Top 11 Help Desk Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for a help desk specialist in the job market because they demonstrate that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to provide technical support to customers. Certifications can also be used to show potential employers that the candidate is up-to-date on the latest technologies and has the necessary experience to handle customer issues. Additionally, certifications can help a help desk specialist stand out from other applicants as they demonstrate a commitment to professional development and mastery of technical topics.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Help Desk Specialists and explains how they can help to advance their career.

What are Help Desk Specialist Certifications?

Help desk specialist certification is a type of professional certification that demonstrates a specialized knowledge and proficiency in providing technical support services. This certification is typically obtained by completing an accredited program or passing an exam.

Having help desk specialist certification can demonstrate to employers that the individual has the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience required to provide technical support services. It also shows potential employers that the person has taken the time to become certified in their field and is committed to staying up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.

Help desk specialist certification can also be beneficial for job seekers as it can increase their chances of getting hired for a position, as well as potentially lead to higher salaries due to their increased knowledge and expertise. Additionally, having this certification may open up more opportunities for advancement within the field due to its increased recognition. Finally, individuals who possess help desk specialist certification may have access to exclusive networking events and career resources which are not available to those without such credentials.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research and understand the requirements for each help desk specialist certification you are considering. Different certifications may have different prerequisites, such as experience or specific courses, so make sure to read up on the details before deciding which certification is right for you.

Related: What does a Help Desk Specialist do?

Top 11 Help Desk Specialist Certifications

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

1. CompTIA A+

CompTIA A+ is a certification program designed to validate and recognize the skills of entry-level IT professionals. It is an internationally recognized, vendor-neutral certification that covers the fundamentals of computer technology, installation and configuration of PCs, laptops and related hardware, as well as basic networking.

The CompTIA A+ certification consists of two exams: 220-901 and 220-902. The exams are multiple choice and performance based, testing a candidate’s knowledge in areas such as installation, preventative maintenance, networking, security and troubleshooting.

It typically takes between 3 to 6 months to prepare for the CompTIA A+ exam depending on your experience level. To get certified you must pass both the 220-901 and 220-902 exams with a score of at least 700 out of 900 points each.

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

2. CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Network+ is a certification for IT professionals that validates their knowledge of networking technology. It is designed to help individuals become proficient in installing, configuring, managing, and troubleshooting networks. The certification covers topics such as network architecture, topologies, protocols, security, and troubleshooting.

It takes approximately 60 hours of study time to prepare for the CompTIA Network+ exam. To get certified, you must pass the Network+ exam which consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and has a 90-minute time limit. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD.

To get certified you must first register with CompTIA and then book an appointment at a testing center near you. After passing the exam, you will receive your certificate in the mail within 4-6 weeks.

3. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals working with Microsoft technologies. It is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in designing, implementing, and managing complex IT infrastructures.

The MCSE certification requires individuals to pass a series of exams that test their understanding of Microsoft products and services. The exams cover topics such as Windows Server, SQL Server, Exchange Server, SharePoint Server, System Center Configuration Manager, Azure Infrastructure Solutions, Office 365 Solutions and other related technologies.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete the MCSE certification depending on the individual’s experience level and the number of exams they need to take. To get the certification, individuals must first register for the exam through Pearson Vue or Prometric testing centers. After registering for an exam, individuals must then study for it by using official Microsoft training materials or third-party resources such as books or online courses. Once they have passed all required exams with a passing score of 70%, they will be awarded the MCSE certification.

The cost of taking each exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $100-$200 per exam. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with purchasing official Microsoft training materials or third-party resources used for studying purposes.

4. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in technology. MTA certifications are entry-level certifications that validate foundational technical knowledge and provide a stepping stone to more advanced Microsoft certifications.

MTA certifications take approximately 10-15 hours of study time to complete, depending on the exam chosen. To get an MTA certification, you must register for the exam through the Microsoft Learning website. The cost of each exam varies depending on your geographic location, but typically ranges from $99-$127 USD.

5. HDI Support Center Analyst (HDI-SCA)

HDI Support Center Analyst (HDI-SCA) is a certification program designed to help IT professionals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to provide exceptional customer service in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world. The HDI-SCA certification is offered by the Help Desk Institute (HDI), an internationally recognized organization that provides training and certifications for IT professionals.

The HDI-SCA certification requires successful completion of an online exam that covers topics such as customer service, problem solving, technical support, communication, and more. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in a customer service role or a related field. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost of the HDI-SCA certification varies depending on the country in which you are taking the exam. In the United States, it typically costs around $500 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. There may also be additional fees associated with purchasing study materials or registering for a proctored exam session.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your HDI-SCA certification within four to six weeks. This certification is valid for three years from the date of issue and can be renewed by retaking the online exam or attending an approved professional development event.

6. HDI Desktop Support Technician (HDI-DST)

HDI Desktop Support Technician (HDI-DST) is a certification program designed to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to provide technical support for desktop systems. The program focuses on developing the skills needed to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair desktop computer hardware, software, and operating systems. It also provides an understanding of customer service principles and practices.

The HDI-DST program consists of two exams: one covering hardware topics and the other covering software topics. To receive certification, candidates must pass both exams with a score of at least 70%. The exams are administered by Prometric Testing Centers or Pearson VUE Testing Centers.

The cost of the HDI-DST certification program varies depending on the provider; however, it typically costs between $200 - $500 USD. It usually takes about 6 months to complete the program if you study regularly.

To get certified as an HDI-DST, you will need to register for the certification exam with Prometric or Pearson VUE Testing Centers. You will then need to purchase study materials from HDI or another provider that offers preparation materials for the exam. After studying and preparing for the exam, you can schedule your exam date with Prometric or Pearson VUE Testing Centers. Once you have passed both exams with a score of at least 70%, you will receive your HDI-DST certification from HDI.

7. Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP)

Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP) is an Apple certification program that provides technical support professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to provide world-class customer service and support for Mac computers, iPad, iPhone, Apple TV, Apple Watch, and other Apple products. The ACSP certification is designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their expertise in troubleshooting Mac hardware and software issues.

The ACSP certification requires passing a series of exams that test your knowledge of OS X El Capitan (10.11), macOS Sierra (10.12), macOS High Sierra (10.13), macOS Mojave (10.14), macOS Catalina (10.15) and iPadOS 13.

The ACSP certification process typically takes 8-12 weeks to complete depending on the individual's availability to study and take the exams. To get certified, you must first register for the ACSP program through the Apple Training website or through an authorized training provider such as Global Knowledge or New Horizons. After registering for the program, you will be given access to course materials which include ebooks, videos and practice tests that can help prepare you for the exams.

The cost of becoming an ACSP varies depending on where you register for the program but typically ranges from $500-$1200 USD including exam fees.

8. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a professional-level certification offered by Cisco Systems. It is designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and skills in networking technologies, including routing, switching, network security, wireless networking, and more.

It typically takes up to 6 months of study and preparation to become CCNA certified. The best way to prepare for the exam is by taking a comprehensive course from an accredited provider such as Cisco Networking Academy or CBT Nuggets. There are also many online resources available that can help you study for the exam.

The cost of the CCNA certification exam varies depending on where you take it. Typically, it costs around $300 USD to take the exam at a testing center or through Pearson VUE. If you choose to take the exam online through Cisco's website, it will cost around $325 USD.

Overall, obtaining your CCNA certification can be a great way to advance your career in networking technology and open up new opportunities for yourself.

9. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an entry-level certification that provides a general understanding of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) framework. It is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage IT services within an organization. The certification covers the key concepts, processes, and best practices associated with IT service management.

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

To get certified, individuals must first register for the ITIL Foundation Certification exam through an accredited training provider. There are a variety of different providers available, including online courses and in-person classes. Once registered, individuals can then take the exam at their convenience.

The cost of obtaining an ITIL Foundation Certification varies depending on which training provider you choose. Generally speaking, most providers charge between $200 and $400 for access to their course materials and exams.

10. Google Cloud Platform Fundamentals

Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is a suite of cloud computing services that runs on the same infrastructure that Google uses internally for its end-user products, such as Google Search and YouTube. GCP provides a range of cloud services, including compute, storage, databases, analytics, networking and machine learning.

Getting started with GCP does not take long. You can sign up for a free trial account in minutes and start exploring the platform. Once you’ve created your account, you can use the web console or command line tools to deploy resources like virtual machines (VMs), containers, storage buckets and more.

To get started with GCP you will need to create an account on the Google Cloud Platform website. After creating an account you will be asked to provide payment information so that Google can bill you for any services used beyond the free trial period.

The cost of using GCP depends on what services you are using and how much of those services you are using. Generally speaking, most basic services are offered at no cost during the free trial period while more advanced features may require payment. Additionally, some services may require additional fees depending on usage levels or other factors.

11. AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate

AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate is an industry-recognized certification that validates a professional's ability to deploy, manage, and operate applications on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform. This certification is designed for system administrators, DevOps engineers, and IT professionals who are responsible for managing applications running on the AWS cloud. It covers topics such as deploying, managing, and operating systems on AWS; monitoring and troubleshooting applications; automating processes; security best practices; and more.

The exam typically takes two hours to complete and consists of multiple choice questions. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but is typically around $150 USD. To prepare for the exam, you can take an official AWS training course or use self-study materials such as practice tests, study guides, white papers, and other resources available online. Additionally, there are many third-party training providers that offer courses specifically designed to help you prepare for the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate exam.

Do You Really Need a Help Desk Specialist Certificate?

When considering whether or not you need a Help Desk Specialist Certificate, there are many factors to consider. The most important factor is the level of experience and knowledge you have in the field. If you already have extensive experience as a help desk specialist and feel confident in your abilities, then a certificate may not be necessary. However, if you are just starting out in the field, or if you want to increase your chances of being hired for a help desk specialist job, then obtaining a certificate may be beneficial.

Certificates can provide an added layer of credibility when applying for jobs and can demonstrate that you have taken the time to become knowledgeable in the profession. Many employers look favorably upon applicants with certificates because they believe it shows dedication and commitment to professional development. Additionally, some employers may even require certification as part of their hiring process.

In addition to enhancing your credentials, a help desk specialist certificate also provides formal training which can improve your skillset and equip you with the latest industry knowledge. This is especially important if you plan on pursuing a career in this field long-term since technology changes at a rapid pace. Having up-to-date knowledge ensures that you will be able to effectively serve customers and stay ahead of the competition.

Ultimately, whether or not obtaining a Help Desk Specialist Certificate is right for you depends on your individual goals and needs. If it’s something that interests you or would benefit your career path, then it’s definitely worth looking into further!

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FAQs About Help Desk Specialist Certifications

1. What is a Help Desk Specialist Certification?

Answer: A Help Desk Specialist Certification is a professional certification that verifies an individual’s knowledge and skills in providing customer service and technical support via phone, email, or other methods of communication.

2. What are the benefits of getting a Help Desk Specialist Certification?

Answer: With a Help Desk Specialist Certification, individuals can demonstrate their expertise in customer service and technical support to employers and clients. This certification also has the potential to lead to higher salaries and increased job opportunities.

3. How long does it take to get a Help Desk Specialist Certification?

Answer: The time it takes to get a Help Desk Specialist Certification varies depending on the type of certification you choose and how much experience you have in the field. Most certifications require at least one year of work experience in order to qualify for the exam.

4. How do I prepare for a Help Desk Specialist Certification Exam?

Answer: To prepare for the exam, you should review material related to customer service and technical support that is covered by your chosen certification program. You may also want to take practice exams or participate in online courses that focus on help desk topics in order to increase your chances of passing the exam.

5. Are there any prerequisites for getting a Help Desk Specialist Certification?

Answer: Yes, some certifications may require applicants to have certain qualifications such as having prior work experience or completing certain courses before taking the exam. It is important to check with each individual certification program for specific requirements before beginning your studies.