Top 10 Service Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for service managers in the job market because they demonstrate a mastery of specific skills and knowledge related to their profession. They also provide evidence that the service manager has the necessary qualifications to perform their duties effectively. Certifications can help service managers stand out from other applicants, as employers often prefer candidates with certifications. Furthermore, some employers may require certification in order for an applicant to even be considered for a position, so having certifications can be invaluable for getting hired.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Service Managers and explains how they can help to advance a service manager's career.

What are Service Manager Certifications?

Service Manager Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of expertise in managing service organizations. It demonstrates an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of customer service, operational excellence, process improvement, and leadership. By obtaining this certification, individuals can demonstrate their commitment to providing quality service and show employers that they are well-qualified for service management positions.

The certification helps individuals build credibility within their organization and the industry as a whole by demonstrating their ability to manage complex service operations. It also provides them with access to educational resources such as online courses and seminars related to service management topics. Additionally, it allows them to network with other certified professionals and gain valuable insights into best practices in the field. Furthermore, having this certification can open the door to higher-level positions within an organization or even lead to consulting opportunities. Ultimately, Service Manager Certification is a valuable asset for any professional looking to advance their career in the service management industry.

Pro Tip: Before you enroll in a Service Manager Certification program, make sure to research the organization offering the certification. Look into their reputation and accreditation status, as well as what type of support they provide after you obtain your certification. Additionally, consider any additional training or educational opportunities that may be available through the program. This will ensure that you have access to all of the resources necessary to become an effective and successful service manager.

Related: What does a Service Manager do?

Top 10 Service Manager Certifications

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

1. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an internationally recognized certification program that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL). It is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the ITIL best practices for IT service management. The certification is based on a series of books and documents published by the Office of Government Commerce in the United Kingdom.

The ITIL Foundation Certification requires passing an exam that consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. The exam must be completed within 60 minutes, and it covers topics such as service strategy, service design, service transition, service operations, continual service improvement, and the ITIL framework.

To get certified in ITIL Foundation, you need to complete an accredited training course or self-study using official materials from AXELOS. After completing your training or self-study, you can register for the exam with one of the many Accredited Training Organizations (ATOs) around the world. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your certificate from AXELOS.

The cost of getting certified in ITIL Foundation varies depending on where you take your training and/or exam. Generally speaking, it costs between $500 - $1,500 USD for both training and exams fees combined.

2. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) for Service Manager

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) for Service Manager is a certification that validates the skills and knowledge of IT professionals in designing, deploying, and managing service management solutions with Microsoft System Center Service Manager. It demonstrates that an individual has the expertise to design and implement complex solutions that integrate System Center Service Manager with other Microsoft technologies.

The MCSE for Service Manager certification requires passing two exams: 70-246: Monitoring and Operating a Private Cloud with System Center 2012, and 70-247: Configuring and Deploying a Private Cloud with System Center 2012. The exams can be taken at any authorized testing center or online through Pearson VUE.

It typically takes about six months to complete both exams, depending on the individual’s experience level. To get started, individuals should review the exam objectives for each exam to determine what topics need to be studied. After studying, individuals should register for each exam at Pearson VUE and schedule their tests.

Each exam costs $150 USD. Therefore, it will cost $300 USD total to obtain the MCSE for Service Manager certification.

3. CompTIA IT Service Management Professional (CITSP)

CompTIA IT Service Management Professional (CITSP) is a certification program designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the areas of service management, customer service, and IT operations. The CITSP certification validates an individual’s ability to manage IT services from both a strategic and operational perspective.

The CITSP exam consists of two parts: the Fundamentals exam and the Advanced exam. The Fundamentals exam covers topics such as customer service, service management processes, IT operations, and risk management. The Advanced exam covers topics such as project management, change management, incident management, problem resolution, and more.

It typically takes around three months to complete the CITSP certification process. This includes studying for both exams, taking practice tests to prepare for the exams, and scheduling time to take the actual exams.

To get certified in CompTIA IT Service Management Professional (CITSP), you must first pass both the Fundamentals exam and the Advanced exam with a score of at least 700 out of 1000 on each test. You can register for these exams through CompTIA's website or through a CompTIA-approved training provider.

The cost of getting certified in CompTIA IT Service Management Professional (CITSP) varies depending on where you take your exams. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 USD for both exams combined.

4. HDI Customer Service Representative (HDI-CSR)

HDI Customer Service Representative (HDI-CSR) is a certification program designed to help customer service representatives improve their skills and knowledge in providing exceptional customer service. It is offered by the Help Desk Institute (HDI), an organization dedicated to helping organizations improve their customer service operations.

The HDI-CSR certification requires candidates to pass a series of exams, including a written exam, an online exam, and a practical assessment. The written exam covers topics such as customer service principles, problem solving techniques, communication strategies, and technology fundamentals. The online exam tests the candidate’s ability to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios. Finally, the practical assessment evaluates the candidate’s ability to provide effective customer service in various situations.

The entire process typically takes about 8 weeks from start to finish. Candidates must complete all three parts of the certification within this timeframe in order to receive their HDI-CSR certification.

The cost of the HDI-CSR certification varies depending on which package you choose. The most popular package is the Standard Package, which costs $1,495 USD and includes access to all three parts of the certification program plus one year of membership with HDI.

5. HDI Support Center Analyst (HDI-SCA)

HDI Support Center Analyst (HDI-SCA) is a certification program that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the field of technical support. It is offered by the Help Desk Institute (HDI), which is the world’s leading membership association for IT service and support professionals. HDI-SCA certification provides a comprehensive overview of technical support best practices, including customer service, problem solving, troubleshooting, communication, and management.

The HDI-SCA exam takes approximately two hours to complete. The exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions covering topics such as customer service, problem solving, troubleshooting techniques, communication skills, and management processes. To become certified as an HDI-SCA, you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

To get started on your journey to becoming an HDI-SCA certified professional, you must first register for the exam through the HDI website. Once you have registered for the exam, you will be able to access study materials such as practice exams and study guides to help you prepare for the exam. After passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher, you will receive your official HDI-SCA certification from HDI.

The cost of taking the HDI-SCA exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically costs around $150 USD per attempt.

6. HDI Desktop Support Technician (HDI-DST)

HDI Desktop Support Technician (HDI-DST) is an industry-recognized certification that validates a technician's ability to provide technical support for desktop computers, laptops, and other devices. It is offered by the Help Desk Institute (HDI), a global leader in help desk and technical support training and certification.

The HDI-DST certification requires the successful completion of a two-day instructor-led course, which covers topics such as troubleshooting hardware and software issues, installing operating systems, configuring peripherals, working with mobile devices, and more. The course also includes an exam at the end of the second day.

The cost of the course varies depending on location but typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,000 USD. The cost of the exam is not included in the course fee and must be purchased separately. The exam fee is currently $199 USD.

To obtain HDI-DST certification, individuals must first successfully complete the two-day instructor-led course and then pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. Upon successful completion of both requirements within one year of enrolling in the course, candidates will receive their HDI Desktop Support Technician certification.

7. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an internationally recognized certification for information security professionals. It is a vendor-neutral credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in the field of information security.

The CISSP exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions and takes up to six hours to complete. It covers eight domains of knowledge, including access control, cryptography, software development security, telecommunications and network security, business continuity and disaster recovery planning, legal regulations and compliance, operations security, and physical (environmental) security.

To be eligible for the CISSP exam you must have at least five years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains of knowledge covered by the exam. Alternatively, if you have four years of paid work experience in two or more domains plus a college degree or additional credentials from accredited institutions can also qualify you for the exam.

The cost to take the CISSP exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $699 - $1,199 USD. Additionally there are fees associated with maintaining your certification which includes an annual maintenance fee as well as continuing professional education requirements.

8. Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) is a certification program designed to help IT and business professionals understand the risks associated with IT systems and develop strategies to mitigate them. The CRISC certification is offered by ISACA, a global nonprofit association that promotes the use of technology for the benefit of society.

The CRISC certification requires applicants to demonstrate knowledge in four domains: Risk Identification, Risk Assessment, Risk Response, and Risk Monitoring & Reporting. To obtain the CRISC certification, applicants must pass an exam that consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The exam takes approximately 4 hours to complete and costs $595 USD for ISACA members or $795 USD for non-members.

Applicants must also have at least three years of relevant work experience in two of the four domains listed above. This experience can be obtained through paid or volunteer work as long as it meets the criteria set forth by ISACA.

In addition to passing the exam and meeting the required work experience criteria, applicants must also agree to abide by ISACA's Code of Professional Ethics and adhere to its Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements in order to maintain their CRISC certification.

9. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized certification for project managers. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and experience in managing projects. PMP certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

To become a PMP, an individual must have a minimum of three years of project management experience and 35 hours of project management education. In addition, they must pass the PMP Exam, which consists of 200 multiple-choice questions.

The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $405 for members of PMI and $555 for non-members. The cost includes access to the online practice exams, which can help individuals prepare for the actual exam.

Once an individual passes the exam, they will receive their PMP certification from PMI. The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing 60 professional development units (PDUs) during that time period.

10. ISO/IEC 20000 Foundation Certificate

ISO/IEC 20000 Foundation Certificate is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the ISO/IEC 20000 standard. This certification is designed for IT professionals who are involved in the management, implementation, and maintenance of service management systems (SMS) based on ISO/IEC 20000. It provides assurance to employers that their staff are knowledgeable about the requirements of ISO/IEC 20000 and can help them meet those requirements.

The certificate requires a minimum of 15 hours of study, which can be completed online or through classroom training. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and must be taken at an accredited examination center. The cost of the exam varies depending on the provider, but typically ranges from $150-$300 USD.

To obtain the certificate, individuals must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. Upon successful completion, they will receive an official certificate from EXIN (Examination Institute for Information Science). The certificate is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking an additional exam every three years or by completing continuing education courses related to ISO/IEC 20000.

Do You Really Need a Service Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the type of career you plan to pursue. If you are looking for a job as a service manager, then it would be beneficial to have a Service Manager Certificate. This certificate shows potential employers that you have been trained in the specific skills necessary for the job. It also demonstrates that you have taken the time and effort to learn the industry standards, which is important for those who want to stay competitive in their field.

Having a Service Manager Certificate can also help open up new opportunities in your career. You may find yourself being invited to attend conferences or seminars related to your field, or even being offered consulting or teaching gigs based on your expertise. All of these possibilities can lead to higher salaries and better job security, making certification an attractive choice for many people seeking a career in service management.

Finally, having a Service Manager Certificate can give you more confidence when applying for jobs or negotiating salary levels. Employers often look favorably upon those who have taken the time and effort to become certified professionals; this is especially true if they already possess other relevant qualifications such as degrees or diplomas from reputable institutions. This can give you an edge over other applicants who lack such credentials, potentially helping you land that dream job!

Related: Service Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Service Manager Certifications

Q1. What is a Service Manager Certification?

A1. A Service Manager Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in managing service operations, processes, and customer relationships. It shows employers that the holder of the certification is competent in handling all aspects of service management including planning, organizing, staffing, leading and controlling service activities.

Q2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Service Manager Certification?

A2. Obtaining a Service Manager Certification will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage service operations and customer relationships. Additionally, having a certification will demonstrate your commitment to professional development and help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions.

Q3. Who awards Service Manager Certifications?

A3. There are several organizations that offer Service Manager Certifications such as ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library), Six Sigma, Project Management Institute (PMI), Certified Professional Services Manager (CPSM) and more.

Q4. How do I obtain a Service Manager Certification?

A4. To obtain a Service Manager Certification you must first meet the requirements set by the certifying organization such as passing an exam or completing approved courses or training programs related to service management topics like process management, customer relationship management, etc.

Q5. How long does it take to get certified as a Service Manager?

A5. The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on the certifying organization and their requirements for certification but typically range between one month to one year depending on your experience level and commitment to studying for the exam or completing relevant courses or training programs required by the certifying organization