Top 11 Customer Support Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for customer support engineers because they demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field. Having certifications can help a customer support engineer stand out from other job applicants and show employers that they have the skills and qualifications necessary to be successful in the role. Certifications also give customer support engineers a sense of credibility, as they indicate that they have taken the time to learn specific skills related to customer service and technical support. Additionally, certifications can help customer support engineers stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices, which is essential for providing quality customer service.

The purpose of the article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Customer Support Engineers and explain how they can help advance a customer support engineer's career.

What are Customer Support Engineer Certifications?

Customer support engineer certification is a credential that validates the skills and knowledge of customer service engineers. This certification demonstrates an individual’s ability to provide technical support and troubleshoot customer issues. It is designed to equip professionals with the skills necessary to resolve customer problems quickly and efficiently, while enhancing customer satisfaction.

The certification covers a broad range of topics, such as troubleshooting hardware and software, configuring systems, working with networks and databases, developing maintenance plans, and communicating effectively with customers. By obtaining this certification, individuals can demonstrate their competency in these areas and show potential employers that they have the skills necessary to be successful in a customer service engineering role.

Having this certification can also give professionals an edge when applying for jobs or promotions. Many employers prefer to hire certified professionals as they have a better understanding of how to identify and solve customer issues quickly. In addition, having this certification shows employers that an individual has taken the time to invest in their own development and is committed to providing quality customer service.

Overall, obtaining a customer support engineer certification can help individuals stand out from other applicants when searching for employment opportunities or advancing their career within the field of customer service engineering.

Pro Tip: When considering customer support engineer certifications, make sure to research the specific certification requirements and if the certification is applicable to your current or desired job role. Additionally, consider if the certification will require additional training or experience to maintain.

Related: What does a Customer Support Engineer do?

Top 11 Customer Support Engineer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Customer Support Engineers today.

1. CompTIA A+

CompTIA A+ is an industry-leading certification program that validates the skills and knowledge of entry-level IT professionals. It is one of the most widely recognized certifications in the IT industry and is often a prerequisite for many jobs. The certification covers a wide range of topics such as hardware, software, networking, security, troubleshooting, and customer service.

The CompTIA A+ certification exam consists of two parts: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002). Each exam takes 90 minutes to complete and contains 90 questions. To earn your CompTIA A+ certification, you must pass both exams with a score of at least 750 out of 900 points.

To get your CompTIA A+ certification, you will need to register for the exam through Pearson VUE or other approved testing centers. You can find more information on registering for the exam on the CompTIA website. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on where you take it, but typically ranges from $200-$300 per exam.

Overall, it usually takes about 4-6 months to complete all requirements for the CompTIA A+ certification if you are studying full time. However, this timeline may vary depending on your experience level and study habits.

2. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification program designed to validate an individual's expertise in designing, implementing, and managing Microsoft-based IT solutions. It is intended for IT professionals who have experience with Windows Server, Windows Client, System Center, Cloud Platform and Infrastructure, Business Intelligence, and Data Platforms.

It typically takes about six months to one year to complete the MCSE program. To get certified as an MCSE you must first pass a series of exams that test your knowledge of Microsoft products and technologies. The exams are administered by Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. Once you have passed all the required exams you will be awarded the MCSE certification.

The cost of the MCSE program varies depending on which exams you take and how many you need to pass in order to become certified. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $165 USD. So if you need to take four exams then it would cost around $660 USD total.

3. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a certification offered by Cisco Systems that validates an individual’s ability to install, configure, operate and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks. It is the entry-level certification for individuals interested in pursuing a career in networking.

It typically takes about 6 months to prepare for the CCNA exam depending on prior experience and knowledge. To get the CCNA certification, you must pass one of two exams: either the 200-301 CCNA or the 200-125 CCNA Routing & Switching exam.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on your location; however, it typically ranges from $300-$400 USD. There are also various training courses available to help you prepare for the exam which can range from free online resources to instructor-led courses costing upwards of $2,000 USD.

4. Amazon Web Services Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Amazon Web Services Certified Solutions Architect – Associate is an industry-recognized certification that validates a professional's expertise in designing and deploying applications on the Amazon Web Services platform. This certification demonstrates an individual’s ability to design, deploy, and troubleshoot AWS cloud-based solutions.

It typically takes between two to three months of preparation to pass this certification exam. Preparation can include reading AWS documentation, taking online courses, attending instructor-led training sessions, or studying with self-paced learning resources.

To get certified as an Amazon Web Services Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, you must first register for the exam and pay the associated fee. After registering, you will need to complete the exam within one year of registration. The exam consists of multiple choice and multiple answer questions and lasts for 170 minutes (2 hours 50 minutes). The cost of the exam varies by region but generally ranges from $150 to $300 USD.

5. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an entry-level certification program that provides a comprehensive overview of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) framework. ITIL is a set of best practices for managing and delivering high-quality IT services. The certification is designed to help professionals understand how to use ITIL processes and procedures to improve their organization’s service delivery.

The ITIL Foundation Certification consists of two parts: a written exam and an online course. The written exam covers topics such as the five core components of ITIL, service strategy, service design, service transition, service operations, and continual service improvement. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 65% on all questions.

The online course takes approximately 16 hours to complete and includes interactive exercises, quizzes, and videos. The course covers the same topics as the written exam but in more detail. Candidates will also learn about the different roles within an organization that are responsible for implementing ITIL processes and procedures.

To get certified, candidates must first register with an accredited training provider or take an online self-study course. Once registered, they can take the written exam at any Pearson VUE testing center or take the online course at their own pace.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on whether you choose to take a classroom or online course and if you register with a training provider or not. Generally speaking, taking a classroom or online course with a training provider will cost around $500-$800 USD while taking an online self-study course will cost around $200-$400 USD plus the cost of the exam which is usually $250 USD or less.

6. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the fundamental technology skills needed to begin a career in IT. MTA certifications validate basic knowledge of core technical concepts and are a stepping stone to more advanced Microsoft certifications.

It typically takes three to six months of study and practice to prepare for an MTA exam, depending on the individual's background and experience. The exams are available online through the Microsoft Learning website, and can be taken at any time.

The cost of an MTA exam varies depending on the country where it is taken. Generally, the cost ranges from $50 to $115 USD.

7. CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Network+ is an industry-recognized certification that validates a professional’s knowledge and skills in networking. It is designed to ensure that network professionals have the necessary skills to manage, maintain, troubleshoot, install, and configure basic network infrastructure.

The CompTIA Network+ exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of 90 multiple choice questions. The exam covers topics such as network technologies, installation and configuration, media and topologies, security, and network troubleshooting.

To get CompTIA Network+, you can register for the exam through the CompTIA website or through a certified training provider. You will need to pay an exam fee of $329 USD (or local equivalent) before you can take the test.

In addition to passing the exam, you will also need to meet certain prerequisites before you can become certified. These include having at least nine months of experience in networking support or administration or having earned another CompTIA certification such as A+, Security+, or Server+.

8. Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional (OCP)

Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional (OCP) is a certification program offered by Oracle Corporation for database administrators. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of experienced Oracle professionals who are responsible for administering, developing, and tuning Oracle databases.

The OCP certification requires passing two exams: one on installation and administration, and another on advanced topics such as performance tuning, security, backup/recovery, and data warehousing. The exams must be taken at an authorized testing center.

The length of time it takes to get certified depends on your experience level and how much time you dedicate to studying. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6-12 months or longer to prepare for the exams.

To get started with the OCP certification process, you need to register with Oracle University and purchase the exam vouchers for each exam. The cost of the exam vouchers varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $200-$400 per exam voucher.

Once you have passed both exams, you will receive an official certificate from Oracle University confirming your OCP status. You will also receive access to a members-only website where you can download exclusive content related to the OCP program such as white papers, case studies, webinars, and more.

9. Zend Certified PHP Engineer

Zend Certified PHP Engineer is a certification program designed to recognize the expertise of experienced PHP developers. It is administered by Zend Technologies, the creators of the popular open-source scripting language. The certification is designed to demonstrate that an individual has a comprehensive understanding of PHP and its related technologies.

The exam for Zend Certified PHP Engineer consists of 70 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. It covers topics such as object-oriented programming, security, web services, performance tuning, and database integration. To become certified, applicants must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

To prepare for the exam, applicants should have at least one year of experience working with PHP and should be familiar with the fundamentals of object-oriented programming and web development. There are several resources available to help individuals prepare for the exam including books, tutorials, online courses, and practice exams.

The cost for taking the Zend Certified PHP Engineer Exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $150-$250 USD.

10. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification program designed by Red Hat, Inc. to demonstrate that an individual has the skills and knowledge necessary to manage and maintain a Red Hat Enterprise Linux system. The RHCSA certification is considered one of the most sought-after certifications in the IT industry.

The RHCSA exam takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions based on real-world scenarios. To become certified, individuals must pass the RHCSA exam with a score of 70% or higher.

In order to get certified, individuals must first register for the exam through Red Hat’s website. After registering, individuals will be required to purchase an exam voucher from Red Hat which will cover the cost of taking the exam. The cost of an exam voucher is $400 USD for North America and $450 USD for Europe/Middle East/Africa/Asia Pacific regions.

Once registered and paid for, individuals can then schedule their exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers located around the world. Upon successful completion of the exam, individuals will receive their official RHCSA certification from Red Hat which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

11. Salesforce Certified Service Cloud Consultant

Salesforce Certified Service Cloud Consultant is a certification program designed to teach Salesforce professionals the skills and knowledge required to effectively implement and configure Salesforce Service Cloud, a customer service platform. The certification is intended for individuals who have experience in customer service and want to become proficient in leveraging the power of Salesforce Service Cloud.

It typically takes about 6-8 weeks to prepare for the exam, although this time can vary depending on your existing knowledge of Salesforce and the amount of time you dedicate to studying. To get certified, you must pass a multiple-choice exam that tests your knowledge of the Service Cloud product, its features, and how it integrates with other Salesforce products.

The cost of the exam varies depending on where you take it. In the United States, it costs $200 USD for an online proctored exam or $300 USD for an in-person exam at a testing center. You can also purchase practice exams from third-party vendors such as ExamTopics or Prepaway. These practice exams usually cost between $50-$100 USD.

Do You Really Need a Customer Support Engineer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their needs. For example, if someone is looking to become a customer support engineer and has no prior experience in the field, then a certificate may be beneficial. A certificate can provide them with the necessary knowledge and skills to help them succeed in the role. It can also demonstrate to employers that they have taken the initiative to learn about customer support engineering and are committed to their career path.

On the other hand, if someone already has some experience in customer support engineering or has a degree or other relevant qualifications, then a certificate may not be necessary. Having said that, there are still benefits of obtaining a customer support engineer certificate as it can demonstrate an individual's knowledge of industry standards and best practices. It can also show employers that they have dedicated time and effort into learning more about this profession which could give them an edge over other applicants.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a customer support engineer certificate will depend on their individual circumstances and goals. If they feel that obtaining one will help them land their dream job or further develop their knowledge of customer service engineering, then it might be worth considering taking a course or completing an online certification program.

Related: Customer Support Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Customer Support Engineer Certifications

Q1: What is a Customer Support Engineer Certification?

A1: A Customer Support Engineer Certification is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively provide customer support. It includes coursework in customer service, problem-solving, communication, and technical skills.

Q2: How do I get certified as a Customer Support Engineer?

A2: To become certified as a Customer Support Engineer, you must complete an accredited training program or pass an exam. The exact requirements vary depending on the certification provider.

Q3: How long does it take to become certified as a Customer Support Engineer?

A3: It typically takes several months to complete an accredited training program or pass an exam in order to become certified as a Customer Support Engineer. The exact timeline will depend on the individual's commitment and dedication to the program.

Q4: How much does it cost to get certified as a Customer Support Engineer?

A4: The cost of getting certified as a Customer Support Engineer can vary depending on the certification provider and type of program selected. Generally speaking, prices range from $500-$2000 USD for most programs.

Q5: What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Customer Support Engineer?

A5: Becoming certified as a Customer Support Engineer can help improve job prospects and increase earning potential. Additionally, it can demonstrate technical proficiency and provide recognition for expertise in customer service and problem-solving.