iam considering becoming adobe certified . anyone can tell me how this wil help me in my career path ? and how helpful are certmagic.com , hotcerts.com , nextcertify.com etc exam preps are for becoming adobe certified and anyone has any exam prep sites preference for these exams . i will appreciate all responses

bumping this topic... does any one here have or know much about these certs?

Here's the link for the Adobe FAQ

http://www.adobe.com/support/certification/ace.html

Test Content: Topic Areas and Objectives
Following is a detailed outline of the information covered by the Photoshop 6.0 Product Proficiency Exam.1.

General knowledge
• Explain the differences between vector graphics and raster (bitmap) images.
• Given a color mode, describe the color mode, and explain when you would use the color mode. (Modes include HSB, RGB, CMYK, Lab)• Given a type of output, discuss attributes that affect image quality. (Output types include monitors, printers, and files. Attributes include pixel dimensions, image resolution,
monitor size, monitor resolution, printer resolution, and screen frequency)2. Using the work area
• Manage the work area by setting options for palettes. (Options include displaying a palette menu, docking, renaming items in pop-up palettes, using the palette well in to tool options
bar.)
• Given a palette, explain the purpose of the palette. (Palettes include History, Info, Navigator)
• Describe the information and functionality provided from the status bar and the tool options bar.
• Manage libraries by using the Preset Manager.3. Importing and adjusting images
• Discuss issues associated with scanning images.
• Import and manipulate files by using the Place command.
• Discuss issues associated with changing the size and resolution of images.
• Crop images by hiding or deleting specific areas of the image.4. Working with selections
• Select an area of an image by using a selection tool. (Selection tools include marquee, lasso, magic wand)
• Modify selections by using a selection tool.
• Explain how anti-aliasing and feathering affect selections.5. Creating and using layers
• Discuss layers and layer sets, and explain how they can be used.
• List and describe the options provided for working with layers in the Layers palette.
• Use the appropriate tools and commands to create and manage layers. (Tasks include adding, duplicating, moving, aligning, distributing, merging, flattening, and saving layers)
• Edit layers by using the editing and painting tools, and applying styles and filters.
• Use the appropriate tools and commands to create and modify clipping groups and layer masks.
• Apply blending modes to layers.
• Use layer effects to manipulate images within a layer.6. Using masks and channels
• Explain how Adobe Photoshop uses channels to store color information about images.
• Create, manage and use channels by using the Channels palette.
• Explain how masks are used to work with images.
• Explain how to create a temporary mask by using the Quick Mask command.
• Store masks by using alpha channels.7. Managing color
• Discuss the color management workflow process (based on the ICC) that is used in Adobe Photoshop. (Topics include color management engine, color numbers, and color profiles)
• Use the Adobe Gamma utility to calibrate a monitor.
• Discuss issues associated with color management. (issues include: conversion, embedding profiles, color mismatch, color management policies)8. Correcting color
• Identify areas of tonal range that may need correcting by viewing a Histogram.
• Use the Levels dialog box to adjust the tonal range of an image.
• Use the Curves dialog box to adjust the tonal range of an image.
• Adjust the tonal range of an image by setting numerical values.
• Adjust the tonal range of an image by using the Hue/Saturation dialog box.9. Drawing and editing
• Create shapes by using the Pen and Shape tools.
• Select and modify paths.
• Save and export paths.
• Transform objects by using the Transform tools.10. Painting and Retouching
• Paint objects by using a specific tool. (Tools include art history, pencil, airbrush, paintbrush, rubber stamp, pattern stamp, smudge, blur, sharpen, dodge, burn, and sponge)
• Manipulate objects by using filters.
• Create and apply patterns.
• Use the Gradient tools to blend colors.

Using Actions
• Create an action by using options in the Actions palette.
• Play an action by using the Batch command.
• Create a droplet from an action.
• Describe the purpose of specific Automate commands. (Commands include Conditional Mode Change, Contact Sheet, Picture Package, Web Photo Gallery)12. Working with Type
• Create and enter type.
• Edit type in a type layer.
• Describe the composition methods available in Photoshop. (Every-line and Single-line composer)13. Saving and Exporting Images
• Given a scenario, determine the appropriate file format to output to.
• Given a file format, describe options available for saving in the Save As dialog box.14. Outputting to Print
• Describe the options available for outputting to print in the Print Options dialog box.
• Describe the options available for outputting to print in the Output and Color management pop-up menus in the Print Options dialog box.
• Discuss issues associated with printing duotones.15. Outputting for the Web• Given a scenario, choose the appropriate file format to optimize images for the Web.
• Describe the optimization options available for saving files for the Web. (File formats include JPEG, GIF, PNG-8, PNG-24)
• Create transparent and matted images for use on a Web page.
• Link an image to a URL by using image maps.
• Explain how slices can be used to optimize images for the Web.
• Explain how to create rollovers by using Adobe ImageReady.
• Explain how to create animations by using Adobe ImageReady.

And this was just for 6!!!

Also...

Requirements:
* Must pass a 1-2 hr product-specific Adobe Product Proficiency Exam. The ACE can be acheived for Illustrator, Acrobat, FrameMaker, GoLive, After Effects, InDesign, LiveMotion, PageMaker, Photoshop, and Premiere.
* Exams are delivered via computer and consist of 60-90 multiple choice questions (closed-book).
* Recertification is required with each new version but Adobe offers a 25% discount on recertification exams.

Costs: The exam costs approximately $150


Just how hard is it to become an ACE?
Provided you are fairly proficient in your chosen product, with a little bit of study, there is no reason why you should not pass the Adobe Certified Expert exam. The exam does not require you to produce original images or to manipulate existing images, so you do not have to worry about passing variable aesthetics standards. Nor are you asked to write essays or explain in your own words how to accomplish a task in your chosen product. Instead, the exam is composed of 75 multiple-choice questions and is aimed at testing your proficiency in using the program and in applying your knowledge in given real world situations. You are allowed 90 minutes to answer the 75 questions and you require a modest 69% passing score in order to call yourself an Adobe Certified Expert (ACE). Having sat the exam 4 times now, my impression is it's rigorous but not hard.[/b]

With the release of the Creative Suite, Adobe has increased the choice of ACE designations. You can elect to certify for a single product, specialize in print, Web or video work, or acquire the grand designation of master. Here's how it works: to become an ACE Print Specialist, you need to acquire pass marks in the exams for Adobe InDesign, Adobe Acrobat and either Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator. To become a master, you need to acquire pass marks in all the products in the Creative Suite. That means Adobe Acrobat, Adobe GoLive, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Photoshop.

So, there you have it. Becoming an ACE is comparatively easy if you know the product and you can discipline your mind to pass an exam. Once acquired, the ACE designation has the potential of bringing you many benefits: it can make you stand out from your competition, help your résumé get noticed, make your business card more memorable, bring unsolicited job opportunities your way, give you leverage to negotiate a higher salary/fee and increase your standing amongst your clients. Furthermore, it is widely recognized in the print, video and Web industries. And, who knows, you may even become more attractive to the opposite sex as a result!