Top 11 Computer Lab Technician Certifications

Certifications demonstrate a technician’s knowledge and expertise in the field of computer technology. They are important because they provide employers with an assurance that the technician has been trained in the most up-to-date methods and technologies. This increases the value of their services, as employers know they can trust them to provide reliable technical support. Additionally, certifications can help technicians stand out from other job candidates during interviews, as it shows potential employers that they are serious about their career. Finally, certifications are important for professional growth, as they provide technicians with the skills necessary to stay ahead of industry trends and better serve their clients.

This article reviews top certifications for Computer Lab Technicians and explains how they can contribute to a computer lab technician's career, providing an invaluable resource for those seeking to advance in the field.

What are Computer Lab Technician Certifications?

Computer lab technician certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in troubleshooting, repair, installation, and maintenance of computer systems. This type of certification can be obtained through technical schools, colleges, universities, or independent certifying organizations.

Having a computer lab technician certification can help individuals demonstrate their expertise to employers and clients. Furthermore, this type of certification can help individuals advance in their current job roles or qualify for more advanced positions within the information technology field. Additionally, having a computer lab technician certification can help individuals increase their earning potential as they may be able to command higher salaries due to the increased level of skill and knowledge demonstrated by the certification. It can also enable them to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and trends in order to remain competitive in the job market.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a computer lab technician certification, make sure to research and understand the requirements associated with the certification. Different certifications may require different levels of prior experience and knowledge in order to qualify for the certificate. Additionally, be aware of any continuing education requirements that may be necessary to maintain the certification.

Related: What does a Computer Lab Technician do?

Top 11 Computer Lab Technician Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Computer Lab Technicians today.

1. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ certification is an industry-recognized credential that proves a technician’s competency in computer hardware, software, and network troubleshooting. It is a vendor-neutral certification designed to validate the skills necessary to support and maintain PCs and mobile devices.

The CompTIA A+ certification exam consists of two parts: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002). Both exams must be passed in order to obtain the certification. Each exam contains 90 multiple choice questions and takes 90 minutes to complete.

To get CompTIA A+ certified, you must first register for the exams through CompTIA’s website or through a third-party testing center such as Pearson VUE or Prometric. Once registered, you can take the tests at any authorized testing center. You will need to pay a fee for each exam; currently, the cost is $219 per exam.

After passing both exams, you will receive your official CompTIA A+ certification from CompTIA. The certification is valid for three years after which you must recertify by taking a new version of the exam or completing continuing education activities.

2. Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)

Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) is a certification program designed to validate an individual’s technical skills in administering Microsoft Windows Server, Exchange Server, SQL Server, System Center, and other related products. The MCSA certification demonstrates that the holder has the skills necessary to deploy, manage, and maintain a Windows infrastructure.

It typically takes around six months to complete the requirements for the MCSA certification. This includes taking three exams: one core exam and two electives. The core exam covers topics such as networking fundamentals, Active Directory management, server installation and configuration, and more. The two elective exams cover more specific topics such as messaging or virtualization.

To get an MCSA certification you must first pass all three required exams. You can take these exams at any Pearson VUE testing center or online through Microsoft's website. Once you have passed all three exams you will receive your MCSA certificate in the mail within 8-10 weeks of passing your final exam.

The cost of each exam varies depending on which country you are taking it in but typically costs between $150-$200 USD per exam. So in total it would cost around $450-$600 USD to get an MCSA certification.

3. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification program that validates the skills and knowledge of IT professionals who design, implement, and manage solutions based on Microsoft technologies. The MCSE certification is designed to demonstrate a comprehensive set of skills in areas such as cloud services, server infrastructure, desktop infrastructure, business intelligence, data management and analytics.

It typically takes around 6 months to complete the coursework and exams required for the MCSE certification. To get certified as an MCSE, you must first pass one or more exams related to specific Microsoft products or technologies. After passing the exam(s), you must submit an application to Microsoft that verifies your experience with the product or technology. Once approved, you will receive your MCSE certification.

The cost of getting an MCSE certification varies depending on which exams you take and how many exams are required for the particular certification track you choose. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $165 USD plus any additional fees associated with registering for the exam.

4. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a certification program developed by Cisco Systems that validates an individual's skills in networking. The CCNA certification is designed to measure the ability of an individual to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks. It is one of the most popular IT certifications today and is widely recognized by employers as a sign of technical proficiency.

The CCNA certification requires passing two exams: ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Part 1) and ICND2 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Part 2). Depending on your background and experience, it can take anywhere from 3-6 months to complete both exams.

To get the CCNA certification you must pass both ICND1 and ICND2 exams with a score of at least 825 out of 1000 points each. You can take these exams either online or in person at a Pearson VUE testing center.

The cost for taking the two exams varies depending on where you take them but typically ranges between $250-$400 USD per exam.

5. CompTIA Network+ Certification

CompTIA Network+ certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in networking technologies. It is administered by CompTIA, a non-profit trade association for the information technology (IT) industry. The Network+ certification is designed to provide IT professionals with the necessary skills to design, configure, manage, and troubleshoot network infrastructure.

It typically takes around three months to prepare for the CompTIA Network+ exam, depending on your experience level and study habits. To get certified, you must pass the CompTIA Network+ exam which consists of 90 multiple choice questions and has a time limit of 90 minutes. The exam covers topics such as network architecture, network operations, network security, troubleshooting and more.

The cost of the CompTIA Network+ certification exam varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $300-$400 USD.

6. Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP)

Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP) is an Apple certification program designed to help IT professionals gain the skills and knowledge necessary to provide technical support for Mac computers, iPhones, iPads, and Apple software. The ACSP program is a comprehensive training and certification program that covers the full range of Apple products and services.

The ACSP program consists of two parts: a self-study course and an exam. The self-study course is available online and includes videos, tutorials, practice questions, and other resources to help you understand the material. The exam tests your knowledge of Mac OS X, iOS, iCloud, Apple hardware, troubleshooting techniques, system administration tools, networking technologies, security protocols, and more.

It typically takes about 2-4 weeks to complete the ACSP training course depending on how much time you have available to study each day. You can also choose to take the exam at any time after completing the course.

To get certified as an Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP), you must first purchase the ACSP Training Course from Apple's website or through an authorized training provider such as Global Knowledge or New Horizons Learning Centers. Once you have purchased the course materials and completed all of the required modules in the self-study course, you can register for the exam at any authorized testing center or online with Pearson VUE.

The cost of becoming an Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP) varies depending on where you purchase your training materials from but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

7. Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC)

The Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC) is a globally recognized certification program for IT professionals who use and manage the Linux operating system. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and skills in using, managing, and troubleshooting Linux systems.

LPIC certifications are offered at two levels: LPIC-1 and LPIC-2. The LPIC-1 certification covers basic administration of Linux systems, while the LPIC-2 certification covers advanced topics such as network services, security, system maintenance, scripting, and more.

How long does it take to get it?

The amount of time it takes to get the LPIC certification depends on your experience level and how quickly you can study and prepare for the exams. Generally speaking, it should take between three months to a year to fully prepare for both the LPIC-1 and LPIC-2 exams.

How to get it?

In order to obtain an LPIC certification, you must pass two exams: one for each level of certification. These exams are administered by Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers worldwide. You can find more information about registering for these exams on the LPI website.

How much does it cost?

The cost of taking an LPIC exam varies depending on where you take the exam and which version of the exam you take (i.e., single or multiple choice). Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100-$200 USD per exam.

8. CompTIA Security+ Certification

CompTIA Security+ Certification is a globally recognized certification that validates an individual’s skills and knowledge in the field of IT security. The certification is designed to demonstrate competency in network security, compliance, operational security, and threat management. It is an entry-level certification for those looking to get into the cybersecurity field.

The exam typically takes about 90 minutes to complete and consists of 90 multiple choice questions. To be eligible for the certification, you must have at least two years of experience in IT administration with a focus on security or have earned CompTIA Network+ or A+ certifications.

You can take the exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. The cost of the exam varies depending on where you take it, but it usually costs around $320 USD.

Once you pass the exam, your certificate will be valid for three years from the date you passed. After three years, you will need to retake the exam in order to maintain your certification status.

9. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the fundamental technology knowledge they need to begin a career in IT. It is an entry-level certification that validates basic knowledge of core technical concepts and helps to prove your understanding of core technology topics.

The MTA certification is available in nine different tracks, including Windows Operating System Fundamentals, Networking Fundamentals, Security Fundamentals, Database Fundamentals, Software Development Fundamentals, Mobility and Device Fundamentals, Cloud Fundamentals, Web Development Fundamentals and Server Administration Fundamentals. Each track consists of one exam that covers the fundamentals of the respective topic.

It typically takes about 3-4 hours to complete an MTA exam. After you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your official Microsoft Technology Associate certificate from Microsoft.

To get an MTA certification, you will first need to register for the exam at Certiport's website or at any Certiport testing center. You can then purchase a voucher for the exam online or at any Certiport testing center. The cost of an MTA voucher varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $55-$90 USD per exam.

10. VMware Certified Professional (VCP)

VMware Certified Professional (VCP) is a certification program designed to validate an individual’s skills and knowledge in virtualization technology. It is the most widely recognized and respected certification for IT professionals working with VMware products. The VCP is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the skills necessary to install, configure, manage and troubleshoot VMware vSphere environments.

To become a VCP, candidates must pass two exams: the VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV) exam and the VMware Certified Advanced Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization Deployment (VCAP6-DCV Deploy) exam. Both exams are offered by Pearson VUE and cost $250 each.

The VCP exam covers topics such as installation and configuration of vSphere components, managing virtual networks, storage solutions, security, resource management, high availability, disaster recovery and more. The VCAP-DCV Deploy exam focuses on deploying vSphere components in complex environments.

In order to become certified as a VCP, candidates must attend a VMware authorized training course or complete an online training course from a VMware approved provider. Once the required training has been completed, applicants can take the two exams listed above at any Pearson VUE testing center worldwide. The cost of the training varies depending on the provider chosen but typically ranges from $1,500-$3,000 USD.

Once both exams have been passed successfully, applicants will receive their official VMware Certified Professional certificate from VMware via email within four weeks of passing their last exam.

11. Citrix Certified Administrator (CCA)

Citrix Certified Administrator (CCA) is a certification program offered by Citrix Systems, Inc. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals in the administration of Citrix products and technologies. The CCA certification is intended for system administrators and engineers who are responsible for the installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Citrix products and solutions.

The CCA certification requires candidates to pass a single exam that covers topics such as product installation and configuration, user access management, resource management, performance monitoring and optimization, security best practices, troubleshooting, application delivery strategies, and more. The exam consists of 60 questions that must be completed within 90 minutes.

To become certified as a CCA, you must first register with Citrix Education Services to take the exam. You can then purchase the exam voucher from Citrix Education Services or from a third-party vendor. Once you have purchased your voucher you can schedule your exam online through Pearson VUE or Prometric Testing Centers.

The cost for the CCA exam varies depending on where you purchase it from but typically ranges between $200-$300 USD. Additionally there may be additional costs associated with taking the exam such as travel expenses if you need to go to a testing center in person or proctoring fees if you choose to take it remotely.

Once you have passed the exam you will receive an email confirmation with instructions on how to download your certificate from the MyCitrix portal. You will also receive a hard copy certificate via mail within 8 weeks after passing the exam.

Do You Really Need a Computer Lab Technician Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual. For some, a computer lab technician certificate may be beneficial in helping them stand out from the competition and get ahead in their career. This type of certification demonstrates a level of expertise and knowledge in working with computers and technology that many employers seek when hiring for these types of positions.

Having a computer lab technician certificate can also help individuals increase their earning potential by showing potential employers that they have the skills and knowledge needed to do the job correctly and efficiently. In addition, certifications are often required for certain positions, so having one can make it easier to land a job in this field.

On the other hand, some people may find that they don't need a computer lab technician certificate to get ahead in their career. If someone already has experience working with computers or technology, then they may not need to take extra steps such as getting certified to demonstrate their proficiency in this area. Additionally, depending on the type of position they are applying for, employers may be more interested in an individual's experience rather than any certifications they have earned.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a computer lab technician certificate will depend on their situation and what kind of job they are looking for. It is important to consider how having this certification could benefit you before deciding if it is something you should pursue.

Related: Computer Lab Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Computer Lab Technician Certifications

1. What certifications are available for computer lab technicians?

CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications are the most popular certifications for computer lab technicians, but Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) are also popular choices.

2. How long does it take to become certified as a computer lab technician?

The amount of time required to become certified depends on the certification you choose, but typically ranges from 6 months to 2 years.

3. How much does it cost to become certified as a computer lab technician?

The cost of certification varies depending on the type of certification and provider, but can range from $200-$1000 USD.

4. What is the job outlook for computer lab technicians?

Computer Lab Technicians are in high demand due to the growth of technology, with job openings expected to increase by 13% in the next 10 years.

5. What skills do I need to be a successful computer lab technician?

Computer Lab Technicians need strong technical knowledge of computers and networks, excellent problem-solving skills, good communication skills, and experience with troubleshooting hardware and software issues.