What Avid Certified User (ACU) certifications are available?
Where do I take the exam?
What topics are covered in these certifications?
Do I have to take courses before taking the certification exam?
Can I take all the courses and the exam through ALEX?
Where can I purchase the Certification Kit?
What is ALEX?
Do I need further practice before taking the exam?
What if I fail the exam?
What courses should I take in preparation for the exam?
What are the benefits of ALEX online learning?
What are the benefits of obtaining Avid User Certification?
I’ve read through all the FAQs, but you haven’t answered mine.
What Avid Certified User (ACU) certifications are available?[top]
There are two available certifications:
- ACU - Xpress Pro
- ACU - Media Composer
Where do I take the exam?[top]
Each multiple-choice exam is given in the ALEX online environment, which you can take in your own surroundings or at an Avid Authorized Education Center (AAEC). Your score is calculated and displayed as soon as you finish the exam. When you complete the exam, you will be prompted to contact Avid Training Services to verify your results and receive instructions for claiming your certificate.
What topics are covered in these certifications?[top]
Editing, input and output, basic effects, creating titles with Avid Marquee, and color correcting shots and sequences.
Do I have to take courses before taking the certification exam?[top]
While you can take a certification exam without taking courses, keep in mind that the exams are based on Avid courseware, which gives you the full range of features and functionality that you need to become an expert Avid system user. The core training is provided by online courses, all available in ALEX, Avid’s web-based learning environment. Required courses are also available in the classroom which are taught at Avid Technology headquarters in Tewksbury, MA, as well as at Avid Authorized Education Centers worldwide.
Can I take all the courses and the exam through ALEX?[top]
Yes, the ALEX subscriptions, available through the Avid webstore, include all ACU required courses (Media Composer and Xpress Pro). The certification exams are also available for purchase separately (Media Composer Exam and Xpress Pro Exam).
Where can I purchase the Certification Kit?[top]
The ALEX subscriptions, available through the Avid webstore, include all ACU required courses (Media Composer and Xpress Pro). The certification exams are also available for purchase separately (Media Composer Exam and Xpress Pro Exam).
What is ALEX?[top]
Avid Learning Excellerator™ (ALEX) is a web-based learning environment, available 24-7 at http://learn.avid.com. ALEX delivers a rich blend of dynamic online content, which you can personalize based on your own learning goals and needs. It currently offers many courses for people using Avid post and broadcast systems. Most online courses include lessons, interactive exercises, and quizzes, and were developed and delivered by educators in the Avid Training Services department at Avid Technology.
Do I need further practice before taking the exam?[top]
Yes. We strongly recommend at least three months of practice on an Avid editing system before taking the exam.
What if I fail the exam?[top]
You pass the exam with a score of 80 or above. You have two chances to pass the exam. If you fail the first time, you may request your complimentary second-attempt by notifying Avid Training Services of your results (you will be prompted to notify them, regardless of your results, at the conclusion of the exam). Please go back and review those areas in which you need more practice. When you are ready, you can re-take the exam from within your ALEX account.
What courses should I take in preparation for the exam?[top]
We strongly suggest that you take the following ALEX or classroom courses to prepare for certification:
ALEX Courses
PE112 Introduction to Avid Marquee
PE130 Input and Output Essentials for Avid Editing Systems
XP101 Editing with Xpress Pro OR MC101 Editing with Media Composer
XP110 Xpress Pro Effects OR MC110 Media Composer Effects
PE239 Color Correction with Media Composer and Xpress Pro
Classroom Courses
XP101 Editing with Xpress Pro OR MC101 Editing with Media Composer
XP110 Xpress Pro Effects OR MC110 Media Composer Effects
PE239 Color Correction with Media Composer and Xpress Pro
Note: PE112 and PE130 material is covered in the XP101 and MC101 classroom course. If you take the XP101 or MC101 in the classroom, you do not have to enroll in the ALEX versions of PE112 and PE130.
For more detailed information regarding these courses, please see Descriptions of ACU Classes.
What are the benefits of ALEX online learning?[top]
- Provides you with industry-leading educational content, which is fully created by educational professionals at Avid Technology
- Standardizes the quality and content of training
- Enables you to progress at your own speed
- You are enrolled in ALEX courses for one year, so you can go back to lessons when you would like a refresher
- If used in an academic institution, ALEX gives the classroom teacher extra time to focus on student projects, editing esthetics etc.
What are the benefits of obtaining Avid User Certification?[top]
- Official Avid Certified User certificate
- Inclusion in the Avid Certified User (ACU) Database
- Industry-recognized credential that will help you launch a career in media production and post-production
- Ability to use the ACU logo on business cards and resumes
- Differentiation from the competition
I’ve read through all the FAQs, but you haven’t answered mine.[top]
Please send your question to trainingservices@avid.com and be sure to write "ACU Question" in the Subject field.