Avid Certified User Program
AVID CERTIFICATION PROGRAM DETAILS
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Certification Alert!
If you have a potential employer that is claiming to have multiple certified Avid users at their location. You better read this. As of Oct 29th, 2006, there are only 39 Certified Avid users in the entire world.
Avid Certified Operator - ACU Program
This initial ACU level thoroughly covers the core operational functions of either the Avid Media Composer or Avid Xpress Pro software. In-depth knowledge regarding media capture, editing, effects, media management and output options will be tested. Only those who demonstrate substantial proficiency in operational 'know-how' will be officially recognized by Avid Technology and awarded the title of Avid Certified Operator.
What are the benefits of becoming an Avid Certified Operator?
Confidence in your ability to maximize Avid software's performance
Use of the ACU Operator Logo on your resume or business card - This will help legitimize your marketing efforts when trying to land your next big gig!
Industry-wide recognition of your proficiency on Avid software
Free hosting of your contact information on the ACU Database - This is critical, so you can prove you have officially passed the requirements to become certified.
Official Avid Certified Operator Certificate - Display your framed certified with pride to show off your excellence in using the Avid software.
Discounts on selected Avid products
Who is eligible?
Everyone, there are no prerequisites for achieving Avid Certified Operator status. Whether you are an experienced Avid veteran or you just began exploring Avid FreeDV, any user who feels knowledgeable enough may take the exam. At present, the ACU program is only available in the United States. We recommend that you have used the software for a minimum of two years, or have demonstrated excellent editing skills through intense editing projects. If you feel you may need more help, GeniusDV provides certified Avid training courses to help your pass the exam.
How do you become an Avid Certified Operator?
Easily, all you have to do is pass the Avid Certified Operator exam and prove your proficiency with either the Media Composer or Avid Xpress Pro software. Contact a participating Avid Authorized Education Center and schedule an appointment for taking the supervised, browser-based examination.
What is the scope of the Avid Certified Operator exam?
Broad, The Avid Certified Operator exam is actually split into two separate versions: Avid Media Composer OR Avid Xpress Pro. Each Exam covers key functions and features found within either the Avid Media Composer or Avid Xpress Pro product's software. There is a 2 hour time limit for the challenging 60 questions (multiple choice, multiple answer, and true or false). You chose the product exam that best fits your experience and knowledge base.
How long does the Operator Certification last?
Forever, the Certification and all associated benefits will last forever.* Once you have passed the current Avid Certified Operator exam you become certified at that version of your chosen product's software. When a new version ( or major upgrade ) of the product software is released, you are welcome to re-certify, but you are never obligated to advance your certification version (although we strongly encourage you to stay up-to-date and knowledgeable about the latest versions of our software).
What are some of the questions asked on the Avid certified user exam?
Test your knowledge and try Avid Technology's sample exam.. Get a feel for what the actual exam will be like so you can prepare properly.
FYI - The scope of the Avid Certified Operator exam encompasses topics found in all of the following Avid training courses:
101, 110 Media Composer
119, 129 Avid Xpress
229 Color Correction
Remember: the exam scheduling and registration process is easy, the actual examination is not. Although there are no required courses prior to scheduling your first exam session, Avid Educational Services strongly suggests taking classes in areas where your experience or previous training may benefit from further attention.

Coming Soon!
Avid Certified Specialist
This more advanced ACU level brings an established Avid Certified Operator into the realm of a finely skilled Specialist. A participant must demonstrate a thorough understanding of graphic/matte creation and import as well as advanced visual effects construction. Classes and a comprehensive practical examination are required to attain Specialist Certification.
No classes are required! No strings attached! No flaming hoops to jump through! If you feel your current skill set is strong enough, simply contact GeniusDV and schedule an exam... but be prepared to know about media capture, editing, basic effects, color correction, media / project management and output options. Get certified, you'd be crazy not to!
The process is simple. The certification exam is not. Testing begins in just a few weeks, on June 1st, so it is time to bone up! Amaze your friends, impress your boss, and promote yourself! Here is a sample of questions that may be asked and the Avid certified exam. How well did you do?
*If you are using a Macintosh system, it is important to remember that the alt key is the same as the option key. And the ctrl key is the Command key.
1) By default, upon entering trim mode, the timeline puts you into _______?
a) A state of shock
b) dual-roller trim
c) a nice sweater
d) single roller trim
e) small trim mode
2) What keyboard shortcut allows you to deselect all tracks in the active timeline?
a) Alt + A
b) Shift + Ctrl lasso all
c) Shift + Ctrl + A
d) Ctrl + Alt + Delete
e) Never deselect all tracks in the timeline.. never!
3) Modifying the match frame feature with the alt key achieves what goal?
a) Searches the sequence for a frame from a clip loaded in the source monitor.
b) Preserves clip's original IN and OUT marks in Source monitor's matched frame.
c) Loses 10 pounds by summer.
d) Stores RGB values for that frame in a color correction bucket.
e) Highlights the active sequence in a bin.
4) In Color Correction Mode, the NatutralMatch function replaces______?
a) Saturing and Luminance only
b) An entire video source clip
c) Hue only
d) Hue, saturation & luminance
e) Your usual coffee with Avid dry roast
5) What must you do to have the system add filler on a single-roller trim (on a single track) when you wish to maintain sync on the overall duration of your sequence?
a) Turn off four-frame dispaly (if it is on) and then hold Alt (windows) or Ctrl (Macintosh) while you make the trim.
b) Wish really hard.
c) Map add filler from the command palette to a key. Then hold down that key while you make the trim.
d) Hold down Ctrl while you make the trim.
e) This is not possible.
6) What can you not see what you step into s simple nested effect?
a) A title's graphic fill
b) A title's matte, or alpha channel
c) The forest for the trees
d) Any audio tracks from the sequence
e) IN and OUT marks
7) While adjusting a direct manipulation handle for X-rotation of a 3D PIP, what will allow you to see the video image update through a move?
a) Hold down Alt while dragging the handle.
b) Hold down Ctrl while dragging the handle
c) X-ray vision
d) Select 'Update position while playing' in the Effect Editor setting.
e) Hold down Ctrl + Shift while dragging the handle.
8) How do you open the effect palette while in Source / Record Mode?
a) Click on the Effect Palette Tab in the project window.
b) Go to the tools menu, and select 'effect palette'.
c) Press Ctrl + 8
d) All of the above
If you feel you are ready to take the exam, contact GeniusDV at 866-566-1881 to schedule a time to take the Avid certification exam. If you are not ready, check out our Avid certified training bundle , and we will help you pass.

