Top 10 Service Desk Analyst Certifications

Certifications for a service desk analyst are important in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge. Certification shows employers that an individual has the necessary skills and qualifications to perform the job effectively. It also demonstrates commitment and dedication to learning new technologies, processes, and best practices. Certifications can give an individual a competitive edge when applying for a role as it shows that they have taken the initiative to learn and stay up-to-date with industry trends. In addition, certifications can help open doors to higher paying positions or more challenging roles within an organization.

This article reviews the top certifications for Service Desk Analysts and explains how they can help to enhance a service desk analyst's career.

What are Service Desk Analyst Certifications?

Service Desk Analyst Certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge and skills in providing technical support for users of computer hardware, software, and networks. It is designed to help organizations ensure their IT staff have the necessary knowledge and expertise to effectively troubleshoot and resolve user issues in a timely manner.

The certification covers topics such as software installation and configuration, network troubleshooting, system performance monitoring, incident response, customer service principles, problem solving techniques, security best practices, and more. By obtaining Service Desk Analyst Certification, professionals demonstrate their ability to provide effective technical support for IT systems.

This certification can be beneficial for both employers and employees. For employers, it provides assurance that their IT staff are adequately trained to handle any technical issues they may encounter. For employees, it shows potential employers that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide excellent technical support services. Additionally, Service Desk Analyst Certification can help individuals stand out from other job applicants during the hiring process.

Pro Tip: When considering service desk analyst certification, make sure to research the different certifications available to ensure that you select the one that best fits your experience and career goals. Additionally, look for certifications that are up-to-date with industry standards and offer a comprehensive range of topics related to service desk operations.

Related: What does a Service Desk Analyst do?

Top 10 Service Desk Analyst Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Service Desk Analysts today.

1. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized entry-level certification in IT Service Management (ITSM). It is designed to provide an understanding of the core concepts and processes of IT service management as described in the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL). The certification provides a comprehensive overview of the key elements, concepts, and terminology used in the ITIL service lifecycle.

It typically takes about 20 hours to complete the coursework for the ITIL Foundation Certification. This includes studying the material, taking practice tests, and completing a final exam. The exam itself is 90 minutes long and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you must answer at least 28 questions correctly.

To get certified, you must first attend an accredited training course or self-study using approved materials. After completing your training program or self-study, you can register for an online exam with PeopleCert, who administers all ITIL exams worldwide. Once you have passed your exam, you will receive your official ITIL Foundation Certificate from PeopleCert.

The cost of getting certified depends on where you take your training course or purchase study materials. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$1000 USD to become certified depending on how much preparation you need and which provider you use.

2. HDI Support Center Analyst Certification

HDI Support Center Analyst Certification is a certification program offered by the Help Desk Institute (HDI) that recognizes individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of support center operations. The certification is designed to validate an individual’s ability to provide excellent customer service, troubleshoot technical issues, and manage complex customer interactions.

The HDI Support Center Analyst Certification requires successful completion of both an online exam and a practical skills assessment. The online exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as customer service, problem solving, communication techniques, and technical support processes. The practical skills assessment tests the applicant’s ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

The entire certification process typically takes between two and three weeks depending on the availability of the applicant. Applicants must register for the exam online at least one week prior to taking it. Once registered, applicants will have access to study materials including practice exams and tutorials. After passing the online exam, applicants must schedule their practical skills assessment with an HDI certified instructor.

The cost for HDI Support Center Analyst Certification varies depending on location but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD for both the online exam and practical skills assessment combined.

3. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ is an industry-recognized certification for IT professionals, which covers the fundamentals of computer technology, networking and security. It is designed to prove that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform basic tasks related to computer hardware and software.

It takes approximately 90 hours of study time to prepare for the CompTIA A+ exam, although this will vary depending on your experience level. The exam consists of two parts: 220-1001 (covering PC hardware and peripherals, mobile device hardware, networking and troubleshooting) and 220-1002 (covering operating systems, security, software troubleshooting and operational procedures).

To get CompTIA A+ certified you need to pass both exams. You can take them at any Pearson VUE or Certiport testing center. The cost of each exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD per exam.

4. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) in Server Infrastructure

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Server Infrastructure is a certification program designed to validate the skills of IT professionals who design, implement, and manage an organization’s server infrastructure. This certification requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to build, deploy, configure, secure, and manage Windows Server 2012/2016 systems in an enterprise environment.

How long does it take to get it?

The MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification typically takes between 8-12 months to complete. It requires passing three exams: one core exam and two electives. The core exam focuses on Windows Server 2012/2016 installation, configuration, storage, networking, and identity management. The elective exams cover topics such as advanced networking services or private cloud computing.

How to get it?

In order to obtain the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification you must pass three exams: one core exam and two electives. The core exam focuses on Windows Server 2012/2016 installation, configuration, storage, networking, and identity management. The elective exams cover topics such as advanced networking services or private cloud computing. After passing all three exams you will receive your MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification from Microsoft.

How much does it cost?

The cost of obtaining the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification varies depending on the number of exams taken and the method of preparation used (self-study or instructor-led). Generally speaking, each exam costs around $150 USD for self-study materials or $400 USD for instructor-led training courses. Therefore the total cost for obtaining this certification could range anywhere from $450 USD up to $1200 USD depending on how many exams are taken and which method of preparation is used.

5. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) in Windows Server 2012/2016

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) in Windows Server 2012/2016 is a certification that validates an individual’s ability to design, implement, and maintain a Windows Server 2012 or 2016 environment. It is designed for individuals who have experience with Windows Server 2012 or 2016 and want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills related to the technology.

To get the MCSA in Windows Server 2012/2016 certification, you must pass three exams: 70-410, 70-411, and 70-412. The exams cover topics such as installation, storage, networking, server roles, Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS), Group Policy, Hyper-V virtualization, failover clustering, and more. The exams are administered by Pearson VUE Testing Centers worldwide.

The cost of each exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $100-$150 USD per exam. You can also purchase practice tests from various vendors such as Microsoft Learning or ExamCollection for around $50 USD each.

The amount of time it takes to prepare for the MCSA in Windows Server 2012/2016 depends on your existing knowledge level and how much time you can dedicate to studying for the exams. Generally speaking it should take between 3-6 months of dedicated study time to prepare for all three exams.

6. BMC Track-It! Service Desk Analyst Certification

BMC Track-It! Service Desk Analyst Certification is a professional certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of service desk analysts working with BMC Track-It! software. This certification is offered by BMC, a leading provider of IT service management solutions.

The certification consists of two exams: one on the fundamentals of BMC Track-It! and the other on advanced topics. The fundamental exam covers topics such as installation, configuration, user administration, ticketing, reporting, and more. The advanced exam focuses on topics such as customizing workflows, scripting, integration with third-party systems, and more.

To get certified as a BMC Track-It! Service Desk Analyst, you must pass both exams with a minimum score of 70%. Each exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.

The cost for the certification program varies depending on your country or region. In the United States, it costs $200 USD for each exam plus an additional $50 USD fee for registration.

Overall, it takes about 3-4 hours to complete the entire certification process including taking both exams and registering for the program.

7. HDI Desktop Support Technician Certification

HDI Desktop Support Technician Certification is a professional certification program offered by the Help Desk Institute (HDI). It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of desktop support technicians in the areas of installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and maintenance of desktop systems.

The certification requires successful completion of an online exam that tests the individual’s understanding of desktop support concepts. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as hardware components, operating systems, networking, security, software applications, customer service, and problem solving. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to become certified as an HDI Desktop Support Technician, individuals must first register with HDI and pay a fee. The fee for the certification exam is $225 USD. Once registered, individuals can take the exam at any authorized testing center or online through HDI’s secure testing portal.

Once an individual has successfully passed the exam they will receive their official HDI Desktop Support Technician Certification. This certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued and can be renewed by taking another exam or completing additional training courses provided by HDI.

8. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) in Office 365

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) in Office 365 is a certification that proves an individual’s ability to design, implement, and manage cloud-based solutions using Office 365. It demonstrates the candidate’s expertise in Microsoft technologies such as Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Skype for Business Online, and Office 365 ProPlus.

It typically takes around three months of study to prepare for the MCSA in Office 365 exam. To get certified, candidates must pass two exams: Exam 70-346: Managing Office 365 Identities and Requirements; and Exam 70-347: Enabling Office 365 Services.

The cost of the exams varies depending on the country you are taking them in. However, it typically costs around $150 USD per exam.

9. ITSM Foundation Certificate from EXIN

The EXIN IT Service Management Foundation Certificate is a certification program designed to provide professionals with an understanding of the principles and processes of IT service management. It is based on the ITIL® framework, which is a globally recognized set of best practices for IT service management.

It takes approximately two days to complete the course and obtain the certificate. The course can be taken either in-person or online, depending on availability. In-person courses are typically offered by accredited training providers, while online courses are available from various providers.

To get the EXIN IT Service Management Foundation Certificate, candidates must pass an exam that covers topics such as service strategy, service design, service transition, and continual service improvement. Candidates must also demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the ITIL® framework through multiple choice questions.

The cost of obtaining the EXIN IT Service Management Foundation Certificate varies depending on the provider and format chosen. Generally speaking, in-person courses tend to be more expensive than online courses due to additional costs associated with classroom rental and instructor fees.

10. ITIL Practitioner Certificate from EXIN

ITIL Practitioner Certificate from EXIN is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a practitioner’s ability to apply the ITIL framework in their organization. The certificate is designed for professionals who are already familiar with the ITIL framework and want to take their knowledge to the next level. It provides guidance on how to use ITIL best practices in a practical way, helping organizations improve service delivery and increase customer satisfaction.

The ITIL Practitioner Certificate from EXIN requires about 20 hours of study time and typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete. To get the certificate, you must pass an exam that covers topics such as designing and implementing service management processes, managing service levels, and evaluating service performance. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and has a duration of 90 minutes.

The cost of taking the ITIL Practitioner Certificate from EXIN varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $350-$400 USD for the exam fee plus any additional fees associated with taking it at your chosen location.

Do You Really Need a Service Desk Analyst Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Service Desk Analyst Certificate depends entirely on what your current job is and what your career aspirations are. If you are currently working in an IT-related role and want to move up in the field, then a Service Desk Analyst Certificate may be beneficial. This certificate will demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to function as a service desk analyst, which can lead to better job opportunities and higher pay.

On the other hand, if you are already an experienced IT professional who has been working in the field for many years, then a Service Desk Analyst Certificate may not be necessary. You likely already possess the knowledge and experience needed to perform at this level without needing additional certification. However, if you still feel like receiving such a certificate would benefit your career, then it's worth considering.

Ultimately, whether or not you decide to pursue a Service Desk Analyst Certificate is up to you. It could prove beneficial for advancing your career in the IT field but is not necessarily required for success.

Related: Service Desk Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Service Desk Analyst Certifications

Q1. What is a Service Desk Analyst Certification?

A1. A Service Desk Analyst Certification is a qualification that demonstrates an individual’s ability to provide technical support for computer hardware, software and network systems.

Q2. How do I obtain a Service Desk Analyst Certification?

A2. There are a variety of certifications available depending on the vendor or organization offering them, but most require passing an exam and/or completing a training course.

Q3. What are the benefits of having a Service Desk Analyst Certification?

A3. Having a Service Desk Analyst Certification can demonstrate your expertise in providing technical support and make you more competitive in the job market. It can also help to open up career opportunities such as promotions or higher-level positions within the IT field.

Q4. How long does it take to complete the certification process?

A4. The time to complete the certification process will vary depending on the type of certification and what is required to obtain it. Generally, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months depending on how quickly you are able to study and complete any necessary courses or exams associated with the certification program.

Q5. Is there an expiration date for certifications?

A5: Yes, most certifications have an expiration date and must be renewed every few years depending on the type of certification you hold and who issued it (i.e., vendor or organization).