A group of key independent Apple Authorized Training Centers announced today the formation of the Certified Training Alliance (CTA) and the official launch of www.CertifiedTraining.com to promote independent Apple Authorized Training Centers (AATCs) and the Apple Training and Certification they provide.

“We formed this organization to create a single point of contact for the best training experience on the Apple platform,” said Kevin Langdon, CEO of Crywolf Training.

“Since Apple stopped offering training at their facilities last summer, the only way to obtain Apple Certified Training is through an AATC. CTA makes it easier for schools, businesses and consumers to find professional, high quality Apple Certification training at convenient locations across the US,” said Langdon.

According to Arnie Zuckman, President of FirstTech of Minneapolis, an Apple Reseller for 30 years and one of the original Apple Authorized Training Centers, “Because each of our members uses only experienced Apple Certified Trainers, maintains professional facilities and shares policies and procedures, you know exactly what to expect – you are working with a professional, ethical and fully certified training organization.”

The CTA website, www.CertifiedTraining.com, provides a simple, unified resource for anyone interested in Apple Training. From course descriptions to online registration, this site provides everything needed to choose the right Apple course at the right time and location – all in one easy-to-use place.

CTA members offer Apple Courses on Mac OS X, Mac OS X Server, Final Cut Studio, Logic Studio, Apple Hardware Technician Training and more.

Current IT Certifications include:

• ACSP – Apple Certified Support Professional
• ACTC – Apple Certified Technical Coordinator
• ACSA – Apple Certified System Administrator

Current Pro Applications Certifications include:

• Apple Certified Pro Level I
• Apple Certified Pro Level II
• Apple Certified Master Pro in Final Cut Studio or Logic Studio

Current Apple Hardware Certifications include:

• Apple Certified Macintosh Technician

CTA Founding Member Locations in the US:

• Art Institute of Colorado - Denver, CO
• Business Rules, Inc - Rhinecliff, NY
• Caerian Inc - Austin, TX
• Caerian Inc - Sunrise, FL
• Computer Tree – Atlanta Metro, Fayetteville, GA
• Computer Tree - Winston-Salem, NC
• Creative Resources – Honolulu, HI
• Creative Resources – Santa Ana, CA
• Crywolf Training - Portland, OR
• Crywolf Training - San Diego, CA
• Crywolf Training - Seattle, WA
• FirstTech - Minneapolis, MN
• MacAmerica - Houston, TX
• MacSpecialist - Chicago, IL
• MacSpecialist - Villa Park, IL
• MC Services - Pewaukee, WI
• Tarny Inc - Fairfield, OH

The Certified Training Alliance is a Not-for-Profit organization of key nationwide independent Apple Authorized Training Centers. Each CTA member is dedicated to providing the industry’s best hands-on technical training experience available on the Apple platform.

CTA members agree to maintain the highest levels of professionalism in their facilities, as well as clear and easy-to-understand policies and procedures for doing business with them. CTA members must adhere to a common set of policies and practices, and meet high standards set by both the CTA and Apple. CTA member trainers are trained and certified by Apple and present Apple courseware that prepares students to take, and pass, Apple’s rigorous certification exams, all of which are given onsite at CTA member centers.

The Certified Training Alliance currently represents 10 Apple Authorized Training Centers with 16 locations throughout the U.S.