Adobe CS6 re-certification exams are just as hard and trivial as the normal exams. After all these years, I honestly dunno who writes these questions. A lot of questions require visual to even make sense (unless you have insane visual memory than this wont matter to you…granted, InDesign exams has improved over the years with easier to understand questions but the issue remains). You often will get two answers that can be correct depending on you well you understand what the question is REALLY asking! Especially when the question is about how you can do something within the app and not about hard facts…it's often more about what if you do this and that…well, there is at least more than one way to do anything with all Adobe products. Of course they knew that! And then there are questions about keyboard shortcuts or how to customize interfaces…it's so trivial that it has little purpose in a real world workplace. I can't go tell co-workers to do or do that because this is what Adobe says you should do! Everyone uses the programs differently. I think there is a big difference between testing one's memories and applying the knowledge of the software and actually solving real workplace challenges.
I'm only re-taking the exams because I want to keep up the certifcation credential for annual job review purpose. When I took the effort to become ACE a few years ago, I honestly thought Adobe would do a better job at promoting ACE people and the program. They have proof me wrong. As much as I'm proud of being ACE, sadly, it hasnt done much to help advance my career. Co-workers will gladly come to me to solve their technical problems and for “expert” advices…but it pretty much stops there. Most people dont see nor recognized the value of ACE beyond problem solving. Often times, I would advice on changes in workflow but higher-ups would ignore my recommendations not base on the changes in our tools (Adobe products) but on their own comfort level in working with new Adobe programs. Especially now that we are still in tough finanical times when there are limited resources for even internal staff training. The choice between adapting to new tools and keep working the same way…the latter wins. That said, it depends on the industry you are in, some are more than willing to change and keep up with the latest tools than others.
In short, if you are proud of being an ACE, keep re-taking the exams and know it really does not help advance your career as Adobe would like you to think.
.
