Top 11 Production Support Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for a production support engineer in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the engineer has a high level of competency and proficiency in their area of expertise. Certifications provide an objective measure of an individual’s knowledge and skill level, which employers can use to assess potential candidates. They also show that the engineer is up-to-date on the latest technologies and best practices, which can give them an edge over other applicants. Additionally, certifications may be required by certain employers or organizations, making them essential for securing certain positions.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Production Support Engineers and explain how they can enhance a production support engineer's career.

What are Production Support Engineer Certifications?

Production Support Engineer certification is a professional certification that verifies an individual's knowledge and expertise in the field of production support engineering. This certification helps validate an individual's proficiency in managing and maintaining production systems, providing technical support for production applications, troubleshooting issues with production systems, and developing tools and processes to ensure system performance.

This certification can help individuals demonstrate their knowledge of all aspects of production support engineering to employers, clients, and other stakeholders. Production Support Engineers are responsible for ensuring that the systems they manage are running smoothly and efficiently at all times. Having a certification in this field will allow individuals to showcase their expertise in the domain, which may lead to better job opportunities or higher pay. Additionally, having this certification can also provide individuals with recognition from peers within the industry as a knowledgeable professional.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the different certifications available for production support engineers. Many organizations have their own certification programs, so it's important to understand the requirements for each one and which ones are most applicable to your job. Additionally, look into any online courses or training seminars that may be available to help you prepare for the certification process.

Related: What does a Production Support Engineer do?

Top 11 Production Support Engineer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Production Support Engineers today.

1. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification program designed to validate the skills of IT professionals working with Microsoft technologies. The MCSE certification is one of the most sought-after credentials for IT professionals and is widely recognized as a sign of expertise in the field.

The MCSE certification is focused on enterprise solutions, such as Windows Server, Exchange Server, SharePoint Server, and System Center. To become certified, you must pass several exams that cover topics such as installation, configuration, deployment, maintenance, and troubleshooting of these products.

It typically takes around six months to prepare for the MCSE certification exams. This includes studying for the exams and taking practice tests to ensure you are prepared for the real thing. You can also take courses or attend training sessions offered by Microsoft or other third-party vendors to help you prepare for the exam.

To get an MCSE certification, you must first register with Microsoft and pay a fee of $125 per exam. After registering and paying the fee, you can then schedule your exam at a testing center near you. Once you have passed all required exams with a score of 700 or higher out of 1000 points, you will receive your MCSE certification from Microsoft.

The cost of getting an MCSE certification varies depending on how many exams you need to take and whether or not you plan on taking any additional courses or attending training sessions in preparation for the exam. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000+ depending on your situation.

2. CompTIA A+

CompTIA A+ is an industry-recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals. It is a vendor-neutral certification that covers a wide range of topics, including hardware, software, networking, security, operational procedures and customer service.

It typically takes around 3 to 6 months to prepare for the CompTIA A+ exam. The preparation time may vary depending on individual experience and skill level. To get certified, you must pass two exams: 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2).

You can take the CompTIA A+ exams at any Pearson VUE or Certiport testing center. The cost of the exams varies from $211 to $320 USD depending on your location and currency exchange rate.

The CompTIA A+ certification is valid for three years from the date of passing the exams. After three years, you will need to retake the exams in order to maintain your certification status.

3. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification offered by Red Hat, Inc. It is designed to demonstrate an individual's knowledge and skills in administering Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. The RHCSA certification is the entry-level certification for system administrators working with Red Hat technologies.

The RHCSA exam takes approximately 2 hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as installation and configuration of systems, managing users and groups, configuring networking services, and more. To obtain the RHCSA certification, individuals must pass the RHCSA exam.

The cost of the RHCSA exam varies depending on country and currency exchange rates but typically ranges between $400 - $500 USD.

4. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect – Associate is an industry-recognized certification that validates your expertise in designing, deploying, and operating applications and infrastructure on the AWS platform. The certification demonstrates your ability to effectively leverage AWS services to design cost-effective, fault-tolerant, and highly available systems in the cloud.

The certification exam consists of multiple choice and multiple answer questions that cover a wide range of topics related to AWS architecture. Topics include: designing secure and reliable applications; selecting appropriate AWS services; estimating costs; deploying applications on AWS; monitoring and logging solutions; managing security and compliance; developing fault tolerant architectures; and more.

The exam typically takes about 80 minutes to complete. To get started, you must first create an account with Amazon Web Services (AWS). Once you have an account, you can register for the exam through the AWS Certification Program website. You will then be able to schedule a time for taking the exam at one of their authorized testing centers.

The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $150 - $300 USD.

5. Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)

Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) is a certification program designed to validate an individual’s technical knowledge and experience in Microsoft technologies. It is intended for those who design, implement, deploy and manage solutions based on the Microsoft Windows Server platform. The certification focuses on core areas such as server administration, networking, security, virtualization, and enterprise messaging.

To obtain the MCITP certification, you must pass one or more of the required exams. Each exam typically takes between 90 minutes and two hours to complete. Depending on the specific certifications you are pursuing, you may need to take additional elective exams as well.

The cost of each exam varies depending on the country in which it is taken. Generally speaking, exams range from $100-$200 USD per attempt. You can find out more information about pricing at your local testing center or by visiting the Microsoft website.

In addition to passing exams, some MCITP certifications require that you have a certain amount of experience working with Microsoft technologies before taking the tests. This requirement varies depending on the type of certification being pursued.

Once all requirements have been met and all exams passed successfully, you will receive your MCITP certification from Microsoft.

6. VMware Certified Professional (VCP)

VMware Certified Professional (VCP) is a certification program designed to validate an individual’s technical knowledge and skills in VMware virtualization technology. It is the most widely recognized and respected certification in the IT industry, demonstrating that you have the expertise to install, configure, manage, and troubleshoot VMware vSphere environments.

To get VCP certified, you must complete a training course with an authorized VMware instructor and then pass a proctored exam. The length of time it takes to get VCP certified depends on your experience level and how much time you can dedicate to studying for the exam. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from two weeks to several months or more.

The cost of getting VCP certified varies depending on which type of training course you choose. Self-paced online courses typically range from $300-$500 USD, while instructor-led classroom courses usually range from $1,000-$3,000 USD. Additionally, there is also a fee for taking the VCP exam which is currently $250 USD per attempt.

7. Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization (CCP-V)

Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization (CCP-V) is an advanced certification for IT professionals who have demonstrated their expertise in virtualizing applications and desktops using Citrix XenApp and XenDesktop. It is designed to validate the skills of experienced IT professionals who are responsible for the design, implementation, and management of virtualized solutions.

The CCP-V certification requires passing two exams: 1Y0-311 Citrix XenApp and XenDesktop 7.15 Advanced Administration and 1Y0-402 Designing, Deploying, and Managing Citrix XenApp and XenDesktop 7.15 Solutions. The exams test knowledge of key concepts such as architecture, installation, configuration, security, monitoring, optimization, troubleshooting, scalability and high availability.

It typically takes several weeks or months to study for the CCP-V certification depending on your experience level with Citrix technologies. You can prepare for the exams by taking instructor-led training courses offered by Citrix or self-study using online resources such as practice tests and study guides.

The cost of the CCP-V certification varies depending on which exam you take first; it costs $200 USD per exam if you take them separately or $300 USD if you purchase both exams together.

8. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of entry-level network engineers in working with Cisco technologies. It is the most popular IT certification in the world, and it is a prerequisite for many other advanced certifications.

The CCNA covers topics such as networking fundamentals, routing protocols, switching, IP addressing, wireless networking, security, and more. It takes around 6-12 months to prepare for the exam depending on your experience level and time commitment.

To get the CCNA certification you will need to pass two exams: ICND1 (100-105) and ICND2 (200-105). The cost of each exam is $300 USD. After passing both exams you will be awarded the CCNA Routing & Switching certification.

In addition to passing the exams, you must also meet certain prerequisites such as having a valid Cisco ID or having an active subscription to Cisco Learning Network Premium or DevNet Professional before taking either exam.

9. Oracle Database 11g Administrator Certified Professional

Oracle Database 11g Administrator Certified Professional (OCP) is a certification program offered by Oracle that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to manage an Oracle Database 11g environment. It is designed for experienced database administrators, system administrators, and developers who want to prove their technical expertise in managing an Oracle Database.

To become an OCP, you must first pass the Oracle Database 11g: Administration I exam (1Z0-052). This exam tests your knowledge of basic administration tasks such as installation, configuration, backup/recovery, user management, and performance tuning. After passing this exam, you can then take the Oracle Database 11g: Administration II exam (1Z0-053), which covers more advanced topics such as data guard, RAC, ASM, and security. Once both exams are passed with a score of 80% or higher, you will receive your OCP certification.

The time it takes to get your OCP certification varies depending on how much time you spend studying for the exams. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 3-6 months to complete both exams if you are studying full-time. If you are working full-time while studying for the exams it may take longer.

In order to get your OCP certification you must register for and pass both the Oracle Database 11g: Administration I (1Z0-052) and Oracle Database 11g: Administration II (1Z0-053) exams through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. The cost of each exam is $245 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees.

10. IBM Certified System Administrator – AIX V7

IBM Certified System Administrator – AIX V7 is a professional certification program from IBM that validates an individual’s skills and knowledge in administering AIX V7 systems. This certification is designed to recognize individuals who are proficient in the installation, configuration, and administration of AIX V7 systems.

The certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as system installation and configuration, system maintenance, user management, security, performance tuning, networking, storage management, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and requires a minimum score of 66% to pass.

It typically takes between one to two months to prepare for the exam. Preparation may include taking online courses or attending instructor-led classes. Additionally, there are numerous study guides and practice exams available online that can help you prepare for the exam.

The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $200-$250 USD.

11. HP Accredited Technical Associate – Server Solutions

HP Accredited Technical Associate – Server Solutions is a certification program offered by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) to recognize the technical skills of IT professionals who are experienced in planning, installing, configuring, and managing HPE server solutions. The certification is designed to validate an individual’s knowledge of HPE server solutions and demonstrate their ability to effectively deploy and manage them.

To become certified as an HP Accredited Technical Associate – Server Solutions, individuals must pass the HP0-A13 exam. This exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as server architecture, installation and configuration, storage technology, networking protocols, system management tools, and troubleshooting. The exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and costs $125 USD.

In order to prepare for the HP0-A13 exam, individuals can take advantage of self-study materials such as practice tests and study guides available from HPE or other third-party vendors. Additionally, there are instructor-led training courses offered by authorized education partners that provide hands-on experience with HPE server solutions. These courses typically cost between $2,000 - $3,000 USD depending on the provider and location.

Once the HP0-A13 exam has been passed with a score of 70% or higher, individuals will receive an official certificate from HPE recognizing them as an Accredited Technical Associate – Server Solutions. This certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued.

Do You Really Need a Production Support Engineer Certificate?

No, you do not need a Production Support Engineer Certificate to become a production support engineer. While having such a certificate can certainly be beneficial, it is not always necessary. As with any profession, experience and education are the two most important factors for success in the field of production support engineering.

Having an appropriate degree in computer science or engineering can be very helpful when applying for a job as a production support engineer. A degree will demonstrate knowledge of the fundamentals of computers and software, which is essential for any engineer working in this field. Additionally, some employers may require certifications from specific vendors or organizations that demonstrate mastery of certain technologies or industry best practices.

Beyond educational qualifications, employers will look at your work experience when considering you for a position as a production support engineer. Having hands-on experience with systems and software used in the industry is extremely valuable and can often make up for lack of formal education or certifications. Being able to demonstrate proficiency in troubleshooting and problem solving is also essential for this role.

In conclusion, while having a Production Support Engineer Certificate can certainly help you get your foot in the door when applying for jobs in this field, it is not always required. Ultimately, employers are looking for someone who has the right combination of education and experience to succeed as a production support engineer.

Related: Production Support Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Production Support Engineer Certifications

1. What certifications are available for production support engineers?

Answer: Popular certifications for production support engineers include the CompTIA A+ certification, Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certification, Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) certification, and the Oracle Database Administrator Certification (OCA).

2. How much do production support engineer certifications cost?

Answer: The cost of each certification varies depending on the provider and exam fees, but generally range from $100 to several thousand dollars.

3. How long does it take to complete a certification?

Answer: Typically, it takes between 6-12 months of study and practice to complete a certification program.

4. What skills do I need to have in order to become a certified production support engineer?

Answer: In order to become a certified production support engineer, you must have strong technical knowledge in operating systems and databases as well as excellent problem solving skills. You should also be familiar with scripting languages such as Python or Perl and be comfortable working with hardware components such as servers and routers.

5. Are there any prerequisites for taking a production support engineer certification exam?

Answer: Yes, some certifications may require that you have prior experience or certifications before taking the exam. Additionally, some exams may require you to pass an online assessment before enrolling in the program.