Top 11 Printer Technician Certifications

Certifications are essential in today's job market for printer technicians. Certification proves to potential employers that the technician has a certain level of expertise and knowledge in the field. This is especially important since printers are constantly changing and evolving with new technologies. Having certifications can help demonstrate to employers that the technician is up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques in the industry. Additionally, certifications provide proof of proficiency in a particular area and make an individual stand out from other applicants who may not have any certification. Certifications also allow printer technicians to stay ahead of the competition by increasing their knowledge base and staying current with industry trends.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Printer Technicians and explain how they can help advance a technician's career.

What are Printer Technician Certifications?

Printer technician certification is an accreditation offered to individuals who have successfully completed a course of study and achieved proficiency in the maintenance and repair of printers. This certification is beneficial for those who wish to pursue a career in printer servicing, as it shows employers that the individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their job effectively.

Having printer technician certification demonstrates to potential employers that the individual has received formal training in this field. It also provides proof that they have been tested on their understanding of printer technology and can competently diagnose and repair common problems with printers. Furthermore, having this certification can give technicians access to specialized tools, parts, and resources which are not available to non-certified technicians.

In addition, having printer technician certification can make technicians more competitive in the job market as it gives them an edge over other applicants who do not have any formal qualification or experience in this area. As printers are constantly evolving with new technologies being introduced regularly, having this certification allows technicians to stay up-to-date with current trends and advances so they can provide top-notch service for their customers.

Pro Tip: When seeking printer technician certification, make sure to research the type of certification that is required for the specific industry you are looking to work in. Different certifications may have different requirements and prerequisites, so it's important to understand which one is necessary before investing time and money into pursuing a certain certification.

Related: What does a Printer Technician do?

Top 11 Printer Technician Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Printer Technicians today.

1. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ Certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates the knowledge and skills of entry-level computer service technicians. The certification covers a wide range of topics, including installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking. It is designed to ensure that IT professionals have the necessary skills to install, configure and troubleshoot computers in any environment.

The CompTIA A+ exam consists of two parts: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002). Each part has 90 multiple choice questions and takes 90 minutes to complete. To earn the full certification, candidates must pass both exams.

To get CompTIA A+ certified, you must first register for the exams with Pearson VUE or Prometric. You can then purchase exam vouchers from CompTIA's website or through authorized resellers. After purchasing your vouchers, you can schedule your exams at a local testing center or take them online using a webcam proctoring service.

The cost of CompTIA A+ certification varies depending on which version of the exam you are taking (Core 1 or Core 2). Generally speaking, it will cost between $200-$300 USD for each part of the exam.

2. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification program offered by Microsoft to recognize IT professionals who have the skills and knowledge necessary to design, implement, and manage complex IT solutions. The MCSE certification is designed for IT professionals who work in enterprise-level environments and want to demonstrate their proficiency in designing, deploying, and managing Microsoft solutions.

It typically takes between six months to two years to complete the requirements for an MCSE certification depending on the individual’s prior experience and level of commitment. To become certified, individuals must pass a series of exams that cover topics such as Windows Server, Exchange Server, SQL Server, SharePoint Server, System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), Azure Infrastructure Solutions, Office 365 Solutions and more.

To get started with the MCSE certification process, individuals should first register for the appropriate exams through Pearson VUE or Prometric. After passing all required exams and completing any additional requirements (such as coursework or hands-on labs), individuals can then submit their application for certification through Microsoft’s website.

The cost of an MCSE certification varies depending on which exams are taken and how many attempts are needed to pass them. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $150 USD per attempt; however prices may vary depending on location. Additionally some employers may provide reimbursement for exam fees or other related expenses associated with obtaining an MCSE certification.

3. HP Printer Technician Certification

HP Printer Technician Certification is an industry-recognized certification program designed to recognize the technical skills and knowledge of HP printer technicians. This certification is offered through HP’s Learning Center, which provides online training courses and exams for IT professionals.

The HP Printer Technician Certification program consists of two levels: Associate and Professional. The Associate level covers basic troubleshooting and repair skills, while the Professional level covers more advanced topics such as diagnostics, installation, maintenance, and networking. To earn the certification, technicians must pass a series of exams that cover both levels.

The Associate level exam takes approximately 4 hours to complete and requires a passing score of 70%. The Professional level exam takes approximately 8 hours to complete and requires a passing score of 80%. Both exams are available in English or Spanish.

In order to take the exams, technicians must first register with HP's Learning Center. Registration is free but there may be fees associated with taking the exams depending on your location. Once you have registered, you can purchase access to the online courses and exams for a fee ranging from $50-$100 USD depending on your location.

Once you have passed both exams, you will receive an official HP Printer Technician Certification certificate from HP that you can use to demonstrate your expertise in servicing HP printers.

4. Lexmark Printer Technician Certification

Lexmark Printer Technician Certification is a professional certification program designed to help technicians gain the knowledge and skills needed to service Lexmark printers. It is an online program that requires successful completion of four exams: two core exams, one advanced exam, and one specialty exam. The core exams cover topics such as printer setup, troubleshooting, and maintenance; the advanced exam covers topics such as network configuration and security; and the specialty exam focuses on a specific type of Lexmark printer.

The program takes approximately 80 hours to complete, depending on the individual's experience level. To get certified, technicians must register for the program through Lexmark's website and purchase their study materials. The cost for the entire certification program is $395 USD.

Once registered, technicians have up to 12 months to complete all four exams. After passing all four exams with a score of 70% or higher, they will receive their official Lexmark Printer Technician Certification credential in the mail.

5. Canon Printer Technician Certification

Canon Printer Technician Certification is a certification program offered by Canon USA that recognizes individuals who demonstrate a high level of expertise in servicing and troubleshooting Canon imageCLASS and imageRUNNER series printers. The certification is designed to ensure that technicians have the knowledge and skills necessary to properly install, maintain, repair, and troubleshoot these products.

The certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and an on-site practical evaluation. The online exam tests the technician’s knowledge of printer hardware, software, networking, and customer service. The on-site practical evaluation tests the technician’s ability to diagnose and repair printers in a real-world environment.

To get certified as a Canon Printer Technician, you must first register with Canon USA to take the online exam. Once you pass the exam, you will be invited to attend an on-site practical evaluation at one of Canon’s authorized service centers. You must complete both parts of the certification process within 12 months in order to receive your certificate.

The cost for the certification program varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically costs around $400-$500 USD for both parts of the certification process.

6. Epson Printer Technician Certification

Epson Printer Technician Certification is a certification program offered by Epson, the leading manufacturer of printers and other imaging products. The certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and expertise in the repair and maintenance of Epson printers.

The certification requires applicants to complete an online training course, which includes topics such as troubleshooting, installation, and repair of Epson printers. The course takes approximately 30 hours to complete. Upon successful completion of the course, applicants must pass a final exam with a score of 80% or higher.

The cost for the certification is $99 USD. This fee covers the cost of the online training course and the final exam. Once certified, technicians are eligible to receive discounts on Epson products and services. They also gain access to exclusive technical resources from Epson’s website.

Certified technicians are required to renew their certification every two years by completing continuing education courses or attending seminars offered by Epson. Renewal fees are typically waived for those who have maintained their certification for more than five years.

7. Brother Printer Technician Certification

Brother Printer Technician Certification is a certification program offered by Brother International Corporation. It is designed to provide technicians with the skills and knowledge needed to properly install, maintain, and troubleshoot Brother printers. The certification program consists of two levels: Level 1 and Level 2.

Level 1 certification requires completion of an online course that covers topics such as printer setup, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. This course typically takes about 10 hours to complete and can be accessed through the Brother Learning Center website. Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a Level 1 certification badge.

Level 2 certification requires hands-on experience with Brother printers in a real-world environment. You must have at least six months of experience working with Brother printers before attempting this level of certification. To become certified at this level, you must pass an exam administered by Brother International Corporation. The exam consists of multiple choice questions related to printer setup, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive a Level 2 certification badge.

The cost for each level of certification varies depending on the country in which you are located; however, it typically ranges from $50 - $200 USD per level.

8. Ricoh Printer Technician Certification

Ricoh Printer Technician Certification is a professional certification program offered by Ricoh to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to install, maintain, and repair Ricoh printers. The certification is valid for three years from the date of completion.

To get certified, an individual must attend a Ricoh-approved training course and pass the associated exam. The training courses are available in both classroom and online formats, and can take anywhere from one day to several weeks to complete depending on the course chosen. Upon successful completion of the training course and exam, an individual will receive their certification from Ricoh.

The cost of the training courses varies depending on the length of the course and its format (classroom or online). Generally speaking, courses range in price from $500-$2,000 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs for any materials needed for the course such as textbooks or software licenses.

Once certified, individuals will be able to demonstrate their expertise in installing, maintaining, and repairing Ricoh printers. This certification can help open up new job opportunities within organizations that use Ricoh products.

9. Konica Minolta Printer Technician Certification

Konica Minolta Printer Technician Certification is a certification program offered by Konica Minolta, a leading provider of printing and imaging solutions. The certification is designed to ensure that technicians are knowledgeable and proficient in the installation, maintenance, and repair of Konica Minolta printers.

The certification process consists of two parts: an online course and an on-site exam. The online course covers topics such as printer setup, troubleshooting, maintenance procedures, and customer service. It takes approximately 8 hours to complete the online course. Upon successful completion of the online course, candidates must pass an on-site exam administered by a certified Konica Minolta technician. This exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of printer setup, troubleshooting, maintenance procedures, and customer service.

To get certified as a Konica Minolta Printer Technician you must purchase the certification package from Konica Minolta which includes access to the online course materials and registration for the on-site exam. The cost of the package varies depending on your geographic location but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

Once you have successfully completed both parts of the certification process you will receive a certificate verifying your status as a Konica Minolta Printer Technician. This certificate is valid for three years after which time you must renew your certification by taking an updated version of the online course and passing another on-site exam.

10. Xerox Printer Technician Certification

Xerox Printer Technician Certification is a certification program offered by Xerox that certifies individuals as qualified to service and maintain Xerox printers. It is designed to help technicians stay up-to-date with the latest technology and techniques needed to properly service and maintain Xerox printers.

The certification program consists of two levels: Level 1 and Level 2. To become certified at either level, technicians must complete a series of online courses, tests, and hands-on training activities.

Level 1 certification requires completion of four online courses, three tests, and one hands-on activity. The entire process takes approximately 10 hours to complete. The cost for Level 1 certification is $295 USD.

Level 2 certification requires completion of five online courses, four tests, and two hands-on activities. The entire process takes approximately 15 hours to complete. The cost for Level 2 certification is $395 USD.

In addition to the coursework and testing requirements, both levels require successful completion of an onsite evaluation where a Xerox representative verifies that the technician has the necessary skills to service and maintain Xerox printers.

11. Sharp Printer Technician Certification

Sharp Printer Technician Certification is a certification program offered by Sharp Electronics Corporation. It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of technicians who work with Sharp printers. The certification requires successful completion of an online exam that covers topics such as installation, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of Sharp printers.

How long does it take to get it?

The exam typically takes around two hours to complete. However, the amount of time required may vary depending on the individual’s knowledge level and experience.

How to get it?

To obtain the certification, individuals must register for the exam at Sharp's website and pay a fee. After registering, they will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online exam. Once they have completed the exam successfully, they will be issued a certificate that can be used as proof of their expertise in working with Sharp printers.

How much does it cost?

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on which country you are located in but generally ranges from $50-$100 USD.

Do You Really Need a Printer Technician Certificate?

No, you do not need a printer technician certificate to become a successful printer technician. While a certificate may provide some additional credibility and help demonstrate competency in the field, it is not an absolute requirement.

In many cases, employers are more interested in experience and qualifications than they are in credentials or certificates. A printer technician certificate may be useful for those who are just starting out in the profession or who have limited experience working with printers. It can also be helpful for those who want to specialize in a specific type of printer technology or repair technique. However, employers will likely be more impressed by hands-on skills and knowledge that can only be gained through on-the-job training and experience.

Overall, having a printer technician certificate is not necessary for success as a printer technician; it could even be seen as an unnecessary expense for someone who already has the necessary skills and qualifications.

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FAQs About Printer Technician Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a printer technician?

Answer: To become a printer technician, you will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete relevant technical training. Depending on the type of printer you are servicing, additional certifications may be required.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a printer technician?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to get certified as a printer technician varies depending on the type of certification and the experience level of the individual. Generally speaking, most certifications can be obtained within 6-12 months.

3. What is included in a typical printer technician certification program?

Answer: A typical printer technician certification program will include courses in operating system fundamentals, networking basics, troubleshooting techniques, and safety procedures. It may also include specialized courses for specific types of printers such as laser jet or inkjet printers.

4. Are there any prerequisites to becoming certified as a printer technician?

Answer: Yes, some certifications require that technicians have prior experience working with printers or related technologies before they can qualify for the certification exam. Additionally, certain certifications may require completion of an approved course before taking the exam.

5. Where can I find information about available printer technician certifications?

Answer: You can find information about available certifications by researching online or contacting professional organizations like CompTIA or HPE Certifications for more details about their specific programs and requirements.