Top 10 Help Desk Analyst Certifications

Certifications are an important part of any help desk analyst's job market success. Certifications demonstrate a level of proficiency and knowledge in the field that can set an analyst apart from other applicants. They also provide employers with assurance that the analyst possesses the necessary skills to handle their customers' technical issues. Additionally, certifications can open up opportunities for advancement as they are seen as indicators of professional development and commitment to the profession. Ultimately, certifications demonstrate that a help desk analyst is a qualified and experienced professional who is committed to providing superior customer service.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Help Desk Analysts, and explain how these certifications can help enhance a help desk analyst's career.

What are Help Desk Analyst Certifications?

Help Desk Analyst Certification is a certification program designed to provide professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide technical support and customer service in a help desk environment. The certification focuses on developing the soft skills needed for successful help desk interactions, such as communication, problem-solving, customer service, troubleshooting and learning how to use common technical tools. The certification covers topics such as basic computer hardware and software, operating systems, networking technologies and system troubleshooting.

Having a Help Desk Analyst Certification can be beneficial for both employers and employees. For employers, this certification shows that the individual has the necessary skills to provide excellent customer service and technical support. Having certified help desk analysts on staff can also increase productivity by reducing the amount of time spent on training new employees or working through issues that could have been easily resolved by someone with more experience.

For employees, having a Help Desk Analyst Certification proves they have the knowledge and skills needed to successfully work in a help desk environment. It will also give them an edge over other job applicants when applying for positions in this field. Finally, it demonstrates their commitment to professional development and continuing education which can be attractive to potential employers.

Pro tip: Pursue help desk analyst certification from accredited providers such as CompTIA and Microsoft to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field. Additionally, look for certifications that offer continuing education credits, which will help you stay up-to-date on industry trends.

Related: What does a Help Desk Analyst do?

Top 10 Help Desk Analyst Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Help Desk Analysts today.

1. CompTIA A+

CompTIA A+ is a globally recognized certification that validates the skills of entry-level IT professionals. It is an industry standard for measuring competency in computer hardware and software installation, configuration, troubleshooting, security and operational best practices.

The CompTIA A+ certification consists of two exams: 220-1001 and 220-1002. The exams are designed to measure the knowledge and skills required to install, configure, maintain, troubleshoot and operate personal computers. The exams also cover networking technologies, mobile devices, operating systems and security.

It typically takes around three months to complete the training for the CompTIA A+ certification. You can take self-paced online courses or attend instructor-led classes at a local college or technical school. You can also find practice tests online to help you prepare for the exams.

To get your CompTIA A+ certification you must pass both the 220-1001 and 220-1002 exams with a score of 700 or higher on each exam. After passing both exams you will receive your official CompTIA A+ certificate in the mail within four weeks of completion.

The cost of taking the CompTIA A+ exam varies depending on where you take it and which version you choose (e.g., online or in person). Generally speaking, it costs around $200 per exam ($400 total) plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam (e.g., registration fees).

2. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification program designed to recognize IT professionals who have the skills and knowledge necessary to design, implement, and manage complex IT infrastructures. MCSE certifications are available in several different areas including Windows Server, Cloud Platform and Infrastructure, Productivity Solutions Expert, Data Management and Analytics, and Mobility.

The amount of time it takes to get MCSE certified depends on the individual’s experience level and the type of certification they are pursuing. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6-12 months of study and preparation before taking the exam.

To become MCSE certified, individuals must pass one or more exams that cover topics related to their chosen field. The exams are offered through Microsoft’s official testing centers or through authorized third-party providers such as Pearson VUE or Prometric.

The cost of the MCSE certification varies depending on the number of exams required for completion. Each exam costs $165 USD at a Microsoft testing center or an authorized third-party provider. Therefore, if an individual needs to take two exams in order to become certified, they will need to pay $330 USD in total.

3. HDI Support Center Analyst

HDI Support Center Analyst is a certification program offered by HDI, an international organization that provides training and certifications for customer service professionals. The HDI Support Center Analyst Certification is designed to help customer service professionals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to provide effective support in a technical environment. This certification is ideal for those who want to gain recognition as an expert in customer service and technical support.

The HDI Support Center Analyst Certification program consists of two courses: the HDI Support Center Analyst Course and the HDI Support Center Manager Course. The HDI Support Center Analyst Course covers topics such as problem solving, communication, customer service, troubleshooting, escalation procedures, and more. The HDI Support Center Manager Course focuses on managing teams, developing processes, setting goals, and developing metrics.

It typically takes about three months to complete both courses and obtain the certification. There are no prerequisites for taking either course; however, it is recommended that participants have some experience in customer service or technical support prior to enrolling in the program.

The cost of the program varies depending on which course you choose to take. The HDI Support Center Analyst Course costs $2,495 USD while the HDI Support Center Manager Course costs $3,995 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking these courses such as travel expenses or materials fees.

4. ITIL Foundation

ITIL Foundation is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage IT services. It is based on the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), which is a set of best practices for IT service management.

The ITIL Foundation certification exam typically takes two hours to complete and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. To obtain the certification, candidates must achieve a minimum score of 65%.

To get certified, candidates must first register for an accredited ITIL Foundation course. These courses are offered by various training providers and can be taken in-person or online. The cost of these courses varies depending on the provider, but typically range from $500-$1500 USD. Once the course has been completed, candidates can then take the ITIL Foundation exam at an accredited testing center. The cost of taking this exam is usually around $200 USD.

5. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is a certification program designed to provide an entry-level qualification for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in technology. The MTA certification validates fundamental technology knowledge and skills, and provides a foundation for further Microsoft certifications.

The MTA certification consists of nine exams that cover topics such as Windows Operating System Fundamentals, Software Development Fundamentals, Database Fundamentals, Networking Fundamentals, Security Fundamentals, Mobility and Device Fundamentals, Cloud Fundamentals, and Web Development Fundamentals. Each exam typically takes between 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete.

To get the MTA certification, you must pass all nine exams. You can take the exams online or at a testing center near you. The cost of the exams varies depending on where you take them; online exams cost $127 USD each while testing center exams cost $150 USD each.

In total, it usually takes around 9 hours to complete all nine MTA exams and obtain your certification.

6. CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Network+ is an industry-recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in networking technologies, installation and configuration, media and topologies, management, and security. It is designed to test a candidate’s ability to design, configure, manage, and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks.

The exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD.

To get CompTIA Network+, you must pass a single 90-minute exam (N10-007). The exam consists of 90 multiple choice questions covering topics such as network architecture, network operations, network security, troubleshooting, industry standards/best practices and infrastructure. You must score 700 or higher on the exam to receive your certification.

You can prepare for the CompTIA Network+ exam by taking online courses or attending instructor-led classes. Additionally, there are several practice tests available online that can help you prepare for the exam.

7. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is a vendor-neutral certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in the areas of system security, network infrastructure, cryptography, access control, and organizational security. It is designed for IT professionals who have at least two years of experience in system administration with an emphasis on security.

The CompTIA Security+ exam typically takes about 90 minutes to complete. It consists of 90 multiple choice and performance-based questions. To get certified, you must pass the exam with a score of 750 or higher out of 900 possible points.

To get CompTIA Security+, you must first register for the exam on the CompTIA website. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on your location and whether you are taking it online or in person. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $320 to $400 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive a certificate that is valid for three years from the date it was issued. After three years, you will need to retake the exam in order to maintain your certification status.

8. HDI Customer Service Representative

HDI Customer Service Representative (CSR) is a certification program designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge needed to provide exceptional customer service. The program focuses on customer service best practices, problem-solving techniques, communication strategies, and more. It is offered by HDI, which is a global organization that provides training, resources, and certifications for professionals in the customer service and technical support fields.

The HDI CSR certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course will take approximately 40 hours to complete and covers topics such as customer service fundamentals, problem-solving techniques, communication strategies, and more. After completing the course material, you must pass an exam in order to receive your certification.

The cost of the HDI CSR certification program varies depending on the package you choose. The basic package includes access to the online course materials and one attempt at the exam for $399 USD. There are also packages available that include additional attempts at the exam or additional study materials for a higher fee.

Once you have completed all of the requirements for the program, you will be awarded your HDI CSR certification. This certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued.

9. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is an entry-level certification offered by Cisco Systems. It is designed to validate the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in installing, configuring, operating, and troubleshooting medium-sized routed and switched networks. CCNA certification is a prerequisite for more advanced certifications such as the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP).

It typically takes around 6 months to prepare for the CCNA exam. The amount of time required may vary depending on your prior experience with networking technology. To get certified, you must pass both the ICND1 and ICND2 exams or one combined exam (CCNAX).

The cost of the CCNA exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally, the cost ranges from $200-$300 USD per exam.

10. Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP)

The Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP) is a certification program offered by Apple that recognizes the technical skills and knowledge of IT professionals who support Mac hardware, software, and services. It is designed to demonstrate mastery of core Apple technologies, such as macOS configuration, troubleshooting, and repair.

To become an ACSP certified professional, you must pass two exams: one on macOS Support Essentials 10.13 and another on either macOS Server Essentials 10.13 or Deployment Essentials 10.13. The exams are administered through Pearson VUE testing centers and can be taken online or in-person at select locations.

The cost for the ACSP certification varies depending on the exam you take; the macOS Support Essentials exam costs $150 USD while the macOS Server Essentials or Deployment Essentials exam costs $200 USD. The exams typically take about 90 minutes to complete, but it may vary depending on your individual pace and proficiency level with the material covered in each exam.

In order to prepare for these exams, Apple offers training courses that cover all of the topics tested in each exam. These courses are available both online and in-person at select locations around the world. The cost of these courses will depend on your location and other factors such as whether you choose to attend a live class or watch a video tutorial series online.

Do You Really Need a Help Desk Analyst Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual. For some people, a help desk analyst certificate may be necessary in order to get a job, while for others it may not be necessary. It really depends on the type of job you are applying for and the specific requirements of the employer.

If you are applying for a job as a help desk analyst, then having a certificate can certainly give you an edge over other applicants who don't have one. The certificate will demonstrate that you have taken the time to learn about help desk operations and that you possess the knowledge and skills necessary to do your job effectively. It also shows potential employers that you are committed to learning more about the field and improving your skillset.

On the other hand, if you already have experience working as a help desk analyst or if your current employer does not require any certification for their position, then obtaining a help desk analyst certificate may not be essential. In fact, in some cases it could even be viewed as over-qualifying yourself for the position or demonstrating too much initiative.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual person to decide whether they need to obtain a help desk analyst certificate or not. If you feel like having one would give you an advantage in getting hired or advancing in your current role, then it is probably worth considering obtaining one. Otherwise, there is no need to worry about getting certified if it is not required by your employer or if it does not fit into your career goals at this time.

Related: Help Desk Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Help Desk Analyst Certifications

1. What is a Help Desk Analyst certification?

Answer: A Help Desk Analyst certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a person's knowledge and expertise in providing customer support and troubleshooting technical issues. It is typically obtained by completing an accredited program or course of study, passing an examination, and/or fulfilling other requirements related to the particular certification.

2. Are there different types of Help Desk Analyst certifications?

Answer: Yes, there are several different types of Help Desk Analyst certifications available. Some of the most common include CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).

3. How long does it take to get certified as a Help Desk Analyst?

Answer: The length of time required to become certified as a Help Desk Analyst will vary depending on the type of certification you choose, your level of experience, and how much time you are able to dedicate to studying for the exams. In general, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to become fully certified as a Help Desk Analyst.

4. What should I expect during the certification process?

Answer: The exact steps involved in obtaining certification will depend on the type of certification you pursue, but typically you can expect to complete an accredited course or program, pass an exam or series of exams, and fulfill any additional requirements related to the specific certification. Additionally, some certifications may require ongoing continuing education courses in order for them to remain active.

5. How much does it cost to become certified as a Help Desk Analyst?

Answer: The cost associated with becoming certified as a Help Desk Analyst will vary depending on the type of certification you pursue and where you obtain your training materials from. Generally speaking however, you can expect costs ranging from several hundred dollars up into the thousands for more advanced certifications.