Mixed Deck — All ACMT Topics Flashcards

Which Apple process must be completed before returning a replaced part to Apple under the repair program?

Answer: Core return process through GSX

Technicians must complete the core return process in GSX (Global Service Exchange) to send replaced parts back to Apple and avoid being charged.

A customer complains their Mac drops Wi-Fi connections repeatedly. Which troubleshooting step helps identify if the router or the Mac is at fault?

Answer: Test the Mac on a different Wi-Fi network and test another device on the customer's network to isolate the fault

Testing on a different network and testing another device on the same network systematically isolates whether the issue is the Mac's hardware/software or the router/environment.

When replacing a MacBook Pro logic board, what is the first step a technician should perform?

Answer: Disconnect the battery connector

Disconnecting the battery connector is the first step to prevent shorts and protect both the technician and the device during a logic board replacement.

A customer reports their MacBook's battery drains significantly overnight even in sleep mode. Which macOS setting should a technician check first?

Answer: Power Nap settings and Wake for network access, which can cause frequent partial wake events

Power Nap and Wake for network access cause the Mac to periodically wake from sleep to check for updates and network activity, which can substantially drain the battery overnight.

How should a technician verify the health of an NVMe SSD in a Mac before and after replacement?

Answer: Use AST 2 storage tests and check SMART data via 'diskutil info' or System Information

AST 2 performs storage performance and health tests, and SMART data accessible via 'diskutil info /dev/disk0' shows raw drive health metrics.

Which item is most important for a technician to wear when working on internal Mac components to prevent ESD?

Answer: An anti-static wrist strap connected to an ESD mat or ground point

An anti-static wrist strap bonded to a grounded surface continuously dissipates static charge from the technician's body, preventing ESD damage to components.

The BetterBag MDM administrator configures Setup Assistant to skip Location Services on a managed iPad. What happens when Location Services is skipped during Setup Assistant?

Answer: The user is required to turn on Location Services

If an MDM solution configured Setup Assistance to skip the option.

Before opening a MacBook for repair, what should the technician do to reduce ESD risk?

Answer: Touch the metal chassis of the Mac (when unplugged) to equalize potential, and use an ESD wrist strap throughout

Touching the unplugged Mac's metal case equalizes the technician's static potential with the device, and wearing an ESD wrist strap throughout the repair maintains that protection.

A user returned their unmanaged iPad. You turn it on for a new user, and you discover that Activation Lock is turned on.

Answer: The previous user's Apple ID and password

You can't turn off Activation Lock without the previous user's Apple ID and passwords. If possible, ask the previous user to enter their credentials to turn off Activation Lock

Which Apple tool is used to run hardware diagnostics on a Mac before beginning a repair?

Answer: Apple Service Toolkit 2 (AST 2)

Apple Service Toolkit 2 (AST 2) is the official diagnostic tool used by Apple Authorized Service Providers to test Mac hardware components.

What is the typical maximum cycle count for MacBook lithium-ion batteries before Apple considers the battery consumed?

Answer: 1000 cycles

Modern MacBook lithium-ion batteries are designed to retain up to 80% of their original capacity after 1000 full charge cycles, which Apple considers the battery's useful lifespan.

A technician is using a spudger during a MacBook repair. What is the primary purpose of this tool?

Answer: Prying apart components and routing cables without causing ESD or scratching delicate surfaces

A spudger is a non-conductive, non-marring plastic or nylon tool used to pry, route, and lift cables and connectors without scratching surfaces or creating ESD damage.

A MacBook Pro's built-in display shows a pink or purple tint after replacement. What is the most likely cause?

Answer: Display data cable not fully connected or damaged

A color tint on a replaced display is most commonly caused by a display data cable that is not fully seated or was damaged during the repair.

The BetterBag MDM administrator configures Setup Assistant to skip Accessibility on a managed Mac. What happens when Accessibility is skipped during Setup Assistant?

Answer: The user can't hear Voiceover automatically

For the Accessibility pane to be hidden, a Mac must be enrolled in an MDM solution; Essentials or Apple School Manager; and connected to the internet using Ethernet

What is the purpose of the 'Erase Mac' option available in macOS Recovery on Apple Silicon Macs?

Answer: It erases the disk and reinstalls macOS, returning the Mac to factory state

'Erase Mac' in recoveryOS on Apple Silicon Macs erases all content and settings and reinstalls macOS, preparing the device for a new owner or for depot repair.

A Mac fails to boot after a macOS update and shows a progress bar that stops partway. What should the technician try first?

Answer: Boot to Recovery Mode and run Disk Utility First Aid

A stalled macOS update progress bar is often caused by a file system error, and running First Aid in Recovery Mode can resolve it without erasing user data.

Which macOS feature encrypts the entire startup volume and requires a recovery key or Apple ID to access it?

Answer: FileVault

FileVault uses XTS-AES-128 encryption to encrypt the full startup volume, requiring a password and recovery key to access the data.

What is the correct way to document a Mac repair for Apple's service records in GSX?

Answer: Open a repair ticket in GSX before beginning the repair, record parts used, and close the repair with accurate symptom and repair codes

GSX (Global Service Exchange) requires technicians to open, document, and close repair cases with accurate symptom and repair codes to maintain service records and process warranty claims.

During a Mac repair, a technician needs to access files on an encrypted FileVault drive. The customer cannot remember their password. What is the procedure?

Answer: Use the FileVault recovery key associated with the customer's Apple ID to unlock the drive

The FileVault recovery key, stored by the user or in escrow with Apple, is the only legitimate way to unlock a FileVault-encrypted drive when the password is forgotten.

When inspecting a Mac's power adapter, a technician notices the MagSafe connector is discolored and slightly melted. What is the safest course of action?

Answer: Immediately replace the power adapter and advise the customer not to use it; inspect the Mac's MagSafe port for damage

A discolored or melted MagSafe connector indicates a serious electrical fault and fire risk; the adapter must be replaced immediately and the Mac's port should be inspected before reconnecting any charger.