Dreamweaver, along with Flash, forms the core of Adobe’s suite of Web development applications. Recent versions of the application have been increasingly approachable to non-professional users. Using Dreamweaver, websites can be designed using a variety of authoring languages, or designed directly using a drag and drop interface that largely replaces the need to understand HTML and CSS. Dreamweaver also integrates closely with Adobe’s other applications, making it possible to transfer properties between them with ease.
Adobe provides comprehensive training in the form of self-paced courses and classes offered at Adobe authorized training centers. The self-paced courses may be purchased online and studied independently. Regardless of the ACE you want to earn, you will need to know the course material very well to succeed in the certification exam. While you can attempt to learn Dreamweaver without official course material and succeed, Adobe’s courses ensure that every element of the application is thoroughly covered.
Adobe’s Web Specialist ACE certification requires the student to pass the Dreamweaver and Flash exams, as well as the exam for one elective application. Electives include Photoshop, Illustrator, ColdFusion and Flex. A thorough general understanding of internet technologies, languages and design are required, as well as a detailed understanding of all of Dreamweaver’s functions. Although training and testing is available for individual applications, certifying in Dreamweaver alone doesn't qualify you as an ACE. You must complete the Web Specialist program to obtain ACE certification.
The exam consists of 49 multiple-choice questions administered by computer at a licensed Adobe test center. You may not use your books or notes during the exam. All test scores are collected by Adobe, which sends out exam results by email shortly after taking the exam. A minimum mark of 72 percent is required to pass. The exam covers all aspects of Dreamweaver, with particular emphasis on site management, CSS design and general site design. On passing the exam, you will receive certification in Dreamweaver.