Are you looking to boost your IT credentials as a MacAdmin? The Apple Device Support Exam (ADSE) is a great place to start. This certification validates your expertise in troubleshooting and supporting Apple devices—essential for IT professionals managing iPhones, iPads, and Macs in enterprise environments.
If you're gearing up to take the ADS exam, this Apple Device Support Exam study guide covers everything you need to know, including study strategies and key resources to help you pass on your first try!
What is the Apple Device Support Exam?
The Apple Device Support Exam (9L0-3023) certification is a certification provided by Apple that aims to test the proficiency and knowledge base of an Apple IT help desk worker.
Exam details
Format: 100 multiple-choice, multiple-select, and matching questions
Duration: 2 hours (online proctored via Pearson VUE)
Cost: $149
Passing Score: 78%
Prerequisites: None (but hands-on experience is highly recommended)
Note: The exam now covers iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia.
The Apple Device Support Exam and training tutorials are designed to examine and validate an individual's ability in troubleshooting and IT help desk support. It covers iPhone, iPad, and Mac users, managing networks, and providing technical support for Apple devices. These classes feature tutorials and in-depth GIFs as demonstrations.
The training courses are online, self-paced, and free to access.
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1. Complete Apple’s free training course
Apple offers a 15-hour self-paced training course covering these topics:
Troubleshooting iOS/iPadOS/macOS
Networking & security
MDM (Mobile Device Management) basics
Hardware diagnostics
Pro Tip: Apple recommends 30–60 additional hours of hands-on practice — don’t skip this!
“I failed my first try—don’t underestimate this exam! It's no joke. Study the tutorials, practice troubleshooting, and take sample tests seriously.” – Former Apple employee with 10+ years of hands-on experience
2. Review the learning objectives
After completing all the courses, the next step is to review the ADSE Exam Preparation Guide and the learning objectives. That list is a little overwhelming, so I've broken it into the most challenging, moderately complex, and most accessible concepts.
Challenging concepts
Resolve VPN configuration issues manually |
Use and manage AirDrop |
Use Universal Control with Mac and iPad |
Troubleshoot printing issues |
Use iOS sysdiagnose to capture detailed logs |
Obtain basic macOS information using Console |
Password System Settings |
Explain protecting your Mac with a firewall |
Recognize when it is appropriate to use Lockdown Mode and demonstrate how to exclude apps and websites from Lockdown mode |
Using eSIMs and transferring to eSIM |
Identify what's new in iPadOS |
Recognize which iPhone hardware devices support the latest version of iOS |
Troubleshoot Face ID on iPhone and iPad |
Identify secure tokens and bootstrap tokens |
Revive or Restore an iPhone or iPad using Apple Configurator |
Recognize and use the appropriate Boot modes for a Mac for a given situation |
Use Startup Security Utility to change startup security policies on a Мас |
Moderate concepts
Manage network settings and service order |
Recognize Messages security settings |
Use Activity Monitor to identify and resolve issues |
Describe and use Mac computer hardware components and features |
Use and describe iPad hardware components and features |
Use Quick Start for iOS and iPadOS to set up new devices |
Describe the features of Digital Legacy and Legacy Contacts |
Recognize the differences between a personal Apple ID and a Managed Apple ID |
Recognize and manage Activation Lock features |
Install, update, or upgrade macOS |
Revive or Restore a Mac using Apple Configurator |
Accessible concepts
Manage documents |
Use and Manage Sharing preferences |
Configure Sidecar to use your iPad as a display that extends or mirrors your Mac desktop |
Turn on AirPlay Receiver to receive video and audio content from any nearby Mac, iPhone, or iPad on the same network. |
Troubleshoot Mail and Messages |
Recognize AirPrint advantages |
Identify print protocols |
Recognize when printing is managed in MDM configuration profiles |
Describe the purpose of MDM and recognize how MDM can enhance the user experience |
AppleSeed for IT |
Identify what's new in macOS |
Identify what's new in iOS |
Troubleshoot Mac computer hardware components |
Describe and use iPhone hardware components and features |
Troubleshoot iPhone hardware and accessory components |
Troubleshoot iPad hardware and accessory components |
Set up Touch ID on iPhone, iPad, and Mac |
Troubleshoot Touch ID on iPhone, iPad, and Mac |
Describe FileVault |
Enable FileVault |
Use Migration Assistant to copy documents, apps, accounts, and settings to a new Mac |
Recognize the capability of a personal Apple ID |
Identify the features of Two-factor Authentication |
Resolve Apple ID password issues |
Manage User Accounts and Data Storage for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS |
Install, update, or upgrade iOS and iPadOS |
Use Recovery Mode to Restore iOS and iPadOS |
Use macOS Recovery to resolve issues |
Locate macOS default and shared folders |
Recognize the different behaviors of adopted, pre-installed, and third-party apps (macOS) |
3. Use sample questions & flashcards
When you are done studying and ready to test your knowledge, try your hand at a few sample questions written for the exam. Use Flashcards (try the ADS Exam Flashcards from Brainscape.)
Give yourself a few hours to research the sample question concepts and definitions. For example, you could expect to see questions framed around concepts like these:
Know how to put an M1 device into safe mode.
Know secure Wi-Fi network types that are recommended for enterprise use.
Understand password system settings.
Know how to tell if printing preferences are MDM-managed.
4. Take the exam
Exam details
Exam Name: Apple Device Support Exam (9L0-3023-ENU)
Questions: 100
Time Limit: 120 mins
Passing Score: 78%
Question Types: Multiple-choice, Multiple-select, Matching
No resources or references are allowed during the exam.
Step 1: Schedule the exam
Review the Testing FAQs page before you start.
Register for the exam and schedule a testing time slot. You can choose from test times that span the whole day, so if you test better as a night owl, go for it!
Step 2: Test your system
Run a system test before your exam day to ensure your mic, webcam, and required applications function as expected.
Step 3: Prepare your space
Choose an enclosed testing space that's free from distractions. Aim for somewhere that's private, quiet, and well-lit.
Before starting your exam, clear your desk or workspace of all personal and preparatory items except those permitted by your exam program. These allowed items must be on the desk during check-in. Remember to keep your mobile phone in the room where you are taking the test but out of arm's reach.
The virtual proctor will ask to see all sides of your room with your webcam in addition to seeing you unplug any additional monitors.
Check the technical system minimum requirements to ensure your workspace complies and avoid delays on your test day.
Step 4: Grab your ID and log on early
Ensure you have an accepted government ID and log on for your test early. You get 120 minutes of test-taking time regardless of when you start, but log on early to avoid stress.
What to expect from online proctored exams
I won't lie; the exam situation is a little intimidating. There are a lot of unique rules for this kind of virtual exam:
You can't wear a watch during the exam.
You can't speak out loud during the exam.
Your space must be silent during the exam.
You can't eat or drink during the exam.
You can use only one screen during the exam.
You can't take notes on paper; you can only take notes within the virtual testing window.
Your phone can't be within reach during the exam.
You must unplug all other monitors before the exam starts.
A virtual proctor will monitor you over your webcam while you take the test.
The Vue testing software will fully lock down your computer while the test is active.
Apple IT certification path
The Apple Device Support Exam is one of four badge certifications Apple offers.
The ADSE is the first step in Apple’s Certified IT Professional program. Passing it earns you the Apple Certified Support Professional badge. The full certification path includes:
Apple Device Support Exam (the prerequisite to ADME)
Development certifications
Apple also offers App Development certifications:
Apple also launched a new Security and Compliance course, but there is currently no associated test or certification.
Digital badge
Once you pass your exam and get the Credly badge, you can download the badge image for resumes or email signatures, link the badge to your LinkedIn profile, or embed the badge in other desired locations to show off that big brain swag.
Apple Device Support Exam FAQs
How hard is the Apple Device Support Exam?
The Apple Device Support Exam is difficult; many test-takers fail the first time. Study Apple’s training and practice troubleshooting.
How much does the Apple Device Support Exam cost?
The Apple Device Support Exam costs $149 per test attempt.
What’s the passing score for the ADSE?
A passing score for ADSE is 78% (78/100 questions correct).
What are some tips for taking the Apple Device Support Exam?
The first tip for taking the Apple Device Support Exam is to prioritize the questions you know you can ace: You get only two hours to take the test. To use your time effectively, answer only the questions you are sure of the first time you click through all 100 questions. As you take the test, you'll see a "Flag for review" checkbox on each question page. The idea is to click this box for any question you don't know and return to it after you've answered the ones you know. This technique prevents you from spending too much time on unknown queries and ensures you get the highest score possible by ensuring you don't run out of time.
The second tip for taking the Apple Device Support Exam is to Reschedule your exam if needed: If you need to reschedule your exam, no stress! I did this several times, and it was easy. There are lots of testing slots and availability, and you can reschedule the test at any point before it starts.
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