This Adobe Photoshop CS3 - ACE Course is designed specially for those who wish to attain Adobe's ACE certification by sitting the related exam. The course includes full courseware and exam simulation questions.

1. Using the work area

• Configure, save, and load workspaces.
• Create a layer comp by using Layer Comps palette.
• Manage libraries by using the Preset Manager.
• Describe the functionality provided from the status bar and the tool options bar.

2. Importing, exporting, and saving

• Import and manipulate files by using the Place command.
• Import RAW files from a digital camera.
• Given a file format, explain when you would use that format in Photoshop. (file formats include: PSD, PDF, TIFF, EPS, JPEG, GIF, PNG)
• Explain when to rasterize and when not to rasterize vector data.
• Describe the functionality provided by the File Browser.

3. Working with selections

• Given a scenario, choose the correct tool to create a selection.
• Modify selections by using a tool or command.
• Explain how feathering affects selections.
• Explain how to work with Alpha channels to save or modify a selection.
• Explain how to create and modify a temporary mask by using the Quick Mask command.

4. Creating and using layers

• Use the appropriate tools and commands to create and manage layers.
• Edit layers by using the editing, vector, and painting tools.
• Use the appropriate tools and commands to create and modify clipping masks, vector masks, layer masks, and layer sets.
• Apply blending modes to layers and layer sets.
• Create layer styles.
• Given a mask, describe the functionality and when you would use the mask. (masks include vector and raster)

5. Using channels

• Given a channel, describe the channel, and explain when you would use it. (channels include: Alpha, colour, and spot)
• Explain how to create, manage, and use channels.

6. Managing colour

• Discuss the colour management workflow process that is used in Adobe Photoshop. (topics include: ICC profiles, profiling devices, colour management engine, colour numbers)
• Describe the difference between assigning and converting to ICC profiles.
• Configure colour settings by using the Colour Settings dialog box.
• Explain the purpose of and how to use the Proof Setup command.
• Discuss the relationship between colour gamut and rendering intents.

7. Adjusting images

• Analyze a histogram and explain changes that should be made to expand the dynamic range of an image.
• Explain how to adjust the tonal range of an image by using an adjustment layer.
• Explain how to adjust the tonal range of an image using options from the Image Adjustments menu.
• Given an option on the Auto Colour Correction Options dialog box, explain the purpose of the option.
• Discuss issues associated with changing the size and resolution of images.
• Given an option on the Shadow/Highlight dialog box, explain the purpose of the option

8. Drawing and editing

• Create shape layers and paths by using the Pen and Shape tools.
• Select and modify paths.
• Save and export paths.
• Transform paths by using the Transform tools.

9. Painting

• Paint objects by using a specific tool. (tools include: Brush, History Brush, Art History, Pencil, Eraser)
• Given an option from the Brushes palette, explain the purpose of that option. (options include: tip shape, brush presets, shape dynamics, air brush)
• Create and use patterns.
• Create and use Gradients.

10. Retouching

• Modify an image by using filters. (filters include: Unsharp Mask, Gaussian Blur, Despeckle, Noise)
• Retouch an image by using a specific tool. (tools include: Healing Brush, Patch, Colour Replacement, Clone Stamp, Dodge, Burn)

11. Digital camera and video support

• List and describe the options provided by Camera Raw features.
• Explain the functionality provided by having non-square pixel support.

12. Working with automation

• Create an action by using options in the Actions palette.
• Play an action by using the Batch command including using File Browser as the source.
• Explain the use and options for commands from the Automate menu.

13. Working with type

• Given a palette, explain options for type used in Photoshop. (palettes include Character and Paragraph; options include kerning, justification, alignment, anti-aliasing, multilingual dictionaries)
• Create, enter, and edit type by using a type tool (type tools include: Horizontal Type, Vertical Type, Horizontal Type Mask, Vertical Type Mask)
• Create and modify text on a path.

14. Outputting to print

• Given a scenario, select and explain when to use a specific Print command. (Print commands include: Print One Copy, Print Preview, Print)
• Describe the options available for outputting to print in the Output and Colour management pop-up menus in the Print 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.
• Create transparent and matted images by using the Save for Web command.
• Explain how slices can be used to optimize images for the Web. (options include: layer based, user based, linking slices for optimization)

To realistically hope to pass the ACE exam you will need to of passed both the level 1+2 courses and studied how Photoshop is used for Print, Web and Colour management.
This is a tough exam and no-one should expect to sail through.

But this hard work will see you join the small band Photoshop ACE's.

People who want to become leaders in the Photoshop arena.

Your trainer will advise you of areas to study further or if you should book your exam today.

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