Top 11 Help Desk Certifications

Certifications for a help desk are important for several reasons. First, they demonstrate to employers that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform successfully in the role. Certifications also provide assurance that an individual is up-to-date on industry best practices and standards. Finally, certifications can help differentiate job seekers from their competition, allowing them to stand out in a crowded job market. In short, certifications provide employers with the assurance that they are hiring qualified professionals with the technical acumen to effectively support their organization’s technology needs.

The article reviews some of the top certifications for Help Desks and explains how they can contribute to a help desk's career, helping them become more successful.

What are Help Desk Certifications?

Help desk certification is a type of professional certification that recognizes an individual's knowledge and skills related to providing technical support and customer service. It is typically offered as an online or in-person training program that covers topics such as understanding customer needs, troubleshooting computer hardware and software, installing and configuring operating systems, using remote access tools, resolving network issues, and responding to customer inquiries.

Help desk certification can be beneficial for individuals seeking to improve their job prospects in the tech industry. Employers often view certified help desk professionals as having a higher level of expertise than those without formal certification. Additionally, many employers require their help desk technicians to have some form of certification in order to be considered for positions. Having a help desk certification can also give individuals an edge over other job applicants when seeking promotions or raises within the same organization.

Finally, certifications can provide individuals with a sense of accomplishment and recognition from peers and employers alike. By completing a help desk certification program, individuals demonstrate their commitment to mastering the skills needed for success in this field.

Pro Tip: Consider becoming certified in help desk support to demonstrate your knowledge and proficiency. Certifications such as CompTIA A+ or ITIL Foundations can be helpful for those looking to pursue a career in the help desk field.

Related: What does a Help Desk do?

Top 11 Help Desk Certifications

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

1. CompTIA A+

CompTIA A+ is an industry-recognized certification for computer technicians and support specialists. It is designed to validate the skills necessary to perform tasks such as installation, configuration, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance and basic networking.

It typically takes about two months of study and practice to prepare for the CompTIA A+ exam. There are a variety of resources available to help you prepare, including online courses, books, and practice tests.

To earn the CompTIA A+ certification, you must pass two exams: 220-901 and 220-902. The exams cover topics such as hardware components, operating systems, networking technologies and security principles.

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

2. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with an introduction to the fundamentals of Microsoft technologies. It is intended for those who are new to IT or who are looking to gain foundational knowledge in core Microsoft technologies. MTA certifications cover topics such as Windows operating systems, software development, databases, virtualization, cloud computing, and more.

The MTA certification program consists of three levels: Fundamentals, Database Administration, and Software Development. Each level requires passing one or more exams in order to earn the certification. The exams can be taken online or at a testing center and typically take between 90 minutes and two hours to complete.

To get an MTA certification, you must first register for an exam through the Microsoft Learning website. Once you have registered for an exam, you will need to purchase a voucher from Microsoft in order to take the exam. The cost of a voucher varies depending on the type of exam you are taking; however, most vouchers cost around $100 USD.

Once you have purchased your voucher and scheduled your exam date, you will need to study for the exam using materials provided by Microsoft or other third-party vendors. After studying for the exam and taking it successfully, you will receive your MTA certification within two weeks of passing the test.

3. HDI Support Center Analyst (HDI-SCA)

HDI Support Center Analyst (HDI-SCA) is a certification program that provides an industry-recognized credential for individuals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide exceptional customer service in a support center environment.

The HDI-SCA certification program is designed to validate the knowledge and skills of support center professionals, including call center agents, help desk technicians, IT support staff, and customer service representatives. The certification is administered by the Help Desk Institute (HDI), an internationally recognized organization that provides educational resources and professional certifications for the customer service industry.

The HDI-SCA exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions covering topics such as customer service fundamentals, problem solving techniques, communication strategies, technical troubleshooting principles, and more. It typically takes two to three hours to complete the exam.

To become certified as an HDI-SCA, you must first register with HDI and pay a $295 fee. Once registered, you can take the exam at any authorized testing center or online through Pearson VUE. You will be required to present valid identification at the testing center prior to taking the exam. After passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher, you will receive your official HDI-SCA certification card within 4 weeks of completing your test.

The cost of becoming certified as an HDI-SCA is $295 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with registering for and taking the exam at an authorized testing center or online through Pearson VUE.

4. ITIL Foundation

ITIL Foundation is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s understanding of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) framework. This certification is the entry-level qualification in the ITIL Certification Pathway, and provides a comprehensive overview of the ITIL service lifecycle, its processes, functions, and roles. It also covers best practices for improving service management operations.

The ITIL Foundation exam typically takes around 90 minutes to complete and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. In order to pass the exam, candidates must score at least 65% (26 out of 40 questions).

In order to get certified in ITIL Foundation, individuals must take an accredited course or self-study with approved material from AXELOS. The cost of the course will vary depending on where it is taken and whether it is online or in person. Generally speaking, online courses range from $100-$500 while in-person courses can range from $500-$2000.

Once you have completed your coursework or self-study program, you will need to register for and pass the official ITIL Foundation exam in order to become certified. The cost of the exam varies depending on where it is taken but generally ranges from $150-$250 USD per attempt.

5. CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Network+ is a certification program developed by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals working in network administration, support, and engineering. The Network+ certification covers topics such as network architecture, cabling and topologies, protocols and standards, security, troubleshooting, and more.

It typically takes around 30 hours of study time to prepare for the CompTIA Network+ exam. The exam itself consists of 90 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. To pass the exam, you must score at least 720 out of 900 points.

To get CompTIA Network+, you will need to register for the exam with CompTIA. You can do this online or through an authorized testing center. The cost of the exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically costs between $250-$300 USD.

6. HDI Customer Service Representative (HDI-CSR)

HDI Customer Service Representative (HDI-CSR) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of customer service principles and best practices. The program is administered by the Help Desk Institute (HDI), an international organization that provides training and resources for customer service professionals.

The HDI-CSR certification consists of three components: a knowledge exam, a skills assessment, and an on-the-job performance evaluation. To receive the HDI-CSR certification, candidates must pass all three components with a score of 70% or higher.

It typically takes about 4 to 6 months to complete the HDI-CSR certification program. Candidates must first register for the program online through the HDI website. They then have 90 days to complete both the knowledge exam and skills assessment. After passing those two components, they must submit their on-the-job performance evaluation within 30 days of completing their training.

The cost of the HDI-CSR certification program varies depending on location and other factors, but typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 USD.

7. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is a certification program developed by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). It is an internationally recognized, vendor-neutral certification that validates a candidate’s knowledge and skills in system security, network infrastructure, access control, cryptography, assessments and audits.

The CompTIA Security+ exam typically takes around 90 minutes to complete and consists of 90 multiple choice questions. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 750 out of 900 points. The cost for the exam varies depending on the country you are taking it in; however, it generally costs around $320 USD.

To become certified in CompTIA Security+, candidates must first meet certain prerequisites. These include having at least two years of experience working in IT security or having already achieved CompTIA Network+ certification. Additionally, they must also agree to abide by CompTIA's Code of Ethics.

Once these prerequisites have been met, candidates can register for the exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric Testing Centers. After registering for the exam and paying the fee, candidates will be able to schedule their exam date and time with either center. Candidates should make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to their scheduled time as late arrivals may not be allowed into the testing center.

Once a candidate passes their CompTIA Security+ certification exam they will receive an official certificate from CompTIA that is valid for three years from the date of issue. After three years have passed, candidates will need to recertify by taking another version of the Security+ exam or completing continuing education courses related to IT security topics such as risk management or disaster recovery planning.

8. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a professional certification program offered by Microsoft. It is designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their expertise in designing and implementing solutions based on Microsoft technologies.

It typically takes about six months to complete the MCSE certification process, depending on the individual's experience and knowledge. To get an MCSE certification, individuals must pass several exams that focus on different aspects of Microsoft technologies. The cost of the exams varies depending on the type of exam taken, but can range from $100-$300 per exam. Additionally, individuals must have at least one year of experience working with Microsoft products in order to obtain an MCSE certification.

9. Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP)

Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP) is an Apple certification program designed to help IT professionals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to provide technical support for Apple products. The ACSP certification is a professional-level certification that demonstrates a person's ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve issues with Mac computers, iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs, and other Apple devices.

The ACSP certification requires passing two exams: the Mac Integration Basics 10.13 exam and the macOS Support Essentials 10.13 exam. Both exams are offered through Pearson VUE testing centers around the world. The Mac Integration Basics 10.13 exam covers topics such as setup, installation, configuration of hardware components and peripherals; network configuration; user accounts; file sharing; printing; security; system preferences; and troubleshooting techniques. The macOS Support Essentials 10.13 exam covers topics such as user accounts; file systems; applications; networking technologies; system maintenance tools; troubleshooting techniques; and more.

It typically takes between four to six months of study time to prepare for the ACSP certification exams depending on experience level and familiarity with Apple products. To get certified, candidates must pass both exams within one year of each other with a score of 70% or higher on each exam in order to be awarded the ACSP credential from Apple Inc.

The cost of taking the two exams varies by country but generally ranges between $150 - $200 USD per exam plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with taking the tests at Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide.

10. HDI Desktop Support Technician (HDI-DST)

HDI Desktop Support Technician (HDI-DST) is a certification that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in providing technical support for desktop computers, laptops, and other related hardware. The HDI-DST certification demonstrates that the individual has the expertise to troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve desktop technology issues.

The HDI-DST certification requires the successful completion of an exam. This exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as installation, configuration, troubleshooting, maintenance, security and networking of desktop systems. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and must be taken at a Pearson VUE testing center.

The cost of the HDI-DST certification exam is $250 USD. In order to take the exam you must first register with Pearson VUE online or by phone. Once you are registered you can schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE testing center near you.

11. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a certification offered by Cisco Systems, Inc. that validates an individual's knowledge and skills related to networking technologies. It is one of the most popular and widely recognized certifications in the IT industry.

The CCNA certification requires individuals to pass two exams: ICND1 and ICND2. The ICND1 exam covers topics such as networking fundamentals, routing protocols, switching concepts, and troubleshooting techniques; while the ICND2 exam focuses on more advanced topics such as WAN technologies, IPv6 addressing, network security, and virtualization.

It usually takes around 6-12 months to prepare for the CCNA exams depending on your experience level and how much time you can dedicate to studying. You can find many online resources such as practice tests and study guides that will help you prepare for the exams. Additionally, there are several training courses available from Cisco or third-party providers that can help you gain the necessary knowledge needed to pass the exams.

The cost of taking the CCNA exams varies depending on where you take them. Generally speaking, it costs around $300 USD per exam if taken at a Pearson VUE testing center or through an authorized testing partner.

Do You Really Need a Help Desk Certificate?

In today’s competitive job market, having a help desk certificate can be an invaluable asset. With the increasing demand for technical support personnel, having a certification in this field can help give you an edge over the competition. A help desk certificate is proof that you possess the knowledge and skills necessary to provide excellent customer service and troubleshoot technical issues. As such, it can be extremely beneficial when it comes to finding employment in the help desk field.

Not only does having a help desk certificate make you more attractive to potential employers, but it also demonstrates your commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest technology. Employers often look for applicants who are knowledgeable about new technologies and can quickly adapt to changing industry trends. Having a certificate shows that you have taken the initiative to stay ahead of the curve and hone your skills in order to provide better customer service.

In addition, having a help desk certificate may also qualify you for higher pay or promotions within your current company. Companies often value employees who take their career seriously and invest time and money into furthering their education. With a certification, employers will recognize your dedication to improving your skillset, which may lead to additional opportunities within the organization.

Overall, obtaining a help desk certificate is an excellent way to set yourself apart from other job candidates and demonstrate your commitment to providing quality customer service. It may open up new career paths or provide you with greater earning potential within your current organization. Ultimately, whether or not you need a help desk certificate depends on your individual goals and circumstances; however, it could certainly prove beneficial in helping you achieve success in the tech support industry.

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FAQs About Help Desk Certifications

FAQ 1: What is a Help Desk Certification?

Answer: A Help Desk Certification is an industry-recognized accreditation demonstrating proficiency in providing technical support to customers and end users. It can help demonstrate an individual's expertise in troubleshooting, problem solving, and customer service.

FAQ 2: What are the Benefits of Having a Help Desk Certification?

Answer: Having a Help Desk Certification can help individuals stand out from the competition when seeking employment opportunities. It also demonstrates to employers that the individual has a working knowledge of the technology they use, as well as how to effectively provide customer support. In addition, having a certification may lead to higher pay and more job opportunities.

FAQ 3: How Do I Get Certified?

Answer: In order to become certified, individuals must pass an exam that tests their knowledge and skills related to providing help desk support. Exams are typically offered by vendors or organizations such as CompTIA or Microsoft.

FAQ 4: Are There Different Levels of Help Desk Certifications?

Answer: Yes, there are multiple levels of certifications available depending on the skill level of the individual and their experience in providing help desk support. Most certifications have entry-level, intermediate, and advanced levels that individuals can work towards achieving.

FAQ 5: How Long Does it Take to Get Certified?

Answer: The amount of time required to get certified depends on the individual's current skill level and experience with help desk support. Typically it takes anywhere from several weeks to several months depending on how much effort is put into studying for the exam and preparing for the certification process.