Top 11 Customer Support Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for customer support specialists in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers look for when hiring. They also provide tangible evidence of a candidate's ability to handle customer service issues and help customers resolve their problems in an efficient and successful manner. Certifications show that the individual has taken the time to learn industry-specific skills and is committed to staying up-to-date on changes within the field. Additionally, certifications can give customer support specialists an edge over other candidates as they can be used as proof of their qualifications.

The purpose of this article is to review certifications that can help customer support specialists advance their careers and improve the quality of their customer service.

What are Customer Support Specialist Certifications?

Customer Support Specialist Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and proficiency in providing customer service, support, and technical assistance. This type of certification is usually awarded by a third-party organization that has set standards for customer service training and qualifications.

The certification helps individuals demonstrate their commitment to customer service, as well as their knowledge of the principles and practices of customer service. It also helps employers identify qualified candidates for customer service positions, as those with the certification have shown they possess the skills to provide quality customer service. In addition, having a Customer Support Specialist Certification can help individuals stand out from other job applicants in the same field or industry.

Having a Customer Support Specialist Certification can open up career opportunities and increase an individual’s earning potential. It also allows them to stay current on best practices in providing customer service, as well as ensure they are meeting industry standards when it comes to providing quality customer experiences.

Pro Tip: Before committing to a customer support specialist certification program, research the program and make sure it is accredited and offers reputable industry certifications. Also, look for reviews from previous students to ensure that the program is up-to-date with current industry trends and best practices.

Related: What does a Customer Support Specialist do?

Top 11 Customer Support Specialist Certifications

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

1. Certified Customer Service Professional (CCSP)

Certified Customer Service Professional (CCSP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated excellence in customer service. The CCSP program is administered by the National Customer Service Association (NCSA).

The CCSP certification program requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in customer service through a comprehensive exam. Applicants must have at least two years of experience in customer service, or be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university program related to customer service.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as customer service principles, communication strategies, problem solving, conflict resolution, and technology applications. It typically takes three hours to complete the exam.

To apply for the CCSP certification, applicants must submit an application form and pay a fee of $195 USD. After submitting the application form and fee, applicants will receive instructions on how to register for the exam.

Once applicants successfully complete the exam with a passing score of 70%, they will receive their CCSP certification from NCSA. The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing continuing education courses or retaking the exam.

2. Certified Professional in Customer Relationship Management (CPCRM)

Certified Professional in Customer Relationship Management (CPCRM) is a certification program that recognizes professionals who have demonstrated expertise in customer relationship management (CRM). This certification is offered by the American Marketing Association (AMA) and is designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in CRM.

The CPCRM program consists of three courses: Foundations of CRM, Advanced CRM Strategies, and Advanced CRM Technologies. Each course is designed to provide an understanding of the fundamentals of CRM and how it can be used to improve customer relationships. The courses also cover topics such as data analysis, customer segmentation, marketing automation, and customer service.

The program typically takes approximately six months to complete. During this time, students will learn about the principles of CRM, its applications in different industries, and how to develop successful strategies for managing customer relationships. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a certificate from the AMA acknowledging their achievement.

To obtain the CPCRM certification, applicants must meet certain requirements including having at least two years of professional experience in a related field and passing an exam administered by the AMA. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as CRM concepts, strategies, technologies, metrics, analytics, and implementation best practices.

The cost for the CPCRM certification varies depending on which courses are taken; however it typically ranges between $500 - $1,000 USD for all three courses combined.

3. Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP)

Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills of customer experience professionals. The CCXP certification is offered by the Customer Experience Professionals Association (CXPA), a global non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the field of customer experience management.

The CCXP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of customer experience strategy, design, measurement, and technology. Applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in customer experience management or related fields in order to be eligible for the exam.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that assess an applicant’s understanding of customer experience theory and best practices. The exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

In order to apply for the CCXP certification, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as a resume or CV. Once approved, applicants will receive an invitation to take the exam via email.

The cost for taking the CCXP exam is $495 USD for members of CXPA and $595 USD for non-members.

4. Certified Support Center Analyst (CSCA)

Certified Support Center Analyst (CSCA) is a certification program offered by the HDI (Help Desk Institute). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in providing technical support services. The CSCA certification validates that an individual has the skills and abilities necessary to effectively manage and resolve customer issues.

It typically takes around three months to complete the CSCA certification process, depending on how quickly you can study and pass the required exams. To get certified, you must first complete a training course from an HDI-approved provider. After completing the course, you must then pass two exams: HDI Support Center Analyst (HDI-SCA) and HDI Support Center Team Lead (HDI-SCTL). Both exams are administered by Prometric or VUE testing centers.

The cost for obtaining your CSCA certification varies depending on which training provider you choose and whether or not you opt for additional practice exams or other materials. Generally speaking, it will cost between $1,000-$2,000 USD to obtain your CSCA certification.

5. Certified Technical Support Specialist (CTSS)

Certified Technical Support Specialist (CTSS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of expertise in providing technical support services. This certification is offered by the International Association of Information Technology Professionals (IAITP).

The CTSS certification requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in areas such as customer service, problem solving, troubleshooting, networking technologies, system administration, and security. Candidates must also pass an exam that covers these topics. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and can be taken online or at an IAITP testing center.

The CTSS certification program typically takes between 6-12 months to complete depending on the individual's experience and commitment to studying for the exam. To get started, interested individuals must first register with IAITP and pay the required registration fee. After registering, they will receive access to study materials and practice exams which can be used to prepare for the final exam.

The cost of the CTSS certification program varies depending on the country where it is being taken but generally ranges from $200-$500 USD.

6. Certified Call Center Representative (CCCR)

A Certified Call Center Representative (CCCR) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the skills and knowledge required to provide excellent customer service in a call center environment. This certification is offered by the International Customer Service Association (ICSA).

The CCCR certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as customer service, communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and data analysis. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CCCR certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in a customer service role in a call center environment. Applicants must also submit their resume and provide proof of their work experience.

The cost of the CCCR certification exam is $295 USD. Once applicants pass the exam, they will receive their official CCCR certificate from ICSA.

7. Microsoft Office Specialist – Customer Service (MOS-CS)

Microsoft Office Specialist – Customer Service (MOS-CS) is a certification program designed to help customer service professionals gain the skills needed to effectively use Microsoft Office applications. The certification covers the latest versions of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access. It also covers basic computer concepts such as file management, security, and troubleshooting.

The MOS-CS certification program consists of two exams: one for Word and one for Excel. To obtain the certification, candidates must pass both exams with a score of 700 or higher on each exam. Each exam takes approximately two hours to complete and costs $125 USD per exam.

To prepare for the MOS-CS exams, Microsoft offers free online training courses and practice tests that cover all topics tested in the exams. Candidates can also purchase additional study materials from third-party vendors or attend instructor-led courses offered by accredited training centers.

Overall, it typically takes three to six months to prepare for and pass both MOS-CS exams. The total cost of obtaining the MOS-CS certification is $250 USD ($125 per exam).

8. CompTIA A+ Certification for IT Professionals

CompTIA A+ certification is an industry-recognized credential for IT professionals. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of entry-level computer service technicians. The certification covers a wide range of topics, including hardware, networking, mobile devices, operating systems, security, troubleshooting and customer service.

To obtain the CompTIA A+ certification, you must pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002). Each exam consists of 90 multiple choice questions and takes 90 minutes to complete. The exams are available at authorized testing centers worldwide. The cost of each exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $200 - $300 USD per exam.

In order to prepare for the exams, CompTIA offers several resources such as study guides and practice tests that can help you understand the material covered in each exam. Additionally, there are many third-party training courses available that can provide additional guidance and support throughout your studies.

Once you have passed both exams successfully, you will receive your CompTIA A+ certification which is valid for three years from the date of issue. After three years, you must renew your certification by taking an approved continuing education course or passing a new version of the CompTIA A+ exam if one has been released since your original certification date.

9. CompTIA Network+ Certification

CompTIA Network+ certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates an individual's knowledge and skills in networking. It is designed to demonstrate a person’s ability to install, configure, manage, troubleshoot and secure network infrastructure. The certification covers topics such as network technologies, installation and configuration, media and topologies, security, and network troubleshooting.

It typically takes about three months of study to prepare for the CompTIA Network+ certification exam. However, this can vary depending on the individual’s prior experience with networking concepts and technologies.

To get the CompTIA Network+ certification you must pass the CompTIA Network+ exam (N10-007). This exam consists of 90 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. A passing score of 720 out of 900 is required to receive the certification.

The cost of the CompTIA Network+ exam is $329 USD.

10. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the Six Sigma methodology. The certification is designed to provide individuals with the skills necessary to improve processes, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction.

It typically takes about three months to complete the certification process. During this time, candidates must complete a series of courses and exams in order to demonstrate their mastery of the Six Sigma concepts. Upon successful completion of the program, candidates receive a certificate that can be used to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in Six Sigma.

In order to get certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, you must first become familiar with the basics of Six Sigma and its methodology. This can be done through online courses or by attending seminars or workshops offered by various organizations. After gaining an understanding of the concepts, you will need to take an exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC. Once you have passed this exam, you will receive your certification.

The cost for getting certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt varies depending on where you obtain your training and how long it takes to complete it. Generally speaking, expect to pay anywhere from $500-$2,000 for training materials and exams fees associated with obtaining your certification.

11. ICMI Certified Contact Center Manager (CCCM)

The ICMI Certified Contact Center Manager (CCCM) is a certification program designed to help contact center professionals develop the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their roles. The CCCM certification is offered by the International Customer Management Institute (ICMI), which is an industry-leading organization dedicated to helping contact centers improve their performance and customer service.

The CCCM certification program consists of two parts: a course and an exam. The course covers topics such as customer service, contact center operations, management, and technology. It takes approximately 8 hours to complete the course and prepare for the exam.

To get certified, you must pass the CCCM exam with a score of 80% or higher. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that cover topics from the course material. It takes about 2 hours to complete the exam.

The cost of the CCCM certification program varies depending on whether you take it online or in person. The online version costs $495 while the in-person version costs $795. Both include access to study materials, practice exams, and a certificate upon successful completion of the program.

Do You Really Need a Customer Support Specialist Certificate?

The decision to pursue a Customer Support Specialist Certificate is ultimately up to the individual. It depends on a variety of factors such as career goals, budget, and available time.

Having a certification can certainly be beneficial for someone who wants to specialize in customer support. The certificate provides specialized training in customer service techniques, communication strategies, problem-solving skills, and other important areas related to customer support. A certification also provides assurance that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to provide excellent customer service.

On the other hand, it is possible to become an effective customer support specialist without having a certificate. It may take longer and require more effort on the part of the individual, but it can be done. With enough practice and learning through experience, one can develop the necessary skills without formal training or certification.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a Customer Support Specialist Certificate is completely up to you and your situation. If you have the budget and time for it then it could be beneficial for your career goals; however, if not then there are still ways that you can learn what is needed in order to be successful in this field without formal training or certification.

Related: Customer Support Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Customer Support Specialist Certifications

Q1. What is a Customer Support Specialist Certification?

A1. A Customer Support Specialist Certification is a credential that demonstrates knowledge and expertise in providing customer support. It validates the skills and abilities of customer service professionals, such as communication, problem-solving, customer relations and product knowledge.

Q2. How long does it take to get certified?

A2. The amount of time it takes to get certified depends on the certification program you choose and your level of experience in customer support. Generally, most certifications require between 6-12 months of study and preparation before taking the exam.

Q3. What are the benefits of getting certified?

A3. Benefits of getting certified include increased job opportunities, higher salaries, recognition among peers, and professional development and growth opportunities. Additionally, certification can provide you with greater credibility when interacting with customers or employers.

Q4. Is there a cost associated with getting certified?

A4: Yes, most certification programs have associated fees for application processing, testing materials and exams fees. Costs vary depending on the certification program you choose so it’s important to research different programs before deciding which one is right for you.

Q5: Are there any prerequisites for getting certified?

A5: Prerequisites vary depending on the certification program you choose but some common requirements include having at least two years’ experience in customer support roles, passing an exam or completing a course of study related to customer service topics such as communication skills or problem-solving techniques.