge and experience. Certification provides an impartial, third-party endorsement of an individual's professional knowledge and experience.^[1]

It is important to note that certifications are usually earned from a professional society or educational institute, not the government. If a demonstration of ability or knowledge is required by law before being allowed to perform a task or job, this is referred to as licensure. In the United States, professional licenses are usually issued by state agencies. The certification assessment process, for some organizations, is very similar or even the same as licensure and may differ only in terms of legal status, while in other organizations, can be quite different and more comprehensive than that of licensure. certification and licensure differ only in terms of legal status.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Standard 1100, defines the requirements of meeting the ANSI standard for being a certifying organization. According to ANSI Standard 1100, a professional certifying organization must meet two requirements:

1. Deliver an assessment based on industry knowledge, independent from training courses or course providers.
2. Grant a time-limited credential to anyone who meets the assessment standards.

Certifications are very common in aviation, construction, technology, environment, and other industrial sectors, as well as health care, business, Real estate broker and finance. In USA, the Federal Aviation Administration regulates aviator certifications.

The Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE) is a US-based organization that sets rigorous standards for accreditation of certification programs based on the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing (APA, AERA, NCME). Many members of the Association of Test Publishers (ATP) are also certification organizations.

Types of certifications[link]

There are three general types of certification. Listed in order of development level and portability, they are: corporate (internal), product-specific, and profession-wide.

Corporate, or internal certifications, are made by a corporation or low-stakes organization for internal purposes. For example, a corporation might require a one-day training course for all sales personnel, after which they receive a certificate. While this certificate has limited portability – to other corporations, for example – it is the most simple to develop.

Product-specific certifications are more involved, and are intended to be referenced to a product across all applications. This approach is very prevalent in the information technology (IT) industry, where personnel are certified on a version of software or hardware. This type of certification is portable across locations (for example, different corporations that use that software), but not across other products.

The most general type of certification is profession-wide. Certification in the medical profession is often offered by particular specialties. In order to apply professional standards, increase the level of practice, and possibly protect the public (though this is also the domain of licensure), a professional organization might establish a certification. This is intended to be portable to all places a certified professional might work. Of course, this generalization increases the cost of such a program; the process to establish a legally defensible assessment of an entire profession is very extensive. An example of this is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), which would not be certified for just one corporation or one piece of accountancy software but for general work in the profession.

Areas of certification[link]

Accountancy, Auditing and Finance[link]

There are many professional bodies for accountants and auditors throughout the world; some of them are legally recognized in their jurisdictions. Public Accountants are the accountancy and control experts that are legally certified in different jurisdictions to work in public practices, certifying accounts as statutory auditors, eventually selling advice and services to other individuals and businesses. Today, however, many work within private corporations, financial industry, and government bodies.

Accounting and external auditing

Cf. Accountancy qualifications and regulation

• ACA, FCA or CA (Chartered Accountant) conferred by Institutes of Chartered Accountants in various territories, namely the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.
• ACMA or FCMA (Associate or Fellow Chartered Management Accountant) conferred by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK)
• Associate or Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA or FCCA) conferred by Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (UK)
• AAIA or FAIA (Associate or Fellow International Accountant) conferred by Association of International Accountants
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant) conferred by State Accountancy Boards in the USA, Hong-Kong, Australia...
• PFA (Professional Financial Accountant) from came center and Cairo University
• CMA (Certified Management Accountant) conferred by Institute of Certified Management Accountants (ICMA in Australia), Institute of Management Accountants (IMA in US)
• CCC (Chartered Cost Controllers) issued and conferred by the American Academy of Financial Management USA Certifying Board (AAFM)^[2]
• MIPA or FIPA (Member or Fellow of the Institute of Public Accountants who use the designation "Public Accountant") conferred by the Institute of Public Accountants (Australia)

Internal auditing and fraud combat

• CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), CCSA, CGAP, QAR^{[disambiguation needed ]} conferred by the worldwide recognised Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) headquartered in Altamonte Springs Florida with chapters in many countries
• CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) conferred by the worldwide recognised Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) headquartered in Texas with chapters in many countries
• CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) awarded by the worldwide recognised Information Systems Audit and Control Association headquartered in the USA with chapters in many countries
• CFAP (Certified Forensic Accounting Professional) awarded by the [Indiaforensic Center of Studies] headquartered in India with chapters in many countries

Finance

Investments

• AVA (Acceredited Valuation Analyst) conferred by the The National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA)
• ASA (Acceredited Senior Appraiser) conferred by the American Society of Appraisers
• CBA (Certified Business Appraiser) conferred by the IBA^{[disambiguation needed ]}
• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) conferred by CFA Institute (CFAI)
• CVA (Certified Valuation Analyst) conferred by the The National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA) and The International Association of Consultants, Valuators and Analysts (IACVA)
• CIIA (Certified International Investment Analyst) conferred by the Association of Certified International Investment Analysts (ACIIA)
• FRM (Financial Risk Manager) conferred by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP)
• PRM (Professional Risk Manager) conferred by the Professional Risk Managers' International Associate (PRMIA)^[3]

Personal Finance

• CFP (Certified Financial Planner) conferred by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards and Financial Planning Standards Board
• CWM (Chartered Wealth Manager),^[4] CAM (Chartered Asset Manager),^[5] CTEP (Chartered Trust and Estate Planner)^[6] and CPM (Chartered Portfolio Manager), issued, founded and conferred by the USA Board of Standards American Academy of Financial Management (AAFM)^[7]
• CCP (Certified Credit Professional) issued to credit management professionals in Canada by the Credit Institute of Canada
• EA (Enrolled Agent) by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Public Finance

• CCMT (Certified California Municipal Treasurer) conferred by California Municipal Treasurers Association (CMTA)
• CGAP (Certified Government Auditing Professional) conferred by the Institute of Internal Auditors, based on the US Government Auditing Standards (Yellow Book) and additionally on COSO, IIA standards and INTOSAI ISSAI standards recognized worldwide in public finance
• CGFM (Certified Government Financial Manager) conferred by Association of Government Accountants (AGA)
• CGFO (Certified Government Finance Officer) conferred by Government Finance Officers Association of Texas (GFOAT)
• CMA (Certified Management Accountant) conferred by Institute of Management Accountants
• CPFO (Certified Public Finance Officer) conferred by Government Finance Officers Association
• CPFA (Certified Public Finance Administrator) conferred by Association of Public Treasurers of the United States and Canada (APTUSC)

Aviation[link]

Aviators (Aviation Pilots) are certified through theoretical and in-flight examinations. Requirements for certifications are quite equal in most countries and regulated by each National Aviation Authority. The existing certificates or pilot licenses are:

• PPL (Private Pilot License) conferred by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) or JAA (Joint Aviation Authorities)
• CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence) conferred by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) or JAA (Joint Aviation Authorities)
• ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) conferred by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) or JAA (Joint Aviation Authorities)

Licensing in these categories require not only examinations but also a minimum of flight hours. All categories are available for Fixed-Wing Aircraft (airplanes) and Rotatory-Wing Aircraft (helicopters). Within each category, aviators may also obtain certifications in:

• Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)
• Multi-engine aircraft
• Turbojet Engines
• Jet Engines
• Experimental aircraft
• Amphibious aircraft
• Seaplanes

Usually, aviators must be certified also in their log books for the type and model of aircraft they are allowed to fly. Currency checks as well as regular medical check-ups with a frequency of 6 months, 12 months, or 36 months, depending on the type of flying permitted, are obligatory. An aviator can fly only if holding:

• A valid pilot license
• A valid medical certificate
• Valid certifications for the type of aircraft and type of flight.

In Europe, the ANSP, ATCO & ANSP technicians are certified according to ESARRs [4] (according to EU regulation 2096/2005 "Common Requirements").

Business[link]

Chiropractic[link]

Computer technology[link]

Certification is often used in the professions of software engineering and information technology.

Elections and Voter Registration[link]

Elections and Voter Registration Administrator

• CERA or C.E.R.A. (Certified Elections/Registration Administrator), the highest level of certification available for election administrators, conferred by the Election Center, the National Association of Election Administrators. Instruction and university credit for required coursework is provided by Auburn University.

Environment[link]

• Institute of Professional Environmental Practice – Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP)
• Academy of Board Qualified Environmental Professionals - Certified Environmental Professional (CEP)
• CEnvP – Certified Environmental Practitioner of Australia and New Zealand (CEnvP)

Economic development[link]

The International Economic Development Council, IEDC,^[8] based in Washington, D.C. recognizes economic developers around the world who have achieved a level of excellence in their understanding of the tools and programs of economic development. In order to become a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) one must sit through the exam and fulfill a number of requirements.^[9]

Other professional certifications include certifications such as medical licenses, Membership of the Royal College of Physicians, nursing board certification, diplomas in social work. The Commission for Certification in Geriatric Pharmacy certifies pharmacists that are knowledgeable about principles of geriatric pharmacotherapy and the provision of pharmaceutical care to the elderly. The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies administers a voluntary accreditation program for law enforcement agencies.

See also

• Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists
• Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians
• Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians
• Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons
• Membership of the College of Emergency Medicine
• Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology
• American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Language education[link]

TESOL is a large field of employment with widely varying degrees of regulation. Most provision worldwide is through the state school system of each individual country, and as such the instructors tend to be trained primary- or secondary school teachers that are native speakers of the language of their pupils, not English. Though native speakers of English have been working in non-English speaking countries in this capacity for years, it was not until the last twenty-five years or so that there was any widespread focus on training particularly for this field. Previously, workers in this sort of job were anyone from backpackers hoping to earn some extra travel money to well-educated professionals in other fields doing volunteer work, or retired people. These sort of people are certainly still to be found, but there are many who consider TESOL their main profession.

One of the problems facing these full-time teachers is the absence of international governing body for the certification or licenture of English language teachers. However, Cambridge University and its subsidiary body UCLES are pioneers in trying to get some degree of accountability and quality control to consumers of English courses, through their CELTA and DELTA programs. Trinity College, London has roughly equivalent programs, the CertTESOL and the LTCL DipTESOL. They offer initial certificates in teaching, in which candidates are trained in language awareness and classroom techniques, and given a chance to practice teaching, after which feedback is reported. Both institutions have as a follow-up a professional diploma, usually taken after a year or two in the field. Although the initial certificate is available to anyone with a high school education, the diploma is meant to be a post-graduate qualification and in fact can be incorporated into a Master's degree program.

Legal affairs[link]

An increasing number of lawyers are choosing to be recognized as having special knowledge and experience by becoming certified specialists in certain fields of law. According to the American Bar Association, a lawyer that is a certified specialist has been recognized by an independent professional certifying organization as having an enhanced level of skill and expertise, as well as substantial involvement in an established legal specialty. These organizations require a lawyer to demonstrate special training, experience and knowledge to ensure that the lawyer's recognition as a certified specialist is meaningful and reliable. Lawyer conduct with regard to specialty certification is regulated by the states.

NBLSC is an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited organization providing Board Certification for US Lawyers. Board Certification is a rigorous testing and approval process that officially recognizes the extensive education and courtroom experience of attorneys. NBLSC provides Board Certification for Trial Lawyers & Trial Attorneys, Civil Lawyers, Criminal Lawyers, Family Lawyers and Social Security Disability Lawyers.

Logistics & Transport[link]

Logistician is the Profession in the logistics & transport sectors, including sea, air, land and rail modes. Professional qualification for logisticians usually carry post-nominal letters. Common examples include:

• MILT (Member Institute of Logistics and Transport) conferred by The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT),^[10]
• CMILT (Chartered Member, Institute of Logistics and Transport) conferred by The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)
• FCILT (Chartered Fellow, Institute of Logistics and Transport) conferred by The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)
• CPL/CTP conferred by Transport & Logistics Certification Council (TLCC) of Australia,
• EJLog/ESLog/EMLog conferred by the European Logistics Association (ELA),
• CML^{[disambiguation needed ]}/CPL conferred by the International Society of Logistics (SOLE),
• JrLog/Log/SrLog conferred by the China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing (CFLP),
• FHKLA/PMHKLA conferred by the Hong Kong Logistics Association (HKLA),
• PLS/CTL/DLP conferred by the American Society of Transportation & Logistics (AST&L),
• CPIM/CSCP conferred by the Association for Operations Management (APICS),
• CCS (Certified Customs Specialist) conferred by the (Canadian Society of Customs Brokers) ^[11](CSCB),
• CITT conferred by the Canadian Institute of Traffic & Transportation (CITT),
• ACCL-AMI / ACCL-AMO / ACCL-ABM / ACCL-OBM conferred by the Allied Council for Commerce and Logistics (ACCL)

Medicine[link]

Board certification is the process by which a physician in the United States documents by written, practical and/or computer based testing, illustrating a mastery of knowledge and skills that define a particular area of medical specialization. The American Board of Medical Specialties, a not-for-profit organization, assists 24 approved medical specialty boards in the development and use of standards in the ongoing evaluation and certification of physicians.

Medical specialty certification in the United States is a voluntary process. While medical licensure sets the minimum competency requirements to diagnose and treat patients, it is not specialty specific.^[12] Board certification demonstrate a physician’s exceptional expertise in a particular specialty and/or sub-specialty of medical practice.

Patients, physicians, health care providers, insurers and quality organizations regard certification as an important measure of a physician’s knowledge, experience and skills to provide quality health care within a given specialty.

Healthcare Quality

• CPHQ (Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality) conferred by the Healthcare Quality Certification Board of the National Association for Healthcare Quality

Physical Asset Management[link]

• MMP – Maintenance Management Professional ^[13]
• CMRP – Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) ^[14]

Plumbing[link]

• ASSE (American Society of Sanitary Engineering) ^[15] - an ANSI Accredited standards developer and certification body

Project Management[link]

Certification is of significant importance in the project management (PM) industry. Certification refers to the evaluation and recognition of the skills, knowledge, and/or competence of a practitioner in the field.

Project management certifications come in a variety of flavors:

• Competence-based programs wherein an individual must provide evidence of actual, on-the-job performance
• Knowledge-based programs wherein an individual must pass an exam
• Experience-based programs wherein an individual must provide evidence of training or education in the field.

Combination of Competence-based, Knowledge-based, and Experience-based

• PMP Project Management Professional conferred by the PMI (Project Management Institute)

Knowledged-based

• CAPM Certified Associate in Project Management conferred by the PMI (Project Management Institute)
• PgMP Program Management Professional conferred by the PMI (Project Management Institute)

Experience-based

• CPM (Certified Project Manager) conferred by PMLG - Project Management Leadership Group, Inc

Security[link]

• ASIS International administers the Certified Protection Professional - Board-Certified in Security Management (CPP)
• ASIS International administers the Physical Security Professional, Board-Certified (PSP)
• ASIS International administers the Professional Certified Investigator, Board-Certified (PCI)
• Association of Certified Fraud Examiners administers the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
• International Foundation of Protection Officers administers the Certified Protection Officer (CPO)
• Society of Payment Security Professionals (SPSP) administers the Certified Payment-Card Industry Security Manager
• The Loss Prevention Foundation administers the LPQualified (LPQ) and LPCertified (LPC) credentials

Other applications[link]

• The American Academy of Environmental Engineers board certifies licensed environmental engineers (Board Certified Environmental Engineer—BCEE) and unlicensed environmental engineering practitioners (Board Certified Environmental Engineering Member—BCEEM) for those with a degree in engineering and at least 8 years of practice and responsible charge in environmental engineering.
• The Institute of Professional Environmental Practice certifies qualified environmental professionals (QEP) who have a degree in physical, earth or natural science, engineering or mathematics and at least 5 years of professional environmental work experience.
• The Council-certified Indoor Environmental Consultant (CIEC) certification covers a wide range of indoor environmental quality disciplines focusing on managing indoor environmental quality in relation to building design, maintenance and operations to ensure an optimal environment for building occupants.
• The Canadian National Association of Infrared Imaging Technologists (AIIT) awards the IIT designation to infrared thermographers who meet the training standards regulated by the association. AIIT aims to ensure service delivery standards and public trust through regulating training standards, codes of conduct and continuing education.
• The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators administers ANSI-accredited certification programs for operators of mobile, tower, overhead, and articulating cranes, riggers, signal persons, and crane inspectors.
• The Society for Technical Communication (STC) is planning to create a certification program for technical writers in 2011.
• The National Association of Legal Fee Analysis provides certification for professionals who specialize in attorney fee and legal billing matters.

Criticisms[link]

Many political commentators, particularly libertarians, often criticize professional or occupational licensing, especially medical and legal licensing, for restricting the supply of services and therefore making them more expensive, often putting them out of reach of poor people.^[16][17]

Computer technologies

The current proliferation of IT certifications (both offered and attained)^{[citation needed]}, like the FSI's IT baseline protection certification, has led some technologists to question their value. Proprietary content that has been distributed on the Internet allows some to gain credentials without the implied depth or breadth of expertise. Certifying agencies have responded in various ways: Some now incorporate hands-on elements, anti-cheating methodologies or have expanded their content. Others have expired and restructured their certificate programs, and/or raised their fees to deter abuse.

Certification programs that take into account length of service, and demonstrated experience, via industry peer and/or employer recommendation avoid some of the issues associated with purely passing an examinations; however, certification remains a contentious issue.

Also, some professional certifications require a criminal record check for the certification to be approved. The presence of a criminal history when applying for certification may be grounds for denial of certification.

See also[link]

• Academic Inflation
• Product certification
• European professional qualification directives
• Homologation
• Maintenance of Certification
• Nursing board certification
• Certified Management Consultant
• Professional Certification User Templates Category Pages
• Requirements for becoming a president

References[link]

External links[link]

• NOCA: What is Certification?
• Welcome to ABMS: Improving healthcare quality through board certification
• American Board of Internal Medicine ABIM.org

A programmer, computer programmer, or coder is a person who writes computer software. The term computer programmer can refer to a specialist in one area of computer programming or to a generalist who writes code for many kinds of software. One who practices or professes a formal approach to programming may also be known as a programmer analyst. A programmer's primary computer language (C, C++, Java, Lisp, Python etc.) is often prefixed to the above titles, and those who work in a web environment often prefix their titles with web. The term programmer can be used to refer to a software developer, software engineer, computer scientist, or software analyst. However, members of these professions typically^{[citation needed]} possess other software engineering skills, beyond programming; for this reason, the term programmer is sometimes considered an insulting or derogatory oversimplification of these other professions^{[citation needed]}. This has sparked much debate amongst developers, analysts, computer scientists, programmers, and outsiders who continue to be puzzled at the subtle differences in the definitions of these occupations.^{[1][2][3][4][5]}

British countess and mathematician Ada Lovelace is popularly credited as history's first programmer, as she was the first to express an algorithm intended for implementation on a computer, Charles Babbage's analytical engine, in October 1842, intended for the calculation of Bernoulli numbers.^[6] Her work never ran because Babbage's machine was never completed to a functioning standard in her time; the first programmer to successfully run a program on a functioning modern electronically based computer was pioneer computer scientist Konrad Zuse, who achieved this feat in 1941. The ENIAC programming team, consisting of Kay McNulty, Betty Jennings, Betty Snyder, Marlyn Wescoff, Fran Bilas and Ruth Lichterman were the first regularly working programmers.^[7][8]

International Programmers' Day is celebrated annually on January 7.^[9] In 2009, the government of Russia decreed a professional annual holiday known as Programmers' Day to be celebrated on September 13 (September 12 in leap years). It had also been an unofficial international holiday before that.

Nature of the work[link]

Some of this section is from the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006–07 Edition, which is in the public domain as a work of the United States Government.

Computer programmers write, test, debug, and maintain the detailed instructions, called computer programs, that computers must follow to perform their functions. Programmers also conceive, design, and test logical structures for solving problems by computer. Many technical innovations in programming — advanced computing technologies and sophisticated new languages and programming tools — have redefined the role of a programmer and elevated much of the programming work done today. Job titles and descriptions may vary, depending on the organization.

Programmers work in many settings, including corporate information technology departments, big software companies, and small service firms. Many professional programmers also work for consulting companies at client' sites as contractors. Licensing is not typically required to work as a programmer, although professional certifications are commonly held by programmers. Programming is widely considered a profession (although some^[who?] authorities disagree on the grounds that only careers with legal licensing requirements count as a profession).

Programmers' work varies widely depending on the type of business they are writing programs for. For example, the instructions involved in updating financial records are very different from those required to duplicate conditions on an aircraft for pilots training in a flight simulator. Although simple programs can be written in a few hours, programs that use complex mathematical formulas whose solutions can only be approximated or that draw data from many existing systems may require more than a year of work. In most cases, several programmers work together as a team under a senior programmer’s supervision.

Programmers write programs according to the specifications determined primarily by more senior programmers and by systems analysts. After the design process is complete, it is the job of the programmer to convert that design into a logical series of instructions that the computer can follow. The programmer codes these instructions in one of many programming languages. Different programming languages are used depending on the purpose of the program. COBOL, for example, is commonly used for business applications which are run on mainframe and midrange computers, whereas Fortran is used in science and engineering. C++ is widely used for both scientific and business applications. Java, C# and PHP are popular programming languages for Web and business applications. Programmers generally know more than one programming language and, because many languages are similar, they often can learn new languages relatively easily. In practice, programmers often are referred to by the language they know, e.g. as Java programmers, or by the type of function they perform or environment in which they work: for example, database programmers, mainframe programmers, or Web developers.

When making changes to the source code that programs are made up of, programmers need to make other programmers aware of the task that the routine is to perform. They do this by inserting comments in the source code so that others can understand the program more easily. To save work, programmers often use libraries of basic code that can be modified or customized for a specific application. This approach yields more reliable and consistent programs and increases programmers' productivity by eliminating some routine steps.

Testing and debugging[link]

Programmers test a program by running it and looking for bugs. As they are identified, the programmer usually makes the appropriate corrections, then rechecks the program until an acceptably low level and severity of bugs remain. This process is called testing and debugging. These are important parts of every programmer's job. Programmers may continue to fix these problems throughout the life of a program. Updating, repairing, modifying, and expanding existing programs is sometimes called maintenance programming. Programmers may contribute to user guides and online help, or they may work with technical writers to do such work.

Certain scenarios or execution paths may be difficult to test, in which case the programmer may elect to test by inspection which involves a human inspecting the code on the relevant execution path, perhaps hand executing the code. Test by inspection is also sometimes used as a euphemism for inadequate testing. It may be difficult to properly assess whether the term is being used euphemistically.

Application versus system programming[link]

Computer programmers often are grouped into two broad types: application programmers and systems programmers. Application programmers write programs to handle a specific job, such as a program to track inventory within an organization. They also may revise existing packaged software or customize generic applications which are frequently purchased from independent software vendors. Systems programmers, in contrast, write programs to maintain and control computer systems software, such as operating systems and database management systems. These workers make changes in the instructions that determine how the network, workstations, and CPU of the system handle the various jobs they have been given and how they communicate with peripheral equipment such as printers and disk drives.

Types of software[link]

Programmers in software development companies may work directly with experts from various fields to create software — either programs designed for specific clients or packaged software for general use — ranging from computer and video games to educational software to programs for desktop publishing and financial planning. Programming of packaged software constitutes one of the most rapidly growing segments of the computer services industry.

In some organizations, particularly small ones, workers commonly known as programmer analysts are responsible for both the systems analysis and the actual programming work. The transition from a mainframe environment to one that is based primarily on personal computers (PCs) has blurred the once rigid distinction between the programmer and the user. Increasingly, adept end users are taking over many of the tasks previously performed by programmers. For example, the growing use of packaged software, such as spreadsheet and database management software packages, allows users to write simple programs to access data and perform calculations.

In addition, the rise of the Internet has made Web development a huge part of the programming field. More and more software applications nowadays are Web applications that can be used by anyone with a Web browser. Examples of such applications include the Google search service, the Hotmail e-mail service, and the Flickr photo-sharing service.

Globalization[link]

The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with the United States and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. Please improve this article and discuss the issue on the talk page. (December 2010)

Market changes in the UK[link]

According to BBC, 17% of computer science students could not find work in their field 6 months after graduation in 2009 which was the highest rate of the university majors surveyed while 0% of medical students were unemployed in the same survey.^[10] The UK category system does, however, class such degrees as Information technology and Game design as 'computer science', somewhat inflating the actual figure.^[11]

Market changes in the USA[link]

Computer programming, offshore outsourcing, and Foreign Worker Visas became a controversial topic after the crash of the dot com bubble left many programmers without work or with lower wages. Programming was even mentioned in the 2004 U.S. Presidential debate on the topic of offshore outsourcing.^{[citation needed]}

Large companies claim there is a skills shortage with regard to programming talent. However, U.S. programmers and unions counter that large companies are exaggerating their case in order to obtain cheaper programmers from developing countries and to avoid paying for training in very specific technologies.^{[citation needed]}

Enrollment in computer-related degrees in U.S. has dropped recently due to lack of general interests in science and mathematics and also out of an apparent fear that programming will be subject to the same pressures as manufacturing and agriculture careers.^{[citation needed]} This situation has resulted in confusion about whether the U.S. economy is entering a "post-information age" and the nature of U.S. comparative advantages. Technology and software jobs were supposed to be the replacement for factory and agriculture jobs lost to cheaper foreign labor, but if those are subject to free trade losses, then the nature of the next generation of replacement careers is not clear at this point.^{[citation needed]}

See also[link]

Computer programming portal

• Ada Lovelace - Ada Lovelace Byron's notes on the analytical engine, containing the first algorithm developed by a human being, often cause her to be called "the first computer programmer", even though modern computers would not be developed until roughly a hundred years later, after the invention of first vacuum tubes, then transistors.
• Code monkey
• Development speed
• Game programmer
• Labor shortage
• List of programmers
• List of Russian programmers
• Real Programmer
• Script kiddie
• Software development process
• Software engineering
• Video game developer
• Women in computing
• ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest

References[link]

Further reading[link]

• Weinberg, Gerald M., The Psychology of Computer Programming, New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1971
• An experiential study of the nature of programming work: Lucas, Rob. "Dreaming in Code" New Left Review 62, March-April 2010, pp. 125-132.

External links[link]

Look up programmer or coder in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

• "The Future of IT Jobs in America" article
• How to be a programmer - An overview of the challenges of being a programmer
• The US Department of Labor's description of "Computer Programmer" and "Computer Software Engineer" and statistics for employed "Computer Programmers"