@tron_jones Yep.

If you haven't purchased/reviewed the 101 and 201 books, you will likely struggle with the exam.
I'll also mention, since @davidacland didn't, that his employer, Amsys, makes an awesome exam simulation iOS app called Revise IT. The questions are similar to, but not the same as, what you will see on the exam. The format is 100% the same as the exam. If you can cruise through the chapters and the practice tests, you'll probably do fine. If you have issues, you may struggle.

There is also an exam preparation guide on training.apple.com, which includes "know these concepts" along with some practice questions. Take the time to review this. This will help gauge if you are ready.

As with all certification exams, read the question, review the answers presented, then re-read the question. It's very easy to mis-interpret what they are asking and provide the wrong answer. If you don't know, or are guessing, mark the question, then proceed. Review all of your marked questions at the end of the exam. You typically have 120 minutes for 80 questions, which should allow plenty of time to go back through and review those you are uncertain about.

This is just my advice, having taken dozens of these exams since the 10.4 days, and taught a bunch of 101 and 201 classes and bootcamps. Others may have some great ideas/tips/advice here...

To the best of my knowledge, there still isn't a non-proctored flavor of the 10.10 re-cert.

Pearson reports: "The 9L0-528 is going to be scheduled at a testing center."

(Blow-by-blow chat with Pearson below.)

Greetings:

I was able to take the ACTC 10.9 Recertification Exam from my office.

Is the same true of "9L0-528: ACTC 10.10 Recertification Exam" ?


Please wait for a site operator to respond.
Thank you for contacting Pearson VUE Live Chat. My name is 'Jackie'. Please allow me a moment as I look into your inquiry.


Jackie: I would be happy to look into that for you.

Dan: Thanks.

Jackie: Unfortunately, Pearson VUE is not able to determine if exams offered by AppleCare are the same or which exams would be. Please refer to the Apple website to speak with a representative.

Dan: This isn't an AppleCare exam.

Jackie: This would also apply to Apple IT and Pro Apps.

Jackie: We are unable to determine which exams would be required for re certification.

Dan: I know which exam is required; I don't know if I have to take the exam at a testing center or if I can take the test in my office.

Dan: So, can I cancel my purchase if I don't start the exam?

Jackie: The cancellation policy would be different. I am not showing you are currently scheduled for an exam. I would recommend verifying the exam you would need to take before purchasing.

Dan: I know I need to take "9L0-528: ACTC 10.10 Recertification Exam"

Dan: What I don't know if that if I can take it in my office or if I have to go to a testing center.

Jackie: For exam 9L0-528, there are two options to schedule. You have the option of taking this online or at a testing center.

Dan: Excellent.

Jackie: Is there anything else I can assist you with today?

Dan: I didn't see the scheduling options; can you hold while I try to purchase the exam?

Jackie: I am able to stand by for 2 minutes.

Dan: Thanks

Jackie: You're welcome.

Dan: Well, I've been able to proceed to the "Enter Payment" step; does that mean that I can schedule this exam online?

Jackie: That is correct!

Dan: Nice.

Jackie: Is there anything else I can assist you with today?

Dan: To confirm, if I had to take this at a testing center, I wouldn't have been able to proceed this far?

Jackie: We would collect payment at the time of scheduling. Even if it were at one of our testing centers. You would have been able to proceeded the same way with scheduling.

Dan: Oh … so how do I know for certain that this exam can be scheduled online?

Jackie: Did you have the option to select a testing center?

Jackie: The entire code of the exam is 9L0-524NP. The NP stands for Non Proctored.

Dan: Ah …

Dan: "9L0-524NP: ACTC 10.9 Recertification Exam" is the one I've already passed

Dan: "9L0-528: ACTC 10.10 Recertification Exam" is the one I need to take

Jackie: Sorry, the 9L0-528 is going to be scheduled at a testing center.

Dan: When I enter "9L0-528NP" I receive the following error: "The Private Access Code is not valid. Please review the code to be sure you have typed it correctly."

Jackie: The exam 9L0-528NP, is going to be taken online.

Jackie: If you are not able to find the "Private Access Code" please follow the link to website where they can find it: http://training.apple.com/certification/onlinecert

Jackie: Unfortunately, this is not provided by Pearson VUE.

Dan: Apple's site directs me to you

Jackie: You would need a proctored code which is given by Apple. Pearson VUE does not have a list of these codes.

Dan: So, I guess my new question is: "What's the private test code for 9L0-528: ACTC 10.10 Recertification Exam" ?

Jackie: Please refer to the website I have provided above.

Jackie: http://training.apple.com/certification/onlinecert

Dan: That site refers me to your site.

Jackie: Unfortunately, you will need to contact an Apple representative as Pearson VUE does not have access to the Private Access Codes.

Jackie: Do you have any other questions for me, other than the online testing?

Dan: OK. Thanks.

Jackie: You're welcome. Is there anything else I can help you with?

Dan: One last try … you have no way of providing me the "9L0-524NP: ACTC 10.9 Recertification Exam" equivalent of "9L0-528: ACTC 10.10 Recertification Exam" ?

Dan: I'm happy to hold.

Jackie: That is correct. We can not advise you of which recertification exam you would need to take. It is Apple issuing the certification, not Pearson VUE.

Jackie: Is there anything else in the meantime?

Dan: Don't think so. Thanks.

Jackie: You're welcome.

Jackie: Thank you for contacting Pearson VUE Live Chat. Once you close the chat window, please use the Exit Survey to rate the assistance you just received. This is done to help us improve our service to you. If you have any further questions or inquiries, please contact us again. Have a great day!
Thank you for contacting Pearson VUE and have a great day.

I've reached out to PearsonVUE support and Apple Certification folks, both have reiterated that ACSP/ACTC recerts are proctored as stated here:

http://training.apple.com/certification/osxyosemite

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Lame.

They really had a great system going.

Now only ACN members get the code.

"Now only ACN members get the code." looks that way

apple tells me to delete my domain = macspectrum.com and they will 'consider' my application for ACN membership afterwards

i have had 'macspectrum' for over 25 years....

I just heard this morning that the ACTC will no longer be offered. Anyone else hear that same thing?

For anyone that has been following this thread, I discovered this evening that the ACTC 10.10 Re-cert exam is still available online.I just logged into my Pearson VUE account and found it. Their support also confirmed it was available online.

@BenL This page seems to back up what you heard...

http://www.amsys.co.uk/2016/01/os-x-el-capitan-certified-courses-arrived/