ACSP Installation and Recovery 5

Question 1

A Mac with Apple Silicon is in an unknown state and will not boot. Which recovery mode allows the deepest firmware-level restore?

Accepted Answer

DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode via Apple Configurator 2

Answer

DFU mode, activated via Apple Configurator 2 on a second Mac, provides the deepest restore level including firmware, and is used when all other recovery methods fail.

Question 2

Which file system format does Apple recommend when formatting a startup volume for modern macOS installations?

Accepted Answer

APFS (Apple File System)

Answer

APFS is Apple's recommended and default file system for startup volumes on modern Macs due to its performance, encryption, and snapshot capabilities.

Question 3

After replacing an internal SSD on a 2022 MacBook Pro with Apple Silicon, what must be done before macOS can be installed?

Accepted Answer

Use Apple Configurator 2 on another Mac to revive or restore the firmware first

Answer

On Apple Silicon Macs, a blank or replaced SSD has no firmware; Apple Configurator 2 must be used to load the firmware via DFU before macOS can be installed.

Question 4

Which macOS Recovery environment installs the same macOS version that came with the Mac when purchased?

Accepted Answer

Shift+Option+Command+R at startup (Intel)

Answer

On Intel Macs, Shift+Option+Command+R at startup triggers recovery that installs the original macOS the Mac shipped with, or the earliest compatible version.

Question 5

A user sees 'Security Policy' options in macOS Recovery on their Apple Silicon Mac. What does setting it to 'Reduced Security' allow?

Accepted Answer

Loading third-party kernel extensions (kexts) that are not notarized by Apple

Answer

Reduced Security allows the Mac to load legacy or third-party kernel extensions that haven't passed Apple's notarization process.

ACSP - Apple Certified Support Professional Practice Test

ACSP - Apple Certified Support Professional Practice Test

ACSP Installation and Recovery 5