Top 10 IT Support Specialist Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the IT support specialist job market. They provide potential employers with evidence that a professional has the skills and knowledge necessary to perform the job effectively. Certifications demonstrate a commitment to continuing education and a mastery of core technical topics, which can be invaluable when it comes time to compete for jobs. Employers are more likely to hire someone with certifications because they know that the candidate is knowledgeable and competent in their field. It also shows that they have taken the initiative to learn more about their profession and stay up-to-date on the latest technology.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for IT Support Specialists and explains how they can contribute to an IT support specialist's career.

What are IT Support Specialist Certifications?

IT support specialist certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's technical expertise and knowledge in managing, troubleshooting, and supporting technology. This type of certification is available from a variety of organizations such as CompTIA, Microsoft, and Cisco. The benefits of obtaining an IT support specialist certification include increased job opportunities, improved salary potential, enhanced credibility in the workplace, and greater confidence in working with clients.

Having this certification can help individuals land jobs in IT departments or positions related to customer service or technical support. Employers often prefer to hire candidates with IT support specialist certifications because they have been tested on their technical skills and are able to demonstrate their proficiency in various aspects of technology management. Additionally, having this certification may also result in higher salaries since certified applicants are more likely to be viewed as knowledgeable professionals who can handle complex tasks.

In addition to the professional benefits associated with IT support specialist certifications, it can also provide individuals with greater self-confidence while working with clients or customers. With the right training and experience, those who obtain these certifications will be better equipped to troubleshoot problems quickly and efficiently while providing excellent customer service. This type of certification is ideal for anyone looking to gain a competitive edge in the IT industry or advance their career prospects.

Pro Tip: Make sure you stay up to date with the latest IT support specialist certification requirements. Many certifications require continuing education in order to remain valid, and new technologies are always being released that may require additional certifications. Staying on top of these changes will help you maintain your certification and stay competitive in the job market.

Related: What does an IT Support Specialist do?

Top 10 IT Support Specialist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to IT Support Specialists today.

1. CompTIA A+

CompTIA A+ is an industry-leading certification for IT professionals. It is designed to validate a technician’s skills in computer hardware and operating systems, as well as troubleshooting and customer service. The certification is vendor-neutral, meaning it can be applied to any brand of computer or device.

The CompTIA A+ exam consists of two parts: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002). Each part has a maximum of 90 questions and must be completed within 90 minutes. The exam covers topics such as networking, security, mobile devices, cloud computing, virtualization, and operational procedures.

To get the CompTIA A+ certification you must pass both exams with a score of at least 750 out of 900 points. You can take the exams at any Pearson VUE testing center or online through their website.

The cost for each exam is $226 USD ($113 USD per exam). If you fail either exam you will have to pay the full fee again in order to retake it.

2. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification program that validates an individual’s expertise in designing and implementing Microsoft-based solutions. It is designed to equip IT professionals with the skills needed to design and implement solutions that help organizations meet their business needs. The MCSE certification requires individuals to demonstrate their ability to design, deploy, configure, manage, and troubleshoot complex IT infrastructures using Microsoft technologies.

To get the MCSE certification, you must pass one or more exams that test your knowledge of the relevant Microsoft technology. Depending on the specific track you choose, this could include Windows Server, Exchange Server, SharePoint Server, SQL Server or other related technologies. You can also choose from several different specializations such as Business Intelligence or Private Cloud.

It typically takes around 6 months to a year to complete all of the required exams for the MCSE certification. However, this depends on your level of experience and how much time you are able to dedicate towards studying for the exams.

To get started on your path towards becoming an MCSE certified professional you will need to purchase a voucher from Microsoft which allows you to register for the exam(s). The cost of each exam varies depending on which country you are taking it in but generally ranges between $150-$200 USD per exam.

3. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a certification program developed by Cisco Systems to recognize the ability of individuals to install, configure, operate and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks. It is an entry-level certification that validates an individual's knowledge and skills in networking fundamentals.

To obtain the CCNA certification, candidates must pass one exam. The exam typically takes 90 minutes and consists of 60-70 multiple choice questions. The exam covers topics such as network fundamentals, routing protocols, switching technologies, IP addressing and subnetting, WAN technologies, security fundamentals, and troubleshooting.

The cost of the CCNA exam varies depending on the country you are located in but typically ranges from $250-$300 USD.

In order to prepare for the CCNA exam it is recommended that candidates have at least one year of experience working with Cisco products or have completed a Cisco training course such as Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) or Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 (ICND2). Additionally there are many resources available online such as practice exams and study guides which can help candidates prepare for the exam.

Once you have passed the CCNA exam you will be awarded with a certificate which is valid for three years. After three years you will need to recertify in order to maintain your certification status.

4. CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Network+ is an industry-recognized certification for IT professionals that validates their knowledge of networking concepts and technologies. It is designed to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of networking fundamentals, such as network architecture, topologies, protocols, components, and security.

It typically takes between three to six months to prepare for the CompTIA Network+ exam. The amount of time required depends on the individual’s existing knowledge and experience in networking. To get the certification, individuals must pass the CompTIA Network+ exam (N10-007).

The cost of the CompTIA Network+ exam varies depending on the testing center you choose. Generally speaking, it costs around $300 USD.

5. Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)

Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s skills and knowledge in administering and managing Microsoft Windows-based networks. It validates the ability to configure, deploy, manage, maintain, and troubleshoot network infrastructure services such as Active Directory, DHCP, DNS, Group Policy, Hyper-V, IIS, Network Access Protection (NAP), Remote Desktop Services (RDS), and Windows Server Update Services (WSUS).

It typically takes around three months to complete the MCSA certification process. The process includes studying for the exams and completing hands-on labs or practice tests. To get certified as an MCSA you must pass at least two exams: one on Windows Server Operating System fundamentals and one on a specific server role or technology.

The cost of the MCSA certification varies depending on which exams you take. The cost of each exam ranges from $165 to $200 USD. Additionally there are fees associated with taking practice tests or participating in hands-on labs.

6. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an internationally recognized qualification that demonstrates a basic understanding of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL). It is designed to provide individuals with a comprehensive understanding of the ITIL framework and how it can be used to improve the quality of IT service management. The certification covers topics such as service strategy, service design, service transition, service operations, continual service improvement and more.

The ITIL Foundation Certification exam typically takes around 60 minutes to complete and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 65%.

To get certified, individuals must first complete a training course through an accredited provider. Training courses are available both online and in-person and range from two days to five days in length depending on the provider. After completing the training course, individuals may register for the exam through PeopleCert or AXELOS websites.

The cost of the ITIL Foundation Certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $400-$1,000 USD.

7. HDI Desktop Support Technician Certification

HDI Desktop Support Technician Certification is a professional certification program that helps IT professionals demonstrate their technical skills and knowledge in the area of desktop support. The certification requires individuals to pass an exam that covers topics such as troubleshooting, customer service, problem solving, and system administration.

The HDI Desktop Support Technician Certification exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least one year of experience in a desktop support role or have completed an approved training course.

To get certified, individuals must register for the exam through HDI’s online portal. The cost of the exam is $250 USD. Upon successful completion of the exam, individuals will receive their official HDI Desktop Support Technician Certification certificate in the mail within 4-6 weeks.

8. Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP)

Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP) is an Apple certification program that provides specialized training and certification for Apple support professionals. The ACSP certifies individuals to provide technical support for Mac OS X and other Apple products, including iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touches.

The ACSP program consists of a three-day course, which covers topics such as troubleshooting Mac OS X, configuring networks and printers, and setting up user accounts. After completing the course, participants must pass an exam in order to receive their certification. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering a wide range of topics related to Mac OS X and Apple products.

It typically takes about three days to complete the ACSP course and pass the exam. The cost of the course varies depending on location but usually ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD. In addition to the cost of the course itself, there may also be additional fees associated with taking the exam or obtaining other materials needed for completion of the program.

In order to become an ACSP certified professional, you must first take and pass the ACSP course and exam. After passing the exam you will receive your official certification from Apple. This certification is valid for two years after which time you must renew it by taking a refresher course or retaking the original exam.

9. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is a certification from the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) that is designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and skills in the area of information security. It covers topics such as network security, compliance and operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, access control and identity management, cryptography, and more.

The Security+ exam typically takes up to two hours to complete and consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. To pass the exam, you must score at least 750 out of 900 points. The cost of the exam varies depending on the country or region where it is taken. In the United States, it costs $349 USD; however, discounts may be available for CompTIA members or through other organizations.

To earn the Security+ certification, you must first pass the Security+ exam. Additionally, you must have at least two years of experience in IT administration with a focus on security or have earned another CompTIA certification in order to qualify for this credential.

10. HDI Customer Service Representative Certification

HDI Customer Service Representative (CSR) Certification is a professional certification program offered by the Help Desk Institute. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in customer service, problem resolution, and communication.

The certification program consists of two parts: a written exam and an online course. The written exam covers topics such as customer service principles, problem solving techniques, communication strategies, and technical support processes. The online course covers topics such as customer service best practices, conflict resolution, customer satisfaction surveys, and more.

It typically takes about six months to complete the certification program. In order to get certified, you must first pass the written exam with a score of 70% or higher. Once you pass the written exam, you can then register for the online course which will take approximately three months to complete.

The cost of HDI CSR Certification varies depending on your location but is generally around $500-$600 USD. This fee includes both the written exam and the online course materials.

Do You Really Need a IT Support Specialist Certificate?

The short answer is yes, you do need an IT support specialist certificate if you want to be successful in the IT field. However, it is important to understand that this certificate alone will not guarantee success. Achieving success in the IT field requires a combination of technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and interpersonal communication skills.

Having an IT support specialist certificate demonstrates that you have acquired some of the necessary technical knowledge to perform the job effectively. It also shows employers that you are serious about pursuing a career in the field and have taken the initiative to learn more about it.

However, having a certificate alone does not necessarily mean that you are qualified for a position as an IT support specialist. The most important thing is to demonstrate your technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities through real-world experience. This can include taking on internships or volunteer roles at local companies or organizations related to your chosen field. You should also focus on building relationships with people in the industry who can provide mentorship or advice when needed.

In conclusion, obtaining an IT support specialist certificate can certainly help you get started on your journey towards working in the IT field, but it should not be seen as a substitute for gaining real-world experience and networking with other professionals in the industry.

Related: IT Support Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About IT Support Specialist Certifications

1. What is an IT Support Specialist Certification?

Answer: An IT Support Specialist Certification is a credential that demonstrates a person's proficiency in providing technical support and troubleshooting for computer systems. It usually involves passing an exam or completing a series of courses to demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to provide effective IT support.

2. What are the benefits of getting certified?

Answer: Having an IT Support Specialist Certification can give individuals an edge when applying for jobs, as employers may prefer candidates who have gone through the certification process. Additionally, certifications can help professionals stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends in the field.

3. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The length of time it takes to get certified depends on the specific certification program and how much prior experience you have with IT support. Generally, most programs require at least one year of experience before taking the certification exam.

4. What are the prerequisites for certification?

Answer: Most certification programs require applicants to have basic knowledge of networking, operating systems, hardware components, and software applications related to computer systems. Some programs may also require applicants to have prior experience working with computers or other related systems in order to be eligible for certification.

5. Are there any costs associated with becoming certified?

Answer: Yes, most certifications come with fees associated with taking the exam or enrolling in a course or program related to obtaining the certification. Additionally, some certifications may also require renewal fees after a certain amount of time has passed since obtaining the initial certification.