Final Cut Pro Level 1 Certification: Difficult? at DVinfo.net

James Wong · August 31st, 2005, 10:03 PM

I got my first Mac back in July and Final Cut Studio to boot. Went through "Apple Pro Training Series: FCP 5" by Diana Weynand and just finished it. From this and general usage of FCP for my own projects, how difficult is Level 1 certification? I'm tentatively taking the exam in October at a local editing school.

Thanks in advance.

Xander Christ · August 31st, 2005, 10:10 PM

I took the FCP 4.5 HD test. While the test is not too terribly difficult, they do throw some zingers in there. As with any program, there is more than one way to do a task. Just make sure you know "Apple's" way. Also, make sure you know your shortcuts and know a little bit about Soundtrack and Motion.

The hardest part about the test was the fact there were no pictures, so you've got to recall what screens look like and what's under every menu (in addition to keyboard shortcuts). This is really kinda stupid since Mac users tend to be more 'visual' oriented.

Apple needs to rethink their test. Hopefully the FCP 5 test is more visual based.

I got my certification, so it can't be too hard. :)

Kevin Wild · August 31st, 2005, 10:52 PM

Hmm, this is interesting to me. What is the goal of certification? Is it so you can teach FCP or is it so you can tech support or edit? These are totally different tests, in my opinion.

I've edited on FCP literally since the day 1.0 shipped. I do all sorts of stuff including b'cast shows (one that aired tonight on Discovery Health, actually, but it was done on AVID...ugh), etc. I bet I would fail that test.

I'd love to hear more about the specifics, though, if you have a chance. Since I do some teaching, it might be nice to have it.

Kevin

James Wong · August 31st, 2005, 11:31 PM

Thanks, Xander. I think I'll do okay, and the training book was actually fun to go through. Some "aha's" along the way. Strange how it's not visual at all though, as you say... I appreciate the tips.

Kevin: I've had a crap time finding any editing position (even so much as an internship) to prove that I am interested in doing this as a full time career. I've had a lot of time to sit at home, and since I just got into FCP recently, I figured, go all the way with it while slowly working on my own things. The certification I'm going for is end-user certification, not training certification. But they have that, too. The latter is most likely for you :)

Kevin Wild · September 1st, 2005, 06:41 PM

Good luck jumping in, James. Do anything you can do to get into a facility that might push some work to you. You're right about interning. No way will people hire you as an editor if you're just starting out. Get an internship, do all the stuff necessary to learn the facilities ways and volunteer to do some projects at night for them. It's a good way to get confidence from the employer.

Just my $.02. Hope it helps.

Kevin

August 31st, 2005, 10:03 PM	#1
James Wong Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 58	Final Cut Pro Level 1 Certification: Difficult? I got my first Mac back in July and Final Cut Studio to boot. Went through "Apple Pro Training Series: FCP 5" by Diana Weynand and just finished it. From this and general usage of FCP for my own projects, how difficult is Level 1 certification? I'm tentatively taking the exam in October at a local editing school. Thanks in advance. __________________ James Wong / www.hindsightproject.com

August 31st, 2005, 11:31 PM	#4
James Wong Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 58	Thanks, Xander. I think I'll do okay, and the training book was actually fun to go through. Some "aha's" along the way. Strange how it's not visual at all though, as you say... I appreciate the tips. Kevin: I've had a crap time finding any editing position (even so much as an internship) to prove that I am interested in doing this as a full time career. I've had a lot of time to sit at home, and since I just got into FCP recently, I figured, go all the way with it while slowly working on my own things. The certification I'm going for is end-user certification, not training certification. But they have that, too. The latter is most likely for you :) __________________ James Wong / www.hindsightproject.com

August 31st, 2005, 10:10 PM	#2
Xander Christ Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 115	I took the FCP 4.5 HD test. While the test is not too terribly difficult, they do throw some zingers in there. As with any program, there is more than one way to do a task. Just make sure you know "Apple's" way. Also, make sure you know your shortcuts and know a little bit about Soundtrack and Motion. The hardest part about the test was the fact there were no pictures, so you've got to recall what screens look like and what's under every menu (in addition to keyboard shortcuts). This is really kinda stupid since Mac users tend to be more 'visual' oriented. Apple needs to rethink their test. Hopefully the FCP 5 test is more visual based. I got my certification, so it can't be too hard. :)

August 31st, 2005, 10:52 PM	#3
Kevin Wild Major Player Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 540	Hmm, this is interesting to me. What is the goal of certification? Is it so you can teach FCP or is it so you can tech support or edit? These are totally different tests, in my opinion. I've edited on FCP literally since the day 1.0 shipped. I do all sorts of stuff including b'cast shows (one that aired tonight on Discovery Health, actually, but it was done on AVID...ugh), etc. I bet I would fail that test. I'd love to hear more about the specifics, though, if you have a chance. Since I do some teaching, it might be nice to have it. Kevin

September 1st, 2005, 06:41 PM	#5
Kevin Wild Major Player Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 540	Good luck jumping in, James. Do anything you can do to get into a facility that might push some work to you. You're right about interning. No way will people hire you as an editor if you're just starting out. Get an internship, do all the stuff necessary to learn the facilities ways and volunteer to do some projects at night for them. It's a good way to get confidence from the employer. Just my $.02. Hope it helps. Kevin