ACMT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ACMT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the consequence of attempting to upgrade RAM in an Apple Silicon MacBook? → RAM is soldered onto the SoC and cannot be upgraded—it must be configured at purchase
2. Which symptom most strongly indicates a failing GPU on an iMac? → Distorted or corrupted graphics at login screen
3. A customer's MacBook cannot connect to Wi-Fi after a logic board replacement. What should the technician check first? → Verify the Wi-Fi antenna cables are reconnected to the AirPort card on the logic board
4. Which macOS network utility traces the path of packets from the Mac to a destination host? → traceroute
5. A customer's Mac does not power on and shows no signs of life. Which component should be checked first? → Power adapter and MagSafe LED indicator
6. Which file system format does Apple recommend for the primary macOS startup volume on modern Macs? → APFS (Apple File System)
7. What does Power Nap allow a MacBook to do while in sleep mode? → Periodically wake to receive emails, calendar updates, and perform Time Machine backups
8. A Mac Pro fails to recognize a newly installed RAM DIMM. What should the technician verify first? → The DIMM is seated in a validated slot configuration per Apple's guide
9. When replacing a MacBook Pro logic board, what is the first step a technician should perform? → Disconnect the battery connector
10. Which type of screwdriver is most commonly used for internal screws on MacBook logic boards and components? → Torx T3 or T5
11. Which feature in macOS allows a MacBook to intelligently manage battery charging to reduce battery aging? → Optimized Battery Charging
12. Which tool is required to remove the pentalobe screws on the bottom case of a MacBook? → P5 pentalobe screwdriver
13. How should a technician reset NVRAM on an Intel-based Mac? → Hold Option + Command + P + R at startup for at least two startup chimes or 20 seconds
14. Which key combination boots a Mac into Apple Diagnostics when held at startup? → Option + D
15. What does SMC stand for in Apple Mac computers, and what is its primary role? → System Management Controller, managing power delivery and thermal systems
16. When is it appropriate to use a heat gun during a MacBook repair? → To soften adhesive securing the battery or display assembly
17. Which key combination is used to reset the SMC on a MacBook Pro with a non-removable battery? → Shift + Control + Option + Power button held for 10 seconds, then release and press Power
18. Which port type on modern Macs supports both Thunderbolt 4 and USB4? → USB-C (Thunderbolt 4)
19. A MacBook Air powers on but immediately shuts off. Which component is most likely causing this behavior? → Swollen or failed battery
20. Which macOS command flushes the local DNS cache to resolve domain name resolution issues? → sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
21. A Mac Pro supports which type of upgradeable RAM modules? → ECC DDR4 RDIMM modules in specific slot configurations
22. What happens to already installed malicious software when a security-configuration update identifies it on a Mac? → It's deleted
23. Which command in macOS Terminal displays information about all APFS volumes and their container structure? → diskutil apfs list
24. A customer reports that their Mac keeps crashing with a kernel panic. Where should the technician look for clues about the cause? → Console app > Crash Reports / System Diagnostics
25. What wattage USB-C charger does Apple recommend for the 14-inch MacBook Pro to enable full charging performance? → 96W or higher (96W USB-C or 140W MagSafe 3)
26. An iMac displays a blank screen but a startup chime is heard and the Mac responds to keyboard commands. What is most likely faulty? → Display assembly or its connection to the logic board
27. A customer connects an external display to their MacBook via USB-C, but no image appears. What should the technician check first? → Cable compatibility and whether the USB-C port supports DisplayPort Alt Mode
28. Which two items in the System Information sidebar below Software allow you to verify that a Mac is enrolled by an MDM solution? → Managed Client and Profiles
29. What does running 'First Aid' in Disk Utility do? → Verifies and repairs the disk's file system structure
30. Apple scans software for known malware and, if none is found, issues a ticket. → Notarization