Apple FC Certification worth it?

[Brian Boyko]

I'm thinking about going for Apple certification as a shortcut to get my foot in the door - I've got an M.A. in Journalism but I'm stuck in text and the Web - and since I'm too encumbered with bills to take an internship, I'm hoping this might help me land an entry-level job in video.

Is getting Apple certification worth it, or is it like the DeVry air conditioning repair degree for video geeks?

[Michael Wisniewski]

You'll get better results focusing on your experience, reel, and communications skills, much more important to an employer. I have the FCP Level 1 Certification, only because it came bundled with an editing class. The certification logo is on my reel, resume, and business card, after 6 editing jobs, I have yet to find anyone who took it seriously, or even mentioned it. So it's there mainly for my ego.

Personally, it is nice to have and when I get the chance, I intend on getting the 2nd and maybe 3rd instructor level. But, it's not a real world test. All it means is that your familiar with the FCP application. For editing, people want to see the reel and measure whether they can work with you.

One caveat, I have seen some purely technical post-house production jobs, where certification might come in handy, but that's not my thing, baby.