# The Argument for Free Certification Programs in Apple’s Enterprise Strategy
Apple has made remarkable progress in cementing its status as a significant contender in the enterprise market, positioning its devices—iPhones, iPads, and Macs—as credible alternatives to conventional PCs. As businesses increasingly embrace Apple products, the significance of IT professionals in overseeing these devices has become more crucial than ever. Still, a critical question arises: why does Apple impose charges for its IT certification programs when it seeks to broaden its enterprise presence?
## Apple’s Expanding Impact in the Enterprise
In the past ten years, Apple has revamped its image from a consumer-driven brand to a vital participant in the enterprise arena. With more than 45,000 organizations depending on Mosyle, a unified platform for Apple device management, the necessity for proficient IT professionals capable of effectively deploying and managing these devices is escalating. As IT teams navigate the complexities of incorporating Apple products into their systems, the demand for specialized training and certification becomes essential.
In 2022, Apple launched updated training and certification programs for IT professionals, featuring courses on Apple Device Support and Apple Deployment and Management. These self-directed, online courses mark a significant enhancement to Apple’s educational offerings, designed to equip IT teams with the essential skills to manage Apple devices competently.
## The Financial Aspects of Certification
Although the training courses themselves are complimentary, the certification exams carry a cost of $149 each. For professionals seeking certifications in both courses, the overall expense can approach nearly $300. This financial hurdle raises issues regarding accessibility and the potential effect on the quantity of certified professionals within the field.
The question persists: if Apple is truly dedicated to expanding its enterprise market, why enforce a fee for certifications that could ultimately bolster the deployment and management of its devices?
## The Business of Marketing Hardware and Services
Apple’s core business model centers on marketing hardware and services rather than generating income from certification fees. The expansion of Apple’s enterprise market relies on the perceived value of its products instead of requiring certification programs. While certifications can boost the confidence of IT professionals in deploying and troubleshooting Apple products, they should not act as a revenue source for the company.
By abolishing the costs associated with certification exams, Apple could eliminate a considerable obstacle for IT professionals across diverse organizations, including small enterprises and managed service providers. This action would likely motivate more individuals to seek certification, consequently heightening the pool of Apple-trained specialists available for enterprise deployments.
## A Plea for Complimentary Vendor-Specific Training
Apple is not the only company following this trend; numerous tech vendors charge for certification exams, viewing them as an additional revenue generator rather than fostering their ecosystems. Nonetheless, certifications should be regarded as a means to facilitate customer adoption instead of a product for sale. The greater the number of professionals trained to deploy and manage a vendor’s products, the stronger the vendor’s market position becomes.
Apple’s recent updates to its training programs are a positive advancement, but there is still potential for enhancement. By offering certification exams at no cost, Apple can empower IT teams, amplify its enterprise impact, and abolish unnecessary barriers for those who support its devices on a daily basis.
## Conclusion
To sum up, if Apple intends to solidify its standing in the enterprise market, it must reevaluate its strategy concerning certification programs. By eliminating the financial obstacles tied to certification exams, Apple can cultivate a more knowledgeable workforce, ultimately resulting in greater adoption of its products within the enterprise sector. The message is unmistakable: if Apple seeks to increase its influence, its certification programs should facilitate this objective rather than generate profit from it.
As the enterprise landscape continues to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals capable of effectively managing Apple devices will only intensify. By investing in free certification programs, Apple can ensure that its products receive support from a strong network of trained experts, paving the way for a more integrated and efficient enterprise environment.
