FCPX Exam Preparation Guide for level One Associate Level Certifications

All,

Many thanks to Chris Roberts for the link


Final Cut Pro X
Exam Preparation Guide for the Level One and Associate Level Certifications

I found an error when they discuss insert gap clip, wrong shortcut its option w not what they say

Yes, page 24, says Opt+], but it is Opt+W. All other instances are correct, though.

These are simply a collection of the Q&A out of the Apple Pro Training Series book. Having taken it, and the much more difficult Trainers test, the actual test is much harder and more detailed than simply the questions in the book. Know that book really, really well!

Also, Peachpit will have "Test Yourself" apps for FCP X and Motoin 5 soon.
www.peachpit.com/promotions/promotion.aspx?promo=138334

hoping the trainers test isnt like the old motion one, cant see how it would be though, unless it is asking how audio plugins are used for mastering I think I will be OK

going to try today or early next week

Actually Apple's tests have gotten much better over the years. They've done a lot to improve them. Not sure what you mean about the old Motion test. No test every asked about plugins, either.

You will be shown a LOT of graphics, and asked what happened to cause that state, or if something happens, which graphic is the final state. It's a very visual test, surprisingly.

If you've done the book, cover to cover, twice, and have actually produced a couple of projects, you should be fine.

Apple also has a change in testing. Used to be you could take the FCP Level 1 test at any ProMetric testing center. Can't do that anymore. You can only take Apple certification tests at Apple Authorized Training Centers now.

If anyone is going to take the tests, and wants me to throw out some questions for review, I can get on iChat or Yahoo and chat some questions at you.

You're right about specific instances but there was a question when I sat the exam about the stacking order of plug-ins and the importance of knowing about the hierarchy and its effect on the footage (FCP Studio).

I just got an email invite from Apple to do the new FCPX exam and I purchased the Diana Weynard book, but she wrote and published (this week) prior to the update and I suspect that Roles will play a part of the new exam, from your knowledge BenB has the exam been updated since the official exam prep books came out?

Cheers

Lee

If it's not in the APTS book, it's not on the exam. The APTS book is the text book we use for Apple Authorized Training, which is the info on the exam. If the book doesn't mention Roles, it's not in the exam. The book is the exam, the exam is the book, period. The new stuff in the 10.0.1 release are being put in the advanced book.

Tests are only "updated" for major release number updates, which coincide with an update of the actual book. The book and exam are one and the same, period. One never updates without the other updating the exact same information.

Filter hierarchies were on the old exams, and were important. But I don't recall any problem with the question about it. Filters go in series from top down, rearranging them can give different results. What did you have problems with on that question?

me? none. I passed with flying colours, I was only mentioning that the filter hierarchy was part of the exam and to my memory it was the only place where plugins are referenced.
Good to know that the APTS book is good for the exam, thanks for that:)

Yeah, Apple doesn't ask about specific filters or effects, but will ask about the mechanics of how they work under the hood. FCP 7 did have one question where they showed an image with a Desaturate, Tint, and Borders filters on it. If you knew how filters worked, with some thought, you could figure it out. But no, nothing about specific filters, nothing about Roles, nothing about XML.

Now, "register" your book with Peachpit Press, cause they occasionally publish addendum material on their web site for the books. In fact, here's an "update" to the book Peachpit just released for the ATPS: FCP X book.

"Errata
Updates & Errata

Because Apple may provide software updates via the Mac App Store, we strongly recommend that you register your book at www.peachpit.com/register . You will need to sign up for a free account if you do not already have one. This will allow us to provide you with notification of updates to the book when available.

Apple recently released Final Cut Pro version 10.0.1, which introduces new features that are not covered in the Apple Pro Training Series book "Final Cut Pro X" by Diana Weynand. However, all exercises and review questions remain correct.

The new Roles metadata labels let you organize clips, control the appearance of the Timeline, and export separate video or audio files (also known as media stems). While it does not affect the exercises, the new Roles column does not appear in the screenshots of the Timeline Index that appear in Lesson 4 on pages 134, 135, 136; in Lesson 5 on page 167; in Lesson 10 on pages 358 and 367; and Lesson 12 on page 459. Working with Roles and media stems will be covered in the Apple Pro Training Series book, “Final Cut Pro X: Advanced Editing.”

Version 10.0.1 lets you add a transition to a connected clip or between multiple connected clips without manually creating a secondary storyline. In Lesson 7, the exercise has you create a storyline first and then add a transition. While the exercise will still work as described, if you use version 10.0.1, you can simply apply a transition to the connected clips and Final Cut Pro will automatically create a storyline."

Thanks again. I am registered with Peachpit but I didn't get an email from them with this update, went online and found it under the updates tab as you mentioned. Thanks BenB:)
note. here in the UK I use the Book Depository as Pearson Education are more expensive and I've had trouble accessing the discounts offered to US Peachpit users.

Naw, they never email like they say they do. You just have to check occasionally. Let me know how the test goes, what you thought about it. Best of luck!

Hi BenB,

I really need sample questions for FCPX 101. Hope you can share it with me.

Here's my email:
macapangyarihan@gmail.com

Thanks!

Here's all the info on Pro User certifications.
The "Exam Prep Guide" has practice questions, but I must warn you about it. It is only the questions from the end of each lesson in the book, simply put all in one place. And the actual test gets more detailed than the practice questions.

training.apple.com/certification/proapps

Here's the simply fact about these tests:
If you want to pass the Pro User test for any Apple app, KNOW THE APTS BOOK COVER TO COVER, period. Anything that is not the "Apple Pro Training Series" books can give you alternative workflows that are contrary to the test, terminology that can lead you astray on the test. The test is the wording, workflow, example, direct information from it's corresponding APTS series book. The book is the test, the test is the book, nothing else matters for these tests.

IF you can afford to get to an Apple Authorized Training Center (AATC) and take the Apple Authorized Training for the test, it will give you a boost towards passing the test. The class alone won't prepare you for the test, but can be a huge help. Having an experienced trainer giving you pointers can really help. But it is not necessary to take the class before taking the test, only recommended.

I recall about 2 years ago Apple gave some of us trainers a bit of info. Something like 75% of all people who take an Apple Pro User cert test fail on the first try, due to being unprepared for the depth and detail in the test. Of those who pass on the first try, something like 60-some-odd percent of those had taken the class first. But with X, I've no clue how those statistics will work out, if they'll change or not.

My advice: Don't depend on memorizing practice questions, that'll lead you to flunk the test. Get a fell for the text from the practice questions, but the actual test questions are more difficult. Do the book cover to cover at least twice, if not three times. Know that book very, very well, and you'll pass the test.

The test is short, very challenging, and can ask you about anything mentioned in the book. Do not expect this to be easy! "I've been using FCP for 5 years, I can pass that test easy!" are very famous last words. You'd be amazed how many long time experienced, "self taught" FCP users I've seen fail that test. Or how many come to my classes, and half way through the first day are blown away with how much they do NOT know, and at the end of the class blown away by how much faster and easier they could work then. "Self Taught" is a red flag for me when evaluating editors. NLE's are way to complex and deep to be "self taught".

fully agree with everything that BenB says. I had 10+ years behind me when I went into the exam. got 78%. failed. the pass was 82%. main reason for failure? I had my own names for the various parts of the UI and for the functions in the operations. when you come from a mixed background of Avid/premier/AEon Windows/Mac you know what to do and might be able to edit like lightening but the exam is very, very, very specific about terminology and 'proper' workflow. Just a friendly warning:) I got my wife to run through all the questions in the Official book and test me on all the shortcuts second time round. (sneaked a pass;))
The other thing is, be sure you have a reason for sitting the exam, self funding is expensive and I found that the only benefit was being able to use the badge, it didn't have work flooding my door. However, it does create a sense of ease/trust in the mind of current and potential clients. Good Luck

BenB wrote: "I've been using FCP for 5 years, I can pass that test easy!" are very famous last words.

a true classic :lol:

I'm tempted to take the associate test, just for the heck of it, but I still haven't really figured out what the Apple certification really gives you, besides a nice logo for you business card and some bragging rights.
(I'm not working in the "industry" per se. Employed at a junior college on a remote Pacific island to do PSA's and stuff, and doing some freelance work some now and then.)

It helps those just starting out from film school or whatever.

It helps those changing from one specific job title (script supervisor) to another (editor).

It helps when you apply for a job, and it's the only difference between your resume and the other applicants.

Is great for academic or corporate employment, the cert on the wall helps with the trust they have in you, "if" your work, after the cert, actually reflects that you now work at a new level of efficiency and knowledge.

Otherwise, no, it won't do crap for you "by itself".

"BY ITSELF", no certification means anything. Just like a college degree. "YOU" have to use it as a tool and encourage potential employers and clients to hire you. Just being on a business card, or on a web page, won't change shit. But if you "package" it properly, it can make a difference.

And if you can't package this certification in a way that promotes (tells a story about) "you", you can't do anything to promote or tell a story about other people, and need to get out of the promotion / telling-a-story business.

Sorry, I think I came over a bit harsh and ignorant. As I said, I'm not working directly in the industry (and preparing more for retirement than career) - came into videography rather by accident.

Enjoy!!!!

Thanks! I enjoy it already since FCP 3

BenB,

Can I take you up on your offer to throw some FCPX Exam questions at me?
I am taking the exams in the next two and a half weeks. I am trying to talk myself into not being a little nervous, not sure I am doing a good job at it! I did the FCP certification back in 2005 and passed with 91%.

I am following your advice of doing APTS FCPX the second time around starting tonight. Thanks again for your help let me know when you can chat. (artiko27@gmail.com).

Artiko