Top 11 Server Assistant Certifications
Updated 16 min read
Certifications are an important part of the job market for server assistants. Certifications demonstrate a level of proficiency and knowledge in server administration, and can help potential employers determine if a candidate is qualified to handle the responsibilities associated with the position. Certifications also show that a server assistant has taken the time to learn about industry best practices and demonstrate a commitment to professional development. By having certifications, a server assistant is more likely to be considered for jobs and can potentially earn higher salaries.
This article reviews the most important certifications for Server Assistants and explains how they can help further their career.
What are Server Assistant Certifications?
Server assistant certification is an industry-recognized certification that validates a server assistant's knowledge and skills. Server assistants are responsible for providing assistance to restaurant staff, such as setting up tables and taking orders from customers. By obtaining server assistant certification, individuals demonstrate their competency in the field and increase their chances of securing employment in the hospitality industry.
Server assistant certification requires individuals to pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics including food safety and sanitation, customer service, menu knowledge, and table setting. This exam helps ensure that those who receive certification have the necessary skills to provide excellent service to customers in a restaurant setting.
Having server assistant certification can be beneficial for individuals seeking employment in the hospitality industry because it provides employers with proof of an individual’s knowledge and abilities. Additionally, having this certification may lead to higher wages or more job opportunities since employers recognize certified servers as being competent professionals who are knowledgeable about their duties. With this certification, individuals can also take advantage of networking opportunities with other certified professionals in the field.
Pro Tip: When considering a Server Assistant certification, make sure to look into the program's requirements and expectations. Many certifications require a certain amount of hours of experience in the field or an exam that must be passed in order to be eligible for the certification. Additionally, research the different types of certifications available and find one that best meets your needs.
Related: What does a Server Assistant do?
Top 11 Server Assistant Certifications
Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Server Assistants today.
1. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Server Infrastructure
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Server Infrastructure is a certification that validates the skills and knowledge needed to build, configure, and maintain an enterprise-level server infrastructure. This includes topics such as server hardware, virtualization, networking, storage solutions, identity management, system security, disaster recovery, and more.
It typically takes around three months of study to prepare for the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification exam. To get started on your journey towards becoming an MCSE: Server Infrastructure certified professional you will need to purchase a Microsoft Learning Plan which includes access to online learning resources such as ebooks and practice exams. You may also wish to attend instructor-led training courses or self-study with online video tutorials.
The cost of the Microsoft Learning Plan varies depending on the type of plan you choose. The most popular plans range from $99 - $299 USD for access to all of the necessary learning materials. Additionally, you will need to pay an additional fee for each exam you take in order to become certified. The cost of these exams typically range from $100 - $200 USD per exam.
Once you have passed all of the required exams and earned your MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification you will be able to demonstrate your expertise in designing and deploying Windows Server 2012 solutions with confidence.
2. CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Network+ is an industry-recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills necessary to troubleshoot, configure, and manage wired and wireless networks. It is designed for IT professionals with at least nine months of networking experience who are looking to increase their knowledge base and further their career.
It typically takes about 40 hours of study time to prepare for the CompTIA Network+ exam. The exam consists of 90 multiple choice questions and lasts 90 minutes. To pass the exam, you must score at least 720 out of 900 points.
To get CompTIA Network+, you must first purchase a voucher from CompTIA’s website or a third-party vendor. Once you have the voucher, you can register for the exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. You will need to provide your voucher number when registering for the exam.
The cost of CompTIA Network+ varies depending on where you purchase it from, but it typically costs around $300 USD for the exam voucher alone.
3. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows Server 2016
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows Server 2016 is a certification that validates the skills and knowledge necessary for a professional to configure, manage, and maintain Windows Server 2016. It is intended for IT professionals who are looking to demonstrate their ability to work with Windows Server 2016 in a real-world environment.
How long does it take to get it?
It typically takes between 6 and 12 months of study and practice to prepare for the MCSA: Windows Server 2016 exam. This time frame can vary depending on your prior experience with Windows Server 2016, as well as other related technologies.
How to get it?
To become certified, you must pass two exams: Exam 70-740: Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016 and Exam 70-741: Networking with Windows Server 2016. Each exam costs $165 USD. You can purchase vouchers from Microsoft or use an approved training provider like Certstaffix Training® to register for the exams.
How much does it cost?
The total cost of the MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certification is $330 USD (two exams at $165 each). Additional fees may be required if you choose to use an approved training provider for registration or preparation materials.
4. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)
RHCSA is a certification offered by Red Hat, Inc. that verifies an individual's skills and knowledge in administering Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. It is the most popular and widely recognized Linux certification available today.
The RHCSA exam typically takes around two hours to complete. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test the candidate’s knowledge of system administration tasks such as installation, configuration, troubleshooting, security, and networking.
To get certified as an RHCSA, you must pass the RHCSA exam. You can take the exam either at a testing center or online with a proctoring service. To prepare for the exam, you should have hands-on experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems and study materials from Red Hat’s official training courses or other third-party vendors.
The cost of taking the RHCSA exam varies depending on where you take it and whether you are eligible for any discounts or promotions offered by Red Hat or its partners. Generally speaking, it costs around $400 USD to take the exam at a testing center or $200 USD to take it online with a proctoring service.
5. VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV)
VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV) is a certification program offered by VMware that validates an individual’s skills and knowledge in the administration, configuration, and management of VMware vSphere environments. The VCP-DCV certification is designed to demonstrate proficiency in the installation, configuration, and management of VMware vSphere 6.x environments.
It typically takes around 2-3 months to complete the training and pass the exam required for VCP-DCV certification. To get started on the path to becoming a VCP-DCV certified professional, you must first register for a course with an authorized training provider such as Global Knowledge or VMworld. After completing your coursework, you must then pass two exams: a Foundation Exam and a VCP6-DCV Exam.
The cost of the VCP-DCV certification varies depending on which training provider you choose to use and whether or not you are eligible for any discounts or promotions. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000-$4,000 USD depending on your location and chosen course provider.
6. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching is a certification program from Cisco Systems that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in routing and switching technologies. This certification is designed for network engineers who install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks.
To get the CCNA Routing and Switching certification, you must pass two exams: ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices 1) and ICND2 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices 2). It typically takes between 6 to 12 months of study to prepare for these exams.
The cost of the CCNA Routing & Switching exam varies depending on your country of residence. The fees are usually around $300 USD per exam. You can purchase the exam vouchers directly from Cisco or through authorized resellers such as Pearson VUE or Prometric.
7. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA): Server Administration Fundamentals
Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Server Administration Fundamentals is a certification program designed to help individuals gain the knowledge and skills needed to become an entry-level server administrator. The MTA Server Administration Fundamentals certification validates a candidate's understanding of core technology services, server infrastructure, system administration of servers, and identity management.
The MTA Server Administration Fundamentals exam consists of 40-60 questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. Candidates must have a passing score of 700 or higher on a scale of 100-900 in order to obtain the certification.
In order to get the Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Server Administration Fundamentals certification, individuals must register for and take the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center. The cost for taking the exam is $127 USD.
8. Linux Professional Institute Certification Level 1 (LPIC-1)
Linux Professional Institute Certification Level 1 (LPIC-1) is a certification program that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the Linux operating system. It is designed to be vendor-neutral, meaning it covers all major distributions of Linux. LPIC-1 focuses on core system administration tasks such as installation and configuration, network services, security, and troubleshooting.
It typically takes around 40 hours of study time to prepare for the LPIC-1 exam. The exam consists of two parts: 101 and 102. Both exams are multiple choice with 90 questions each and must be completed within 90 minutes. The passing score for both exams is 500 out of 800 points.
To get LPIC-1 certified, you must first register for the exam at the LPI website or through an authorized testing center. You can then purchase a voucher from the LPI website or from an authorized testing center to take your exam. The cost of the voucher varies depending on where you purchase it but generally ranges from $150-$200 USD per exam. After passing both exams, you will receive an email confirming your certification status which will include your official LPIC-1 certificate number and digital badge which can be used to show off your achievement online.
9. Amazon Web Services Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate
Amazon Web Services Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate is a certification that validates the technical skills and expertise of IT professionals in deploying, managing, and operating highly available, fault-tolerant systems on Amazon Web Services (AWS). This certification is designed for individuals who have experience with AWS technologies and are responsible for the operational management of AWS-based applications.
It typically takes around 6 months to prepare for the exam. To get certified, you must pass the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate exam. The exam consists of multiple choice and multiple answer questions that test your knowledge of AWS services and best practices.
The cost of the exam varies by country but typically ranges from $150-$300 USD. It is recommended that you take practice exams or attend training courses to help you prepare for the exam. Additionally, there are several free online resources available to help you study for the exam such as whitepapers, tutorials, and webinars.
10. Oracle Database 11g Administrator Certified Professional
Oracle Database 11g Administrator Certified Professional (OCP) is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in administering Oracle databases. It is the highest level of certification offered by Oracle, and it is recognized around the world as a benchmark for expertise in database administration.
The OCP exam consists of two parts: a written exam and a hands-on lab exam. The written exam covers topics such as database architecture, security, backup and recovery, networking, performance tuning, data warehousing, and more. The hands-on lab exam requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to administer an Oracle database by completing tasks such as creating tablespaces and users, setting up replication, performing backups, monitoring performance metrics, and more.
It typically takes 3-6 months to prepare for the OCP exams depending on your current level of knowledge and experience with Oracle databases. Candidates should have at least one year of experience working with Oracle databases before attempting the OCP exams.
To get the OCP certification you must pass both the written exam and the hands-on lab exam. You can register for these exams through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. The cost of taking these exams varies depending on where you take them but generally ranges from $200-$400 USD per exam.
11. Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization (CCP-V)
Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization (CCP-V) is a certification program offered by Citrix that validates an individual's knowledge and expertise in virtualization technologies. This certification is designed for IT professionals who have experience with designing, deploying, and managing virtualized environments using Citrix products.
The CCP-V exam consists of 60 questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. The exam covers topics such as architecture, design, installation, configuration, security, monitoring, troubleshooting, optimization, and support of virtualized environments.
To get the CCP-V certification you must first pass the Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization (CCP-V) Exam which is available through Pearson VUE testing centers. The cost of the exam is $200 USD. Once you have passed the exam you will then be eligible to receive your certificate from Citrix.
In order to maintain your certification status you must renew it every three years by passing a recertification exam or completing a course on one of the latest versions of Citrix products or technologies.
Do You Really Need a Server Assistant Certificate?
The answer to this question ultimately depends on the specific needs of the individual or organization in question. For some, a Server Assistant Certificate may be necessary in order to obtain a certain level of certification or proficiency in server administration and management. For others, such a certificate may not be necessary as they may already possess the required skills and knowledge to competently manage and maintain their servers.
For those who do require a Server Assistant Certificate, it is important to note that there are various levels of certification available depending on the type of server being managed. It is also important to understand that each certification level requires different levels of knowledge and experience in order to successfully pass the exams associated with them. Therefore, it is essential for individuals seeking certification to research the requirements for their particular area of expertise and determine what certifications will best suit their needs.
In addition, employers often look for candidates with certifications when hiring server administrators so having a Server Assistant Certificate can be beneficial when applying for jobs in this field. Furthermore, having such a certificate shows potential employers that an individual has taken initiative in furthering their knowledge and skillset which can demonstrate commitment and dedication.
Overall, whether or not someone needs a Server Assistant Certificate depends entirely on their individual circumstances. While it can be beneficial in some cases, it may not always be necessary depending on one’s current level of skill and knowledge in server administration and management.
Related: Server Assistant Resume Examples
FAQs About Server Assistant Certifications
Q1. What is a Server Assistant Certification?
A1. A Server Assistant Certification is a program that provides an individual with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful server assistant in the hospitality industry. This certification is designed to help individuals understand the roles and responsibilities of a server assistant as well as how to provide excellent customer service.
Q2. How do I get certified as a Server Assistant?
A2. To become certified as a Server Assistant, you must complete an approved training program which includes classroom instruction, hands-on practice, and an assessment test. Once you have successfully completed the course and passed the assessment, you will be awarded your certification.
Q3. How long does it take to get certified?
A3. The length of time it takes to obtain a Server Assistant Certification varies depending on the program you choose; however, most programs can be completed in two weeks or less with full-time study and commitment from the student.
Q4. What are some of the topics covered during training for certification?
A4: During training for certification, students will learn about customer service techniques, food safety practices, sanitation requirements, proper table setting techniques, and menu knowledge among other topics related to being a successful server assistant.
Q5. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining certification?
A5: Generally speaking there are no prerequisites for obtaining certification; however some programs may require that applicants have prior experience working in a restaurant or hospitality setting before enrolling in their program.