Top 11 Desktop Support Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for desktop support technicians in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the job. They also show that the technician is committed to professional growth and development, which can be attractive to employers. Certifications provide a reliable way for employers to assess an applicant's qualifications, as well as their potential for success on the job. They also provide employers with assurance that a technician is up-to-date on current technology trends, which can be beneficial in a rapidly changing field like IT.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the most beneficial certifications for Desktop Support Technicians and explain how they can contribute to a successful career in desktop support.

What are Desktop Support Technician Certifications?

Desktop Support Technician Certification is a credential that verifies the knowledge and skills of an individual in providing technical support for desktop computers, laptops, and related hardware. This certification ensures that technicians are knowledgeable about the latest technologies, tools and techniques used to troubleshoot hardware and software issues. It also demonstrates proficiency in identifying, diagnosing, and resolving problems with computers, networks, printers, scanners, mobile devices and other electronic equipment.

Having Desktop Support Technician Certification can help individuals stand out from the competition when seeking employment opportunities or promotions within their current organization. It can also be beneficial for those who wish to specialize in desktop support or advance their career in the field of IT. The certification demonstrates an individual’s commitment to excellence by showing employers that they have invested time and effort into acquiring specialized knowledge in this area of expertise. Additionally, it provides employers with assurance that they are hiring qualified professionals who are well-equipped to handle technical support tasks associated with desktops and other computer systems.

Pro Tip: When considering desktop support technician certification, look for programs that include hands-on experience and provide training on the latest technologies. This will ensure you are prepared to handle the tasks that come with this role, such as troubleshooting hardware and software issues, network configuration and maintenance, and end-user support.

Related: What does a Desktop Support Technician do?

Top 11 Desktop Support Technician Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Desktop Support Technicians today.

1. CompTIA A+

CompTIA A+ is a globally recognized certification that validates the skills of computer technicians. It is an industry-standard certification for IT professionals and is often required by employers to demonstrate competency in basic computer hardware and software support.

The CompTIA A+ exam consists of two parts: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002). Each part has 90 questions and must be completed within 90 minutes. The exams cover topics such as networking, security, mobile devices, troubleshooting, operating systems, cloud computing, and more.

To get CompTIA A+, you must first register for the exams through Pearson VUE or another authorized testing center. After registering, you can take the exams at any authorized testing center worldwide. It typically takes about 3 months to complete both exams if you are studying full time.

The cost of CompTIA A+ varies depending on where you take the exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 USD per exam or $400 USD total for both exams.

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 solutions. It is the highest level of Microsoft certifications and is a globally recognized credential.

The MCSE certification requires passing multiple exams that focus on different aspects of the Microsoft technology stack. Depending on the track chosen, it can take anywhere from three to six months to complete all of the required exams. Each exam typically costs around $165 USD.

In order to obtain the MCSE certification, individuals must first pass one or more of the following exams: Windows Server 2016, Windows 10, Azure Solutions Architect, Microsoft 365 Enterprise Administrator Expert, or Dynamics 365 for Customer Engagement. After passing these exams, individuals must then pass one or more elective exams related to their chosen track in order to complete their certification.

Once all of the required exams are passed and the certification is obtained, individuals will be able to demonstrate their expertise in designing and managing Microsoft solutions and have access to exclusive resources such as job postings and networking opportunities with other certified professionals.

3. Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP)

Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP) is an industry-recognized certification program designed to provide IT professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to support Apple products. The ACSP certification is offered by Apple and is based on the Mac OS X operating system. It covers topics such as troubleshooting, networking, system administration, and more.

The ACSP certification requires a minimum of nine months of study and preparation before taking the exam. To get certified, you must pass an online exam that tests your knowledge of Mac OS X. The cost for the exam is $299 USD, which includes access to all necessary materials.

In order to become an ACSP certified professional, you must have at least one year of experience working with Mac OS X or have completed a recognized Apple training course. You must also have a valid Apple ID in order to register for the exam. Once you’ve registered for the exam, you will be given access to the required materials and instructions on how to prepare for it.

Once you’ve passed the exam, your name will be added to Apple’s list of certified professionals and you will receive an official certificate from Apple recognizing your achievement. This certificate can be used as proof of your expertise in supporting Mac OS X when applying for jobs or promotions in the IT field.

4. HDI Desktop Support Technician Certification

HDI Desktop Support Technician Certification is a certification program offered by the Help Desk Institute (HDI). It is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of desktop support and help desk operations. The certification covers topics such as customer service, problem solving, communication, technical troubleshooting, hardware and software installation and configuration.

The HDI Desktop Support Technician Certification can be obtained through an online course or in-person training. The online course takes approximately 6-8 weeks to complete, while the in-person training takes around two days. Both courses cover the same material and are designed to prepare individuals for the HDI Desktop Support Technician Certification exam.

In order to obtain the certification, individuals must pass an exam that consists of multiple choice questions related to desktop support and help desk operations. The exam fee is $295 USD for members of HDI or $395 USD for non-members. After passing the exam, individuals will receive their official certification from HDI.

The cost of obtaining the HDI Desktop Support Technician Certification varies depending on whether you take the online course or attend in-person training. The online course typically costs around $400 USD while attending in-person training may cost up to $1,000 USD or more depending on location and other factors.

5. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized certification program used to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL). It is designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage IT services within an organization. The ITIL Foundation Certification is the entry-level certification for those looking to gain expertise in IT Service Management.

The ITIL Foundation exam typically takes around 90 minutes to complete and consists of 40 multiple choice questions. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 65% or higher.

To get certified, candidates must first register for an accredited training course from a provider such as AXELOS or PeopleCert. During the course, candidates will learn about the core concepts of ITIL and how they can be applied in real-world scenarios. After completing the course, candidates can then take the official exam at an accredited testing center.

The cost of the ITIL Foundation Certification varies depending on which provider you choose to use for your training and examination. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$600 USD for both the training and examination fees combined.

6. CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Network+ is a certification program designed to validate the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in networking technologies, including network hardware, protocols, topologies, security, and troubleshooting. It is an industry-recognized credential that is widely accepted by employers.

The CompTIA Network+ certification exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. The exam covers topics such as network architecture, network operations, network security, network troubleshooting and tools/components.

To get CompTIA Network+ certified you must first pass the CompTIA Network+ exam. You can take the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center or online through their website. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD.

Once you have passed the exam you will receive your official CompTIA Network+ certification which is valid for three years from the date of issue. After three years you will need to renew your certification by taking a continuing education course or passing another CompTIA Network+ exam.

7. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the fundamental technology skills needed to pursue a career in IT. It is an entry-level certification that validates basic knowledge of core technical concepts. The MTA covers a wide range of topics, including operating systems, networking, databases, software development, security and web development.

The MTA takes approximately two to three hours to complete and consists of multiple choice questions. To get the MTA certification, you must pass one or more exams administered by Microsoft. The cost of each exam varies depending on the type and number of exams taken.

To get the Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification, you must first register for an exam at the Microsoft Learning website. Once registered, you can purchase vouchers for each exam from authorized vendors such as Prometric or VUE. After purchasing the voucher, you can schedule your exam at any time convenient to you. After taking and passing the exam(s), you will receive an email from Microsoft confirming your success and providing instructions on how to access your certificate online.

The cost of each MTA exam varies depending on the type and number of exams taken; however, it typically ranges from $99 - $159 USD per exam.

8. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is an industry-leading certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals in the field of information security. It focuses on the most important foundational principles for securing a network and managing risk. The course covers topics such as cryptography, authentication, access control, malware threats, incident response, and more.

The CompTIA Security+ exam typically takes 90 minutes to complete and consists of up to 90 multiple-choice questions. To become certified, you must pass the exam with a score of 750 or higher on a scale of 100-900.

To get CompTIA Security+, you will need to register for the exam through the CompTIA website or through an authorized testing center. You can also purchase training materials from CompTIA or from other vendors that offer courses to help prepare for the exam.

The cost of taking the CompTIA Security+ exam varies depending on where you take it and what materials you use to prepare for it. The cost ranges from $320 USD for an online proctored exam to $400 USD for a physical test center exam.

9. HDI Support Center Analyst Certification

HDI Support Center Analyst Certification is a certification program offered by the Help Desk Institute (HDI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in the areas of customer service, problem solving, communication, and technical support. This certification is a valuable asset for any professional working in the field of customer service and technical support.

The HDI Support Center Analyst Certification is a comprehensive program that consists of two parts: the HDI Support Center Analyst Exam and the HDI Support Center Analyst Course. The exam covers topics such as customer service, problem solving, communication, technical support processes, and tools. The course provides hands-on training on how to effectively use these tools to provide excellent customer service.

The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and can be taken online or at an authorized testing center. To become certified, you must pass both the exam and the course with a score of 80% or higher.

The cost for taking the HDI Support Center Analyst Certification Program varies depending on whether you take it online or at an authorized testing center. The cost for taking it online is $495 USD while taking it at an authorized testing center will cost $595 USD.

10. Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST)

Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s ability to support end-users and troubleshoot desktop applications on a Microsoft Windows operating system. The MCDST certification is designed for IT professionals who provide technical support for users of the Microsoft Windows XP Professional operating system.

To get the MCDST certification, you must pass two exams: Exam 70-271 (Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Windows XP Operating System) and Exam 70-272 (Supporting Applications on a Windows XP Operating System). Both exams are offered by Microsoft through its testing partner, Pearson VUE.

The exams take approximately 90 minutes each to complete and cost $125 USD per exam. To prepare for the exams, Microsoft offers several resources such as self-paced training kits, e-learning courses, instructor-led classes, practice tests, and study guides. You can also find third-party training materials online or in bookstores.

Once you have passed both exams, you will receive your MCDST certificate from Microsoft. The certificate is valid for three years after which you will need to retake the exams if you wish to renew your certification status.

11. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a certification program that validates an individual’s knowledge and ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks. The CCNA certification is designed for entry-level network engineers who are looking to build a career in networking technologies.

The CCNA certification is valid for three years from the date of completion. To renew the certification, candidates must pass either the current version of the exam or one of the previous versions within three years of their expiration date.

To get the CCNA certification, you must pass a single exam: Cisco 200-301 CCNA. This exam covers topics such as network fundamentals, IP addressing and routing protocols, network access security, automation and programmability, WAN technologies, infrastructure services, infrastructure maintenance, and more.

The cost of taking the Cisco 200-301 CCNA exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $300-$400 USD.

Do You Really Need a Desktop Support Technician Certificate?

Yes, a desktop support technician certificate can be beneficial for those who wish to pursue a career in the field of computer technology. A desktop support technician certificate is designed for those who are interested in providing technical assistance and troubleshooting for computer hardware and software systems. This type of certification will provide individuals with the skills needed to diagnose and repair problems related to computers and their peripherals.

Having a desktop support technician certificate will give employers confidence that you have the knowledge and experience required to perform the job duties of a desktop support technician. With this certification, you will be able to demonstrate your knowledge of computer hardware, software, networking, operating systems, customer service, and troubleshooting techniques. You may also be asked to provide technical advice or guidance on how to best use certain software applications or hardware components. Furthermore, having this certification will show employers that you are familiar with industry standards and practices.

In addition to the technical knowledge gained from this certification program, individuals will also gain important interpersonal skills needed in the workplace such as communication, problem solving, customer service, teamwork and conflict resolution. These skills can help make an individual more attractive for employment opportunities within the IT industry.

Overall, having a desktop support technician certificate is beneficial for those seeking a career in computer technology as it demonstrates one's knowledge of key concepts related to the field as well as provides important interpersonal skills needed in most work environments.

Related: Desktop Support Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Desktop Support Technician Certifications

1. What types of desktop support technician certifications are available?

Answer: There are several different types of desktop support technician certifications available, such as A+, Network+, Security+, and Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA).

2. How long does it typically take to get certified?

Answer: Depending on the certification, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to become certified.

3. What kinds of jobs can I get with a desktop support technician certification?

Answer: With a desktop support technician certification, you can find employment in many IT roles such as help desk specialist, computer hardware and software technicians, network administrators, and systems engineers.

4. Are there any prerequisites for getting certified?

Answer: Generally speaking, most certifications require some level of experience in the field before taking the exam. It is also recommended that you have a good understanding of basic computer hardware and software concepts before attempting the certification exam.

5. What kind of salary can I expect with a desktop support technician certification?

Answer: Salaries vary depending on experience and location but typically range between $30K - $60K per year for entry-level positions. Senior-level positions can earn up to $90K or more per year depending on location and experience.