Top 10 Software Support Analyst Certifications

Certifications are an important way for software support analysts to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the job market. They show employers that they have the necessary technical expertise and experience to be successful in the role. Certification programs provide a structured way for software support analysts to learn new technologies, develop problem-solving abilities, and gain recognition from industry experts. Additionally, certifications can help software support analysts stand out from other candidates by providing them with a competitive edge in the job market.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Software Support Analysts and explain how they can help boost their career prospects.

What are Software Support Analyst Certifications?

Software Support Analyst certification is a credential designed to demonstrate an individual's knowledge and experience in providing technical support for software applications. This certification is offered by many third-party organizations and can be beneficial for those looking to become employed as a software support analyst or for those already working in the field who want to further their career.

The Software Support Analyst certification covers topics such as troubleshooting, problem solving, customer service, system configuration, system testing, network administration, data management and more. By earning this certification, individuals can prove their skills and knowledge of how to effectively diagnose and resolve any issues that may arise with software applications. This type of certification also helps employers identify qualified candidates who are capable of providing quality technical support to their customers.

In addition, having this certification can help individuals advance their careers by gaining access to more job opportunities that require a higher level of expertise in software support. It also provides them with the opportunity to increase their salary potential as they gain more experience in the field. Furthermore, it allows them to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and trends in the industry which can help them provide better services to their clients.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a software support analyst certification, make sure to research the different certifications available and select one that aligns with your career goals. Research the content of the certification exam, as well as the prerequisites to ensure you are adequately prepared before taking the test. Additionally, consider any additional training or hands-on experience that may be required prior to taking the exam.

Related: What does a Software Support Analyst do?

Top 10 Software Support Analyst Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Software Support Analysts today.

1. CompTIA A+

CompTIA A+ is an industry-leading certification for IT professionals. It is a globally recognized credential that validates the knowledge and skills of entry-level IT technicians. The A+ certification covers a wide range of topics, including hardware, networking, mobile devices, operating systems, software troubleshooting, security, and customer service.

It typically takes around six months to prepare for the CompTIA A+ exam. To get certified, you must pass two exams: 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2). Both exams are 90 minutes long and consist of multiple choice questions. The cost of the exams varies depending on where you take them; however, they generally cost between $200 and $300 each.

In order to obtain your CompTIA A+ certification, you must first register with CompTIA's website and purchase an exam voucher. You can then schedule your exam at a testing center near you or online through Pearson VUE or Certiport. After passing both exams successfully, you will receive your official CompTIA A+ certificate in the mail within 4–6 weeks.

2. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in Microsoft products and technologies. It is designed for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their ability to build innovative solutions across multiple technologies, both on-premises and in the cloud.

The MCSE certification requires individuals to pass a series of exams that test their knowledge of specific Microsoft products and technologies. These exams cover topics such as Windows Server, Exchange Server, System Center, SharePoint Server, SQL Server, Office 365, Azure, Dynamics 365 and more.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the requirements for the MCSE certification. To get certified, an individual must pass one or more exams depending on the technology track they choose. Each exam costs $165 USD and can be taken at any authorized testing center.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on how many exams are required for the particular technology track chosen. The total cost can range from around $500-$2,000 USD depending on how many exams are needed to complete the certification requirements.

3. HDI Support Center Analyst

HDI Support Center Analyst is a certification program designed to help IT professionals develop and demonstrate the skills needed to provide excellent customer service and technical support. The certification is offered by HDI, a global organization for technical support and service management professionals.

The HDI Support Center Analyst certification program consists of two parts: a training course and an exam. The training course covers topics such as customer service fundamentals, problem solving, communication techniques, and conflict resolution. It takes approximately 10-12 hours to complete the training course.

To get certified as an HDI Support Center Analyst, you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions that are based on the topics covered in the training course. It takes approximately 2 hours to complete the exam.

The cost of the HDI Support Center Analyst certification program varies depending on where you take it. Most courses cost between $200-$300 USD.

4. Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)

Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) is a certification program from Microsoft that recognizes individuals who have the knowledge and skills to successfully design, implement, and support technology solutions based on Microsoft products. The MCITP certification provides employers with an assurance that certified professionals have the expertise necessary to help their organizations make the most of their investments in Microsoft technology.

It typically takes about two years for an individual to earn an MCITP certification. This includes studying for and taking the required exams, gaining experience in the field, and completing any other requirements. To become certified, individuals must pass one or more exams related to a specific job role or technology solution.

To get started on your MCITP certification journey, you'll need to purchase a voucher from Microsoft's website or through a third-party vendor such as Pearson VUE or Prometric. The cost of the voucher will vary depending on which exam(s) you are taking. Once you have purchased your voucher, you can register for the exam(s) at either Pearson VUE or Prometric's website.

The cost of each exam varies depending on which country you are taking it in but generally ranges from $100 - $200 USD per exam. You may also be eligible for discounts if you are a student or if your organization has an Enterprise Agreement with Microsoft.

5. BMC Remedy Certified System Administrator (RCSA)

BMC Remedy Certified System Administrator (RCSA) is an industry-recognized certification that validates a professional’s expertise in the BMC Remedy IT Service Management Suite. This certification demonstrates a professional's ability to manage, configure, and support the suite of products. It is designed for system administrators who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of their organization’s BMC Remedy environment.

The RCSA exam consists of multiple choice questions and covers topics such as installation, configuration, customization, integration, maintenance and troubleshooting of BMC Remedy applications. Candidates must demonstrate their knowledge by passing a proctored exam administered by Pearson VUE. The exam typically takes two hours to complete and contains approximately 70 questions.

To become certified as an RCSA, individuals must first register with Pearson VUE and pay the associated fee. The cost of the exam varies depending on region but typically ranges from $150-$200 USD. Once registered, candidates can schedule their exam at any Pearson VUE testing center or online via Pearson VUE’s website. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive their official RCSA certification from BMC Software Incorporated.

6. Oracle Database Administration Certification

Oracle Database Administration Certification is an industry-recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills of database administrators. It demonstrates a professional’s ability to design, install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Oracle databases.

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the Oracle Database Administration Certification program. The time frame may vary depending on the individual's experience level and how much time they can dedicate to studying.

To get certified, individuals must first pass an exam that covers topics such as installation, configuration, security, backup/recovery, performance tuning, and more. After passing the exam, individuals must complete a hands-on project to demonstrate their practical skills in managing Oracle databases.

The cost of the Oracle Database Administration Certification program varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it will cost between $1,000 and $2,500 for the entire certification process including both the exam and hands-on project.

7. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a certification offered by Cisco Systems that certifies an individual's knowledge and skills in networking. It is one of the most sought-after certifications in the IT industry, as it provides a comprehensive understanding of networking fundamentals and helps individuals gain the necessary skills to design, implement, troubleshoot, and maintain networks.

The CCNA certification consists of two exams: ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Part 1) and ICND2 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Part 2). The two exams can be taken separately or combined into one exam. The combined exam covers topics such as routing protocols, switching technologies, network security, IP addressing and more.

It typically takes between three to six months to prepare for the CCNA exam depending on the individual’s background knowledge. To get certified, individuals must pass both exams with a score of at least 80%.

The cost for taking the CCNA exam varies depending on where you take it. In the United States, it typically costs around $300 USD per exam plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam at a testing center.

8. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an entry-level certification that provides a general overview of the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) best practices. It is designed to give IT professionals a basic understanding of the key concepts, processes, and terminology used in the ITIL service lifecycle.

The ITIL Foundation Certification typically takes about two days to complete. The course consists of lectures, discussions, and exercises that cover topics such as service strategy, service design, service transition, service operations, continual service improvement, and more. The exam is taken at the end of the course and requires a minimum score of 65% to pass.

To get certified in ITIL Foundation, you must attend an accredited training program or take an online course. Accredited training programs are offered by various organizations around the world and typically cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 depending on the provider. Online courses are also available for a fraction of the cost but may not provide as comprehensive coverage as an in-person course.

Once you have completed your training program or online course, you can then register for and take the ITIL Foundation exam which costs approximately $250 USD. After passing the exam you will be awarded your official ITIL Foundation Certificate and can begin using it to demonstrate your knowledge in this field.

9. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification program offered by Red Hat, Inc., an American multinational software company. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and skills in managing and configuring systems running the Red Hat Enterprise Linux operating system. This certification is considered to be one of the most respected certifications in the IT industry, and it is often a requirement for many IT jobs.

The RHCSA certification requires passing an exam that tests your knowledge of Linux system administration. The exam covers topics such as installation and configuration of systems, security management, user management, network services, storage management, troubleshooting, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions as well as hands-on tasks that must be completed within a given time limit.

It typically takes around 8-10 weeks to study for the RHCSA exam depending on your experience level with Linux system administration. You can find free online courses or purchase books or video tutorials to help you prepare for the exam. Additionally, there are several practice exams available online that can help you gauge your readiness for the real thing.

The cost of taking the RHCSA exam varies depending on where you take it. In most cases, it costs around $400 USD to take the exam at an authorized testing center or through Pearson VUE.

Overall, obtaining a Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) certification is a great way to demonstrate your expertise in Linux system administration and further advance your career in IT.

10. Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP)

Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP) is an Apple certification program that provides technical support professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide support for Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. The ACSP curriculum covers a wide range of topics such as troubleshooting, system configuration, network setup, and more.

It takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete the ACSP training and certification process. To get certified as an ACSP, you must first pass the ACSP exam which is available online or at an authorized testing center. After passing the exam, you will be issued your official Apple Certified Support Professional certificate.

The cost of the ACSP exam varies depending on where you take it. The online version costs $149 USD while the in-person version costs $299 USD.

Do You Really Need a Software Support Analyst Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your goals. If you are looking for a job in software support, then having a Software Support Analyst Certificate could be beneficial and may even help you stand out from other applicants. The certificate will demonstrate that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to understand the software and provide effective technical support.

However, if you are already working in the field or want to move up in your current position, additional certifications may be more beneficial. Depending on your company’s policies, some employers may require higher-level certifications in order for an employee to advance their career. A Software Support Analyst Certificate may provide the basic knowledge needed, but further training and certifications can open more doors for advancement.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether or not a Software Support Analyst Certificate is necessary for your career goals. If you feel that having one could give you an edge over other candidates or open new opportunities for growth within your company, then it might be worth pursuing. However, if you feel that other certifications would better suit your needs, then those may be more beneficial in the long run.

Related: Software Support Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Software Support Analyst Certifications

Q1. What is a Software Support Analyst Certification?

A1. A Software Support Analyst Certification is a professional certification program that validates the skills and knowledge of software support analysts. It provides employers with assurance that a candidate has the necessary skills to provide technical support to customers and troubleshoot software problems.

Q2. What are the requirements for obtaining a Software Support Analyst Certification?

A2. Generally, candidates must have a minimum of two years of experience in software support or related field, and they must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as CompTIA or Microsoft.

Q3. How much does it cost to obtain a Software Support Analyst Certification?

A3. The cost of obtaining certification varies depending on the certifying organization and which specific certification you are seeking. Generally, costs range from $100 - $700 USD for the most popular certifications.

Q4. How long does it take to complete a Software Support Analyst Certification?

A4: Depending on the certifying organization and which specific certification you are pursuing, completion time can range from several days to several months or more. In addition, some certifications require ongoing continuing education credits in order to maintain your certification status over time.

Q5. What career opportunities exist after obtaining a Software Support Analyst Certification?

A5: After earning your certification, you may be eligible for positions such as Technical Support Engineer, Systems Administrator, Network Administrator, Database Administrator or IT Manager/Director at various organizations including government agencies, corporations and educational institutions.