Have you ever been frustrated trying to find an IT repair shop for your iMac or MacBook, only to keep hearing, “We only work on Windows computers?”
Unfortunately, not all IT businesses work with Apple products, and even if you find one that does, they might not be Apple Certified. And if they’re not, that means they may not be fully qualified to work on your device and could actually make things worse.
Why don’t all tech shops work on both Windows and Macs?
The main reason that all shops don’t work with Macs is that while many people love their Macs and are loyal users, it’s not as popular a system as Windows. Between 2013 and 2019, Apple’s percentage of the personal computer market share has remained fairly steady, ranging between 11.5% and 14.8%.
As of Q4 2019, Apple computers made up 13.6% of the US PC market.
At Two River Computer, we understand how important all computer operating systems are to those who use them. We don’t only have one Apple Certified technician on staff to handle Mac diagnosis and repairs, we have three!
There are two distinct characteristics that we’ve noticed with users of Mac OS X and macOS:
- They tend to be very connected to the brand and will have multiple Apple devices (computer, iPad, iPhone, AirPort, etc.)
- Due to the cost of Macs and the fact that they’re generally well-built, users will keep their iMacs and MacBooks longer than the average timeframe
To keep your Apple device running as efficiently as possible and also stay aware of any hardware recalls, it’s important to work with an Apple Certified tech that’s been through the proper training and knows the correct way to both diagnose and repair your Mac device.
What Makes an Apple Certified Technician Special?
To earn the Apple Certified Mac Technician (ACMT) designation, you have to pass special exams. These exams ensure the person has the knowledge and skills necessary to properly work on Apple devices.
The two exams are called the Mac Service Certification Exam (MAC-19A) and Apple Service Fundamentals Exam (SVC-19A). They include a total number of 30 learning objectives and those taking the exam need to score an overall 80% to pass.
The main sections are divided up into two categories:
- Troubleshooting (36 topics)
- Repairing the Mac Family (34 topics)
The total of 70 topics cover a range of everything you’d want someone working on your Mac device to know. Following, are a few examples.
Ability to Properly Troubleshoot and Diagnose Issues
Untrained technicians can misdiagnose problems with a computer and cause you to pay for the wrong types of repairs that cost you money but don’t solve the underlying issue.
A tech that doesn’t know how to properly evaluate an Apple device issue may also tell you that it’s time to get a new computer when the resolution was something fairly easy.
Apple Certified Techs go through several diagnostic problems during the exam to ensure they fully understand how to identify Mac issues correctly. Some of these exam items include:
- Correctly identify the right diagnostic tool for a given troubleshooting scenario.
- For a given network-related customer problem, correctly evaluate, isolate, and resolve the problem.
- Identify potential startup issues and their associated fixes.
- Understand macOS migration tools, types of data that can be migrated, and proper Mac and Windows data migration methods.
- Identify symptoms that are caused by the system management controller (SMC) malfunctioning.
Full Understanding of Proper Mac Repairs
In many cases, Macs are put together differently than your standard Windows computer. For example, most Windows PCs will have a tower and screen, while all iMacs are considered “All-in-Ones” with the computer and screen as one.
Technicians that are Apple Certified need to go through testing that ensures they know what specialized tools are used to repair Macs, how to protect them from damage while being prepared, and ensure they’re following proper Apple procedures.
Some of the repair related items they need to know are:
- Identify the tools necessary to reduce the potential for damage while a Mac is being serviced.
- Demonstrate safe handling of batteries and portable computer case assemblies that have built-in batteries.
- Be familiar with the specialized tools, fixtures, and procedures required for repairing iMac, iMac Pro, and all the various MacBook models.
- Properly identify internal connectors for Mac devices.
- Demonstrate knowledge of proper Mac repair safety precautions.
Why is Having Your Mac Repaired by an Apple Certified Tech Important?
If you’re not working with an Apple Certified Technician for a repair on your iMac or MacBook, then you’re taking a big risk. The technician may or may not know all the intricacies of diagnosing and repairing the macOS, which can both lead to repairs taking much longer than they should or being done improperly.
Parts location is another problem you can have when your IT shop does not have an Apple Certified tech on staff. They may not be as familiar with Mac parts or where to get them for the best prices.
It’s best to go Apple Certified for any type of computer problem you have with an Apple Product.
You Can Trust Two River Computer with Any Mac Issues
Whether you have an older Mac that might need some part replacements or are having trouble with a newer iMac or MacBook, Two River Computer has the staff that can handle the problem expertly and that you can trust is Apple Certified.
Contact us anytime for any Mac (or Windows) related computer repairs. Call 732-747-0020 or reach us online.
