Prepare for Certification with Free Apple Resources

Having certified skills in device support, deployment, and management is a key differentiator for school IT staff. Certification shows you can confidently plan, deploy, troubleshoot, and maintain Apple devices at scale. Certified technicians can reduce downtime, decrease help desk volume, improve security, and boost staff satisfaction as well as productivity, enabling educators to deliver engaging, uninterrupted learning experiences.

Apple offers two certifications related to technical support and device management:

• Apple Certified Support Professional — awarded after passing the Device Support exam
• Apple Certified IT Professional — awarded after passing the Deployment and Management exam

To get your staff started on the path to these certifications, Apple provides a pair of free online resources that cover the learning objectives of each exam. In today’s article, let’s explore the Apple Device Support and Apple Deployment and Management courses, and how they empower your team with the skills necessary to support your modern learning environment. 

Apple Device Support: Troubleshoot with Confidence

The Apple Device Support course prepares your staff to work with Apple devices in Level 1 and Level 2 help desk roles. It covers core knowledge needed for supporting a diverse mix of Apple devices commonly found in schools.

You will learn essential skills, including:

• Setting up and restoring Macs, iPads, and iPhones
• Managing network, privacy, and security preferences
• Using diagnostic tools to troubleshoot device issues
• Supporting students and teachers quickly and efficiently
• Preparing for the Apple Device Support exam, again including sample questions and study resources

This course provides clear, practical tutorials that fit school IT workflows. Whether unlocking a device, managing Wi‑Fi errors, or using FileVault, these skills help staff maintain reliable technology in your classrooms.

Apple Deployment and Management: Managing Devices at Scale

The Apple Deployment and Management course teaches you how to deploy, secure, and manage Apple devices across the school network. Up-to-date with the latest versions of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, this course shows you how to use Apple’s MDM tools effectively for device configuration and management workflows.

You will explore critical topics, such as:

• Planning your MDM rollout, including enrollment strategies and infrastructure requirements
• Preparing your environment, such as networking, certificates, and device supervision
• Device enrollment workflows that support automated setup and streamlined onboarding
• Day-to-day device management—configuring settings, deploying apps, and pushing updates
• Redeploying devices and managing device recycling at the end of life
• Preparing for the Apple Deployment and Management exam, including practice questions and objectives

This tutorial guides you step-by-step with illustrations, animations, and hands-on exercises that reinforce learning, making it easy to apply real-world practices to your specific MDM.

How to Get Started...And Cross the Finish Line

1. Review course structure: Each course has an intuitive menu system that guides you through topics such as enrollment mechanics, network readiness, security setup, and live device management
2. Assemble materials: The first chapter of each course tells you which devices and software you’ll need to have ready to perform the associated tutorials
3. Follow step-by-step tutorials: Interactive exercises walk you through key workflows step by step. Try them out in a lab or test environment for hands-on practice
4. Apply learning on real devices: Using iPads and Macs in your environment strengthens understanding and reveals unique school-specific requirements
5. Prepare for the Exam: Each chapter includes a self-guided quiz you can use to check your understanding. A full practice exam (account creation required) is also available for each certification
6. Take the proctored online certification exam: Once confident in your abilities, schedule and pass the paid examto earn your digital badge. You can even take these exams remotely, making it easier to fit into your schedule

Why It Matters

Certified staff demonstrate real-world expertise and a strong grasp of best practices. Schools benefit through smoother onboarding, faster issue resolution, and fewer system disruptions. And public recognition, such as digital badges shareable on professional platforms like Credly, boosts team morale and aids in staff retention. In summary, certification supports: 

• Higher confidence and competence in device deployment and support
• Reduced classroom downtime, with faster issue resolution
• A more secure and compliant deployment, following Apple-approved practices
• Better team morale and professional growth, thanks to certification and recognition
• Scalability and flexibility, as MDM workflows let you onboard new devices without disrupting learning

Apple’s online training for Device Support and Deployment helps your IT staff can gain skills that translate into stronger support for teachers and more time for instruction. These courses are free, accessible, and self-paced, making them easy to fit into a busy schedule. Best of all, certified staff can ensure that your school stays at the forefront of Apple device management, and can take advantage of new features as soon as they are released. 

Encourage your team to certify as soon as possible. For more information about these and other Apple certifications, contact your local Apple sales team.