Top 11 Maintenance Administrator Certifications

Certifications are important for a maintenance administrator in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge, skills, and experience in the field. They can also be used to verify that an individual has the necessary qualifications for a particular position or job. Additionally, certifications can help employers identify potential candidates as well as provide evidence of competence and professionalism. Certifications show employers that a maintenance administrator has taken the time to stay up-to-date with industry trends and technologies, which can make them more attractive to prospective employers.

This article reviews some of the top certifications available to Maintenance Administrators and explains how they can help to further their career.

What are Maintenance Administrator Certifications?

Maintenance Administrator Certification is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to become successful maintenance administrators. This certification is designed to help professionals develop their understanding of maintenance management principles, processes, and best practices. It also focuses on developing the skills necessary for effective communication, planning, organizing, problem solving, decision making, and budgeting. With this certification, individuals will gain the ability to manage operational costs associated with maintenance activities and ensure that facilities are operating efficiently. Additionally, they will be able to identify areas of improvement and implement strategies for optimizing facility operations. Upon completion of this certification program, individuals will have a better understanding of how to create an effective preventive maintenance program and maintain compliance with safety regulations. Furthermore, they will be prepared to lead teams in promoting a culture of safety and efficiency within their organization.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a maintenance administrator certification, make sure to research the various certifications available and their requirements. Certifications vary based on the type of job you are looking for, so it is important to find the one that best fits your career goals. Additionally, many certifications require continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain certification status. Be sure to plan ahead and budget for any CEU costs associated with your chosen certification program.

Related: What does a Maintenance Administrator do?

Top 11 Maintenance Administrator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Maintenance Administrators today.

1. CompTIA A+

CompTIA A+ is an industry-recognized certification for IT professionals. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of entry-level computer technicians. CompTIA A+ certifies that the successful candidate has the necessary skills to install, configure, diagnose, repair, maintain, and troubleshoot basic hardware and software systems.

It typically takes about three months of study time to prepare for the CompTIA A+ exam. The exam consists of two parts: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002). Each part has a maximum of 90 questions that must be completed within 90 minutes.

To get CompTIA A+, you must pass both parts of the exam with a score of at least 675 on each part. You can register for the exams through Pearson VUE or Prometric Testing Centers.

The cost of the CompTIA A+ certification varies depending on which country you are in but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD per exam.

2. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification program from Microsoft that validates an individual’s expertise in designing, implementing, and managing IT solutions based on Microsoft technologies. It is designed for IT professionals who have at least one year of experience working with Windows Server and other Microsoft server products.

It typically takes about six to nine months to become MCSE certified. The process involves taking the required exams, which are available through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. The exams cost between $125-$150 each and there are a total of seven exams needed to become certified. The topics covered include networking infrastructure, identity management, systems management, virtualization, storage and cloud computing.

In order to maintain your MCSE certification status, you must complete at least one continuing education course every two years. This can be done through online courses or attending conferences and seminars related to the technology you’re certified in.

3. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an information security certification developed by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2). It is a globally recognized standard of achievement that indicates expertise in designing, engineering, implementing and managing information security programs.

The CISSP certification requires a minimum of five years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) for information security professionals. The CBK includes topics such as access control systems, cryptography, physical security, business continuity planning and network security.

In order to become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers all eight domains. The exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions and takes up to six hours to complete. Candidates must also agree to abide by ISC2’s Code of Ethics.

The cost for the CISSP exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally, it costs around $700 USD for the exam itself plus any additional fees associated with taking it at a testing center.

Once you have passed the CISSP exam and agreed to abide by ISC2’s Code of Ethics, you will be officially certified as a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

4. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a certification program developed by Cisco Systems. It is designed to validate an individual’s ability to install, configure, operate and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks. The CCNA certification is an entry-level certification that demonstrates a basic understanding of networking concepts and technologies.

The CCNA certification exam typically takes 90 minutes to complete and covers topics such as network fundamentals, routing protocols, switching fundamentals, wireless networking, network security, IP services and more.

In order to get the CCNA certification you must pass the CCNA 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 $250-$300 USD.

To prepare for the CCNA exam you can take a variety of courses offered by Cisco or other training providers. These courses range from self-paced online courses to instructor-led classroom courses and typically range in cost from $500-$1000 USD depending on the provider and course type.

Overall it usually takes between 3-6 months to prepare for and obtain the CCNA certification depending on your prior experience with networking concepts and technologies.

5. VMware Certified Professional (VCP)

VMware Certified Professional (VCP) is a certification program from VMware that validates an individual’s technical skills and expertise in virtualization technologies. It is designed to validate the knowledge of IT professionals who are responsible for deploying, managing, and troubleshooting VMware vSphere environments.

The VCP certification requires candidates to attend a training course and pass the associated exam. The training courses are offered by VMware Authorized Training Centers (VATCs). The cost of the training varies depending on the provider, but typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000.

The VCP exam consists of 85 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 120 minutes. Candidates must score at least 300 out of 500 points to pass the exam. The cost of the exam is $250 USD.

Once a candidate has successfully passed their VCP exam, they will receive their official VCP certification from VMware. This certification is valid for two years after which time it must be renewed by taking an additional class or passing a new version of the VCP exam.

6. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification that validates an individual’s skills in managing and deploying Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. It is the entry-level certification for those who want to demonstrate their knowledge of Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

The RHCSA exam takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete, and consists of performance-based tasks on a live system. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to perform common system administration tasks, such as installing packages, configuring network services, managing users and groups, and setting up local storage.

To get certified as an RHCSA, candidates must pass the RHCSA exam (EX200). This exam can be taken at any authorized Pearson VUE test center or online through the Red Hat Learning Subscription program. The cost of the exam varies depending on your country; in the US it costs $400 USD.

7. Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional (OCP)

Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional (OCP) is a professional certification program offered by Oracle Corporation. It is designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of experienced Oracle database administrators. The OCP certification requires passing two exams: one on the fundamentals of Oracle Database Administration, and another on a specific version of the Oracle Database.

To become an OCP, you must have at least six months of experience working with an Oracle database and pass two exams. The first exam covers the fundamentals of Oracle Database Administration and is called 1Z0-071: Oracle Database 12c SQL Fundamentals I. The second exam covers a specific version of the Oracle Database and is called either 1Z0-062: Oracle Database 12c: Installation and Administration or 1Z0-063: Oracle Database 12c Advanced Administration, depending on which version you are certified in.

It typically takes about 3-4 months to complete both exams and obtain your OCP certification. You can prepare for these exams by taking courses from an authorized training provider, such as Global Knowledge or Learning Tree International, or by studying independently using books, online resources, or practice tests.

The cost for the two exams varies depending on where you take them but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD per exam. Additionally, if you choose to take courses from an authorized training provider, you will need to pay course fees which can range from $500-$3000 USD depending on the length and type of course taken.

8. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized qualification for IT Service Management (ITSM). It is based on the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL), which is a set of best practices for IT service management. The certification provides an understanding of the key concepts, processes, and terminology used in ITIL and how they can be applied to improve the quality of IT services.

The 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%.

In order to get certified, you must first take an accredited training course. These courses are offered by various organizations around the world and usually take between two and five days to complete. After completing the course, you will be eligible to sit for the exam.

The cost of an ITIL Foundation Certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

9. CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Network+ is an internationally recognized certification that validates a professional’s knowledge of networking concepts and technologies. It is designed to provide a foundation for IT professionals who work with networks, including network administrators, network technicians, network analysts, and more.

It typically takes about 40 hours of study to prepare for the CompTIA Network+ exam. This includes studying official course material and taking practice exams. The exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and must be completed in 90 minutes or less. To pass the exam, you must score at least 720 out of 900 points.

You can take the CompTIA Network+ exam at any authorized testing center near you or online through Pearson VUE. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but usually ranges from $300 to $400 USD.

Once you have passed the CompTIA Network+ exam, you will receive a certificate that is valid for three years from the date of completion. You can renew your certification by passing a new version of the exam every three years or by completing continuing education credits (CECs).

10. Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)

Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals who administer and manage Microsoft-based networks. It is a mid-level certification that demonstrates an individual’s ability to configure, deploy, maintain, and troubleshoot Windows Server systems.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the MCSA requirements. To get certified, you must pass two exams: one for Windows Server 2016 or 2019 and one for networking or cloud fundamentals. The cost of each exam varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $100-$200. Additionally, there are some online courses available that can help you prepare for the exams.

Overall, getting your MCSA certification is a great way to demonstrate your knowledge of Microsoft technologies and stand out in the job market.

11. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is an internationally recognized certification that validates the baseline skills needed to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career. It is an entry-level certification designed for IT professionals with at least two years of experience in IT administration, including experience with networking and security technologies.

The CompTIA Security+ exam consists of 90 multiple choice questions and takes up to 90 minutes to complete. The exam covers topics such as cryptography, authentication, access control, network security, system security, identity management, risk management and disaster recovery.

To get CompTIA Security+, you must first pass the Security+ exam. You can take the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center or online through OnVUE. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $320 to $400 USD.

You can also prepare for the exam by taking a training course or studying independently using resources like books and practice exams. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CompTIA Security+ certification which is valid for three years from the date of issue.

Do You Really Need a Maintenance Administrator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's career goals and the industry in which they are looking to work. For those who are looking to become a maintenance administrator, a certificate may be beneficial in helping them stand out from the competition. It may also provide valuable knowledge that can help them do their job more effectively.

However, it is important to consider the cost of obtaining such a certificate and whether or not it is worth it for one’s particular situation. Maintenance administrators can gain knowledge on the job as well, so if there is already experience and understanding of the basics, then a certificate may not be necessary.

It also depends on what type of position one is applying for. In some industries, such as healthcare or aviation, certifications may be required by law in order to fulfill certain roles. Therefore, depending on an individual's field of work, they may have no choice but to obtain a certification in order to pursue their desired role.

In conclusion, whether or not someone needs a maintenance administrator certificate depends largely on their career goals and industry. If there is no legal requirement or need for additional expertise beyond what can be learned on the job, then obtaining such a certification may not be necessary; however if it can help one stand out from other applicants or provide valuable knowledge that will benefit them in their role then it could certainly be worth considering.

Related: Maintenance Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About Maintenance Administrator Certifications

1. What is a Maintenance Administrator Certification?

A Maintenance Administrator Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to manage maintenance operations in commercial and industrial facilities.

2. How do I become certified as a Maintenance Administrator?

To become certified as a Maintenance Administrator, you must pass an exam administered by the National Institute for Certifying Engineering Technologies (NICET). This exam covers topics such as safety, preventive maintenance, quality control, energy management, and more.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Maintenance Administrator?

The primary benefit of becoming a certified Maintenance Administrator is gaining recognition that you have the expertise to manage maintenance operations in commercial and industrial facilities. This certification can help demonstrate to employers that you possess the necessary skills for this highly specialized role. Additionally, it may lead to higher wages or promotions within your current organization.

4. What types of jobs can I get with a Maintenance Administrator Certification?

Individuals who are certified as Maintenance Administrators can pursue roles such as maintenance supervisor, plant manager, production manager, or facility manager in industries such as manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare, retail and more.

5. How long does it take to become certified as a Maintenance Administrator?

It typically takes between six months and one year to prepare for and complete the NICET exam required for certification as a Maintenance Administrator. The exact timeline will depend on your prior experience in maintenance operations and how much time you can dedicate to studying for the exam.