Pro tools Certification

[StevensSound]

Iam looking into getting my expert certificate in both music and post (310P/M). However looking through the list of schools which offer the certificate I have found that some say you must take all the previous certifications starting at 101 and up.

While others I have found dont say anything about them being required to take the expert level certificate tests. So Iam wondering if to get your expert certificate you can take that test level without having to worry about the other ones. Or must you take all the lower level ones prior to the expert tests???

Also I have heard mixed reports that you are able to take all the tests online, without having to goto a Certified Pro School. Is this true? Or is it as I assume it is that you can only take the Pro tools 101 (Operator) test online?

If you can take the expert tests online what website would I goto to find them? Since it would be much easier for me to take them online then drive out of my way for 3 days to take them at a pro school.

Thank you for your help.

[Ryan Young]

Where are you located? As far as I know, you have to take the 201/210/310 courses in order to take the expert cert, or have to get the "Operator Cert." before you can get the "Expert Cert." I took my tests online, but that is the call of your instructor. The 101 test is online, and doesn't really give you anything, other than knowing that you're ready to start the 200 level courses without having to take 101. The expert test is not only an online test. It is a very extensive exam. The online test is 1/3 of it. You are also quized on the keyboard shortcuts and control surface tests, as well as working with a big session and decks. Your best bet would be to find a Pro-School in your area and talk to the instructors, a lot. That's what I did to get all of my info. Good luck

-Ryan

[StevensSound]

Thanks for your info Ryan. Basically you have confirmed my assumptions, and I will try to find the cheapest pro school around where I can get my certifications.

BTW I live in So-Cal so I have alot of choices, been looking at Video Symphony for the school of choice.

[The Mastermind]

I actually went to video symphony for my PT cert and it was well worth it... if you know about audio engineering then all u need to do is take your PT classes


-M

[sky88dd]

I'm thinking about video symphony as well and just wondering since their Pro Tools classes are 2 days long from 9-6, can one really absorb that much material for one class in 2 days?
Thanks!

[ReverbMerv]

There's some real classes in LA - takes up to 6-months to graduate. Problem with learning so much, you'd better put it to use on a daily basis or you'll start to forget everything. That means a gig in a good studio.

[sky88dd]

It states on the digi site that certified pro tools operators and experts get discounts on software and le hardware, just out of curiosity, does anybody know what products are discounted and how much discount?
Thanks!

[Ryan Young]

Almost everything. I got the 7.3 upgrade for about $30 cheaper. Plugins are maybe 10% off, shirts and stuff on average are about $5 off.