Top 10 Field Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for a field technician in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional development, show technical proficiency, and prove that an individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the job. Certifications also give field technicians an edge over their competition when applying for jobs. Employers often look for certified professionals when hiring because they demonstrate a higher level of expertise and can be trusted to do quality work. Additionally, certifications can increase salary potential, as employers may be willing to pay more for someone with relevant credentials.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Field Technicians and explains how they can further a technician's career.

What are Field Technician Certifications?

Field technician certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a technician’s proficiency in a specific field of technology. It is issued by either a professional organization or a manufacturer, and it certifies that the individual has achieved a certain level of expertise in the area. Field technicians who hold this certification are considered to be qualified professionals who have demonstrated their knowledge and skill in the field.

Field technician certification can benefit technicians in several ways. First, it can give them more credibility when applying for jobs or promotions. Certification can also make them more attractive to potential employers, who may prefer to hire certified professionals over those without credentials. Additionally, having certification may lead to higher wages as companies may be willing to pay more for certified technicians than those without certification. Finally, holding a certification provides ongoing opportunities for learning and growth as many organizations offer continuing education courses and workshops specifically designed for certified technicians. These courses help keep technicians up-to-date on the latest technologies and trends in their field so they can remain competitive in the job market.

Pro Tip: Make sure to stay up-to-date with all of the latest certifications for field technicians. This will ensure that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to do your job effectively. Additionally, it will also make you more attractive to potential employers.

Related: What does a Field Technician do?

Top 10 Field Technician Certifications

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

1. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) is a professional-level certification program from Cisco Systems that validates the knowledge and skills of networking professionals. It is designed to validate an individual’s ability to plan, implement, verify and troubleshoot local and wide area enterprise networks. The CCNP certification is ideal for network engineers, system engineers, network administrators and support technicians who are looking to advance their careers in the field of networking.

The CCNP certification requires passing four exams: Route (300-101), Switch (300-115), Tshoot (300-135) and Design (300-320). The exams cover topics such as routing protocols, switching technologies, network design principles and troubleshooting techniques.

It typically takes around six months to complete all four exams. However, this timeline can be shortened or lengthened depending on an individual’s experience level and study habits.

To get the CCNP certification, you must pass all four exams within three years of starting your studies. You can take each exam at a Pearson VUE testing center or online using the Cisco Learning Network Store.

The cost of the CCNP certification varies depending on the country you live in but generally ranges from $600-$1,000 USD per exam.

2. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ is a vendor-neutral certification that validates the skills of entry-level IT professionals. It is designed to certify the competency of computer service technicians in installing, maintaining, customizing, and operating personal computers. The certification covers a broad range of hardware and software technologies and requires knowledge of networking and security as well.

The CompTIA A+ certification typically takes between 6-12 months to complete depending on your study habits and experience level. To obtain the certification, you must pass two exams: 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2). Both exams are 90 minutes long with a maximum score of 900 points each.

The cost for the CompTIA A+ exam varies by country and region but generally ranges from $200-$300 USD per exam. You can purchase vouchers from CompTIA or from an authorized reseller if you want to save money on the exams. You will also need to pay for any necessary training materials or courses that you may need in order to prepare for the exams.

3. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification from Microsoft that demonstrates a person's expertise in designing and implementing solutions based on Microsoft technologies. The MCSE certification covers the full range of Microsoft products, including Windows Server, Exchange Server, SharePoint Server, SQL Server, System Center, Office 365 and Azure.

It typically takes around six months to complete the necessary training and exams required to obtain an MCSE certification. To get started, you will need to pass one or more of the core exams related to the technology you wish to specialize in. Once you have passed these exams, you will then need to take a single elective exam related to your chosen technology.

The cost of obtaining an MCSE certification varies depending on which exams you take and how many times you take them. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $165 USD per attempt. Depending on your location and other factors such as discounts or offers available at the time of purchase, this cost may vary slightly.

Once all required exams have been completed successfully, Microsoft will issue an official MCSE certificate that can be used for professional recognition and career advancement opportunities.

4. Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)

Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) is a certification program designed to validate an individual’s skills and knowledge in administering, configuring, and troubleshooting Microsoft Windows-based systems. It is the first step in becoming a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE).

To become an MCSA, you must pass three exams: one on Windows Server, one on networking fundamentals, and one on either Windows 8 or Windows 10. The exams typically take between two to four hours each to complete.

You can prepare for the MCSA exams by taking classes at your local college or university, enrolling in online courses offered by Microsoft Learning Partners, or studying independently using self-study materials available from Microsoft Press.

The cost of the MCSA varies depending on where you take the exams. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay around $150 per exam if you take them at a testing center. If you choose to take them online through an approved proctoring service such as ProctorU, then the cost could be higher.

5. Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP)

The Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP) is a globally-recognized certification program that provides IT professionals with the knowledge and skills to design, deploy, configure, secure, manage and troubleshoot wireless networks. It is the most comprehensive program available for wireless networking professionals.

The CWNP certification program consists of five levels: Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA), Certified Wireless Security Professional (CWSP), Certified Wireless Analysis Professional (CWAP), Certified Wireless Design Professional (CWDP) and Certified Wireless Network Expert (CWNE). Each level requires a different set of skills and knowledge related to wireless networking.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete all five levels of the CWNP certification program. The amount of time it takes to complete each level depends on the individual's background in wireless networking as well as how much time they are able to dedicate to studying for each exam.

In order to get certified, individuals must pass an exam for each level of the CWNP program. Exams are administered by Pearson VUE at testing centers around the world. The cost of each exam varies depending on location but generally ranges from $150-$250 USD per exam.

Overall, obtaining the CWNP certification can be a lengthy process but it is well worth it in terms of career advancement opportunities in the field of wireless networking.

6. Apple Certified Macintosh Technician (ACMT)

An Apple Certified Macintosh Technician (ACMT) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s proficiency in servicing and troubleshooting Mac computers. The ACMT certification is offered by Apple, Inc. and is recognized as the industry standard for Mac technicians.

The ACMT certification requires the successful completion of a two-day course and an online exam. The course covers topics such as hardware repair, software troubleshooting, network configuration, and system maintenance. After completing the course, individuals must pass an online examination to demonstrate their understanding of these topics.

The cost of the ACMT certification varies depending on where you take the course. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000 to $2,000 USD.

In order to become an ACMT certified technician, individuals must first complete a two-day training course provided by Apple or one of its authorized training partners. After completing the course and passing the online exam, individuals will receive their official ACMT certificate from Apple within 4-6 weeks.

7. CompTIA Network+ Certification

CompTIA Network+ certification is a vendor-neutral credential designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and skills in networking technologies. It is an internationally recognized certification that validates the ability to design, configure, manage and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks.

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 industry standards/best practices.

To obtain the CompTIA Network+ certification, you must pass the CompTIA Network+ exam. You can take the exam at any authorized testing center or online through Pearson VUE. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $300-$400 USD.

In addition to passing the exam, you must also have at least two years of networking experience or one year of experience plus a technical degree or other certifications such as A+, Security+, Linux+ or Cloud+.

Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements, you will receive your CompTIA Network+ certification which is valid for three years from the date of completion.

8. Avaya Certified Implementation Specialist (ACIS)

Avaya Certified Implementation Specialist (ACIS) is an industry-recognized certification that validates the technical knowledge and expertise of professionals who install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Avaya products. This certification is designed to demonstrate a mastery of the skills required to successfully implement Avaya solutions.

The ACIS certification program consists of three levels: Associate, Professional, and Expert. To become certified at each level, candidates must pass one or more exams that cover topics such as installation and configuration of Avaya products, system design and architecture, troubleshooting techniques, and customer service best practices.

To become an ACIS Associate requires passing the Avaya Certified Implementation Specialist – IP Office (ACIS-IPO) exam. To become an ACIS Professional requires passing the Avaya Certified Implementation Specialist – Unified Communications (ACIS-UC) exam. To become an ACIS Expert requires passing the Avaya Certified Implementation Specialist – Data Networking (ACIS-DN) exam.

The exams typically take 1-2 hours to complete and cost $125 USD per exam. Candidates can register for exams through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers worldwide.

9. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Accredited Platform Specialist (HPEAPS)

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Accredited Platform Specialist (HPEAPS) is a certification program offered by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) that provides IT professionals with the skills and knowledge required to design, deploy, and manage HPE server solutions. The HPEAPS program consists of two levels: Associate and Professional.

The Associate level focuses on basic concepts and technologies related to HPE server solutions, such as installation, configuration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and management. The Professional level builds on the Associate level by introducing more advanced topics such as virtualization, automation, security, scalability, and high availability.

The HPEAPS certification program is designed to be completed in 12 months or less. To become certified at the Associate level requires passing two exams: one exam covering the fundamentals of HPE server solutions (HPE0-S52); and one exam covering more advanced topics (HPE2-S72). To become certified at the Professional level requires passing three exams: one exam covering the fundamentals of HPE server solutions (HPE0-S52); one exam covering more advanced topics (HPE2-S72); and one exam focusing on a specific technology area (e.g., virtualization or automation).

To get started with the HPEAPS certification program you must first register for an account with Pearson VUE. Once registered you can purchase access to the online training materials for each of the exams you need to take. You can then schedule your exams through Pearson VUE using their online system.

The cost of taking each exam varies depending on which country you are located in; however in general it costs around $150 USD per exam.

10. Oracle Database Administration Certifications

Oracle Database Administration Certifications are certifications offered by Oracle Corporation to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and skills in administering Oracle databases. It is a professional-level certification that requires extensive experience and training in the use of Oracle database products.

In order to become certified, individuals must pass a series of exams that cover topics such as installation, configuration, tuning, security, backup and recovery, performance monitoring, patching, troubleshooting and more. The exams are administered through Pearson VUE testing centers.

The amount of time required to obtain the certification varies depending on the individual's experience level and how much time they can dedicate to studying for the exams. Generally speaking, it takes anywhere from two months to one year or more to prepare for the exams and obtain the certification.

The cost of obtaining an Oracle Database Administration Certification depends on which exam you take and how many exams you need to pass in order to obtain your certification. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $200 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as registration fees or proctoring fees.

Overall, obtaining an Oracle Database Administration Certification can be expensive but is well worth it for those looking to advance their career in database administration or become a certified expert in this field.

Do You Really Need a Field Technician Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your career goals. If you are looking to work in a field that requires specialized knowledge and skills, then a field technician certificate may be beneficial. However, if you are already working in this area and have the necessary skills, then it may not be necessary.

There are several advantages to having a field technician certificate. First, it can provide employers with evidence that you have the technical knowledge and skills required for the job. Additionally, it can demonstrate that you are committed to developing these skills further. Finally, having a field technician certificate can be an excellent way of staying up-to-date on the latest industry developments or certifications.

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to obtaining a field technician certificate. First, it may require additional time and money spent on courses or exams that could be better used elsewhere. Additionally, depending on the type of certification obtained, it may need to be regularly updated in order to remain valid. This could mean additional time and money spent on renewing certifications each year or every few years.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a field technician certificate is ultimately up to you and your career goals. It is important to consider the potential benefits as well as any potential drawbacks before deciding whether or not this certification is right for you.

Related: Field Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Field Technician Certifications

1. What are the requirements for a field technician certification?

Answer: The requirements for a field technician certification vary depending on the type of certification and the institution offering it. Generally, most certifications require applicants to have an associate degree in a related field, such as electronics or computer technology, and at least two years of experience in a related field.

2. How long does it take to get a field technician certification?

Answer: The amount of time required to complete a field technician certification varies depending on the type of certification and the institution offering it. Generally, most certifications can be completed within six months to one year.

3. Is there an exam required for field technician certifications?

Answer: Yes, most certifications require applicants to pass an exam in order to receive their certification. The type of exam varies based on the type of certification and the institution offering it.

4. How much does it cost to get a field technician certification?

Answer: The cost of getting a field technician certification varies depending on the type of certification and the institution offering it. Generally, most certifications cost between $500-$2000 USD.

5. Are there any online courses available for obtaining a field technician certification?

Answer: Yes, many institutions offer online courses that can help you prepare for receiving your field technician certification. These courses usually include lectures, tutorials, and exams that must be passed in order to receive your certificate.