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Associate Computing Professional (ACP)
What Examinations are there? What are the
requirements for the ACP: Core, plus one Specialty or one language
examination.
What is the ACP professional
Designation?
Careers in the computing industry are more
sought after today than ever before, and those who can prove themselves
are the ones who will get ahead.
The ACP designation is the proof that shows
employers you've got what they're looking for. It's an additional
emphasis of your desire to succeed and your dedication to the
industry.
The ACP designation was developed to validate
an individual's knowledge of the general computing industry and
specific programming language or specialty area knowledge and
skills. The Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals'
(ICCP) exams allow candidates to test themselves against the industry's
Common Body of Knowledge (CBOK) as established by the Test Councils
of the ICCP. Additionally, the ICCP assists in identifying specific
strengths within the candidate's area of expertise.
ACP holders receive the international recognition
of ICCP certifications and earn the privilege of using the designation,
ACP, after their name and on their business cards. The ACP designation
is recognized by educational institutions, employers and professional
associations as a solid indication of ones knowledge and commitment
to the progressive computing industry.
The ACP designation is ideal for the person
new to the computing industry or for the recent college
graduate who wishes to gain professional credentials substantiating
their level of computing knowledge.
Recognition for College Credit: Another significant
advantage is that ICCP examinations have been evaluated, approved
and recommended for college credit by the American Council on
Education (ACE). ACE is an independent, nonprofit organization
representing more than 1,500 colleges and universities. Successful
candidates may earn up to 25 college credit hours.
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What Qualifications
do I Need?
There is no experience prerequisite for this
designation; however an ACP candidate must follow the ICCP Code
of Ethics and Good Conduct and successfully complete two examinations.
The exams are the core exam and a language exam with a minimum
exam score of 50% to earn the ACP designation.
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ACP Qualifications
change
Now you can take the Core IT Knowledge and
Skills examination and select any one of the specialty examinations
to fulfill your qualification towards receiving the ACP. You must
still pass at 50% or more for the Core IT Skills examination and
achieve a minimum of 50% for any one other ICCP examination. At
the professional CCP level you must achieve 70% or more on each
individual examination. Any examination passed at 70% or more
counts automatically towards your CCP qualification.
Effective Jan 2004, ACP holders must now participate
in the Recertification program. ACP holders must earn 60 hours
during each 3 year cycle and pay the $35 annual fee. See Recertification
section for details.
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Can I Take the Certification
Program Locally?
ICCP examinations are available locally via
computer-based testing or paper and pencil. Please contact the
ICCP office (800)-843-8227 to arrange for a proctor at either
your school, college, library, or professional association office.
The AITP in the USA and CIPS in Canada provide
these services in North America.
Once you receive your confirmation letter
from the ICCP, you can make your examination appointments through
the convenient toll-free hotline. If you need to reschedule your
exam date and/or time, you must do so within 48 hours of your
appointment or risk losing your exam fee.
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How Much Does It Cost?
- Core Examination USD$250.00/each
- Specialty Exam USD$250.00/each
- Language Exam USD$145.00/each
For the CCP you need to pass the Core plus two specialty
examinations costing $750 USD.
For the ACP you need to pass the Core plus one language
examination costing $395 USD. Alternatively the Core plus one
specialty examination costing $500 USD.
*Fees are non-refundable and may be tax deductible.
Check with your tax advisor.
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How Do I Prepare for the
Examinations?
The examinations are based on self-study by
the candidate. Contact the ICCP and request the Guide to Certification
as a Computing Professional. This publication is FREE.
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What Do I Need to Do to
Get Started?
It's simple! Call the ICCP at (800) 843-8227
or (847) 299-4227. You will need to identify that you are applying
for the ACP designation. Then, sign up for the core exam and the
programming language of your choice. You will receive a confirmation
letter within 15 business days of application. You will then have
90 days in which to sit for the exams.
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