Top 11 Software Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for software technicians in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of knowledge and expertise. Certification programs help to ensure that technicians have a certain minimum level of understanding of relevant software applications, technologies, and processes. This helps employers make sure that they are hiring qualified individuals who can perform the tasks required for the job. Certifications also provide recognition for the technician's skills and experience, which can lead to higher salaries, better job opportunities, and more career advancement.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Software Technicians and explain how they can help to advance a software technician's career.

What are Software Technician Certifications?

Software technician certification is a type of professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in the areas of software installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair. It serves as proof that the individual has achieved a certain level of expertise in the field and is therefore qualified to work with various kinds of software. By obtaining this certification, individuals can demonstrate their abilities to potential employers, which could help them to get better job opportunities or higher salaries.

Having this certification also gives individuals access to resources such as professional networks and industry contacts that would otherwise be difficult for them to obtain on their own. Furthermore, it serves as an indication of commitment to their career and makes them more desirable candidates for promotions or other advancements within their profession. Finally, some software companies may even offer discounts on products or services for those who have obtained this type of certification.

Pro Tip: If you are considering becoming a software technician, consider taking an online certification course to expand your knowledge and gain recognition in the industry. This will give you an edge over other technicians who may not have the same level of certification. Additionally, having a certification can help you stand out from the crowd and make you more attractive to potential employers.

Related: What does a Software Technician do?

Top 11 Software Technician Certifications

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

1. CompTIA A+

CompTIA A+ is a globally recognized certification for IT professionals. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of entry-level computer technicians. CompTIA A+ covers a broad range of topics, including hardware, networking, mobile devices, operating systems, troubleshooting and security.

To obtain CompTIA A+, you must pass two exams: 220-901 and 220-902. The exams are multiple choice and performance-based questions that measure competency in areas such as installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking.

The time it takes to get CompTIA A+ depends on your study habits and the amount of time you have available to dedicate to studying. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from three months to a year or more to prepare for the exams.

In order to get CompTIA A+, you must first purchase an exam voucher from CompTIA's website or through one of their authorized partners. Once you have purchased the voucher, you can register for the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center around the world.

The cost of obtaining CompTIA A+ varies depending on where you purchase your exam voucher from. Generally speaking, it costs around $300 USD per exam (or $600 USD for both exams).

2. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification that validates an individual’s expertise in designing and implementing Microsoft solutions. It is designed to demonstrate the ability to design and implement comprehensive solutions based on Microsoft technologies, including Windows Server, Windows Client, Exchange Server, SharePoint Server, SQL Server, System Center, Lync Server, and more.

To obtain the MCSE certification, you must pass one or more exams that cover topics related to the technologies you are seeking certification for. The number of exams required depends on which technology path you choose. For example, if you want to become an MCSE: Data Platform certified professional, you need to pass three exams related to database administration and data warehousing.

The length of time it takes to get your MCSE certification depends on how much time and effort you put into studying for the exams. Generally speaking it can take anywhere from a few months up to a year or more depending on your prior experience with the technologies being tested.

In order to get your MCSE certification, you must register for and pass all of the necessary exams through Microsoft’s official testing centers or online proctored exam services. You can find information about registering for exams at Microsoft's Learning website (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/default.aspx).

The cost of taking each exam varies depending on where you take it and which country you are in but typically ranges from $100-$200 USD per exam.

3. Apple Certified Mac Technician (ACMT)

The Apple Certified Mac Technician (ACMT) is a certification program for professionals who work on Mac computers. It is designed to provide technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to service, troubleshoot, repair, and upgrade Mac hardware and software. The ACMT certification is offered by Apple Inc. and administered by Pearson VUE.

To become an ACMT certified technician, you must pass the Apple Service Fundamentals Exam (SFE). This exam covers topics such as basic computer hardware, operating systems, networking, troubleshooting techniques, and customer service skills. The SFE exam takes about two hours to complete and costs $150 USD.

In addition to passing the SFE exam, you must also attend an Apple-authorized training course or workshop in order to become an ACMT certified technician. These courses typically last between three and five days and cost between $1,500-$2,000 USD depending on the provider.

Once you have passed both the SFE exam and attended an authorized training course or workshop, you will receive your ACMT certification from Apple Inc., which is valid for three years from the date of issue.

4. Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional (OCP)

Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional (OCP) is a certification program offered by Oracle Corporation. It is designed to assess the knowledge and skills of database administrators in designing, implementing, and administering Oracle databases.

To become an Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional (OCP), you must pass two exams: 1Z0-061 Oracle Database 12c: SQL Fundamentals and 1Z0-062 Oracle Database 12c: Administration. Both exams are multiple-choice tests with a duration of 120 minutes each.

In order to take the OCP exams, you must first register with Pearson VUE, which is the official testing provider for Oracle certifications. Once registered, you can select your exam date and time at any Pearson VUE testing center near you. The cost of the two exams is $245 USD each, so it will cost $490 USD in total to become an OCP.

The time it takes to get certified depends on how much time you have available to study for the exams and how quickly you can prepare for them. Generally speaking, it could take anywhere from three months to one year or more to complete both exams depending on your level of experience and dedication to studying for them.

5. CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Network+ is a globally recognized certification that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in networking technologies. It covers topics such as network architecture, network operations, network security, troubleshooting, and more.

To get the CompTIA Network+ certification, you must pass the CompTIA Network+ exam (N10-007). The exam consists of 90 multiple choice questions and takes 90 minutes to complete. You must score 750 or higher on a scale of 100-900 to pass the exam.

The cost of the CompTIA Network+ exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $300 USD for the exam voucher. Additionally, there are various study materials available online that can help you prepare for the exam.

In total, it typically takes around 3-6 months to prepare for and pass the CompTIA Network+ exam depending on your level of experience with networking technologies.

6. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a certification offered by Cisco Systems that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in networking. It is an entry-level certification designed to help individuals gain a better understanding of the fundamentals of computer networks, including routing and switching technologies.

It typically takes around 6 months to prepare for the CCNA exam. To get the certification, you must pass one of the two exams: either the ICND1 or ICND2. The ICND1 covers basic networking concepts such as IP addressing, subnetting, and troubleshooting; while the ICND2 covers more advanced topics such as routing protocols, WAN technologies, and network security.

The cost of taking the CCNA exam varies depending on your location and whether you take it online or in person. However, it generally costs between $300-$400 USD for each exam.

In addition to passing the exams, you must also meet certain prerequisites in order to be eligible for the CCNA certification. These include having at least one year of experience working with Cisco products or completing a Cisco-approved training course.

7. Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)

Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) is a certification program designed for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in Microsoft technologies. It is an advanced-level certification that validates the skills and knowledge needed to successfully design, deploy, and manage a Windows Server 2008 environment.

The MCITP certification requires passing multiple exams which cover topics such as Windows Server 2008 administration, networking infrastructure, Active Directory services, and application development. Depending on the specific track you choose, it can take anywhere from three to six months to complete all of the necessary exams.

To get started with the MCITP certification process, you must first register with Microsoft's Certification Program. You will then be able to purchase exam vouchers and schedule your exams at an authorized testing center near you. The cost of each exam varies depending on location and currency exchange rates but typically ranges between $100-$200 USD per exam.

8. VMware Certified Professional (VCP)

The VMware Certified Professional (VCP) is a certification program designed to validate an individual’s skills and knowledge in using VMware virtualization products. It is the most widely recognized and respected certification for IT professionals who work with VMware technologies.

It takes approximately 8-10 hours of study time to prepare for the VCP exam, depending on your experience level. The exam consists of 85 multiple choice questions and must be completed within two hours.

To get certified, you must first attend an authorized training course from a VMware Authorized Training Center (VATC). After attending the course, you will receive a voucher code that can be used to register for the exam. You can then take the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center or online through their website. The cost of the exam is $225 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official VCP certification from VMware. This certification is valid for two years and requires renewal every two years to maintain it.

9. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification program offered by Red Hat, Inc. It is designed to provide system administrators with the skills and knowledge needed to manage Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. The certification exam tests a candidate’s ability to configure local storage, deploy and manage network services, secure systems, troubleshoot issues, and maintain system documentation.

The RHCSA certification requires candidates to pass an exam which consists of multiple choice questions and performance-based tasks. The exam typically takes two hours to complete and is available in both English and Japanese language versions. Candidates must have at least six months of experience working with Red Hat Enterprise Linux before taking the exam.

To get the RHCSA certification, candidates must first register for the exam through the Red Hat website or an authorized training provider. After registering for the exam, candidates can take practice exams or attend instructor-led training courses to prepare for the actual exam. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their RHCSA certificate from Red Hat.

The cost of taking the RHCSA exam varies depending on where you take it and how you choose to prepare for it. The cost of taking the official Red Hat Exam typically ranges from $400-$500 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. If you choose to take instructor-led training courses in preparation for your exam, those costs will vary depending on your chosen provider as well as any applicable taxes or fees.

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

Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization (CCP-V) is a certification program offered by Citrix Systems, Inc. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals in virtualization technologies, specifically those related to the Citrix XenServer product line. The CCP-V certification is intended for IT professionals who are responsible for deploying, configuring, managing, and troubleshooting virtual infrastructures based on Citrix XenServer.

In order to obtain the CCP-V certification, candidates must pass two exams: CXS-203: Deploying App and Desktop Solutions with Citrix XenApp 6.5 and CXS-303: Managing App and Desktop Solutions with Citrix XenApp 6.5. Both exams are available through Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide.

The cost of the CCP-V certification varies depending on which country you are taking the exam in; however, it typically costs around $200 USD per exam. The total time required to complete both exams depends on each individual’s level of experience with virtualization technologies; however, most candidates can expect to spend at least 8 hours studying for each exam before they attempt it.

11. Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC)

Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC) is an industry-recognized certification program that validates a professional’s knowledge and skills in using Linux operating systems. The LPIC program is divided into four levels, each of which requires the successful completion of two exams.

Level 1 is designed for system administrators who are just starting out with Linux and covers basic concepts such as installation, configuration, security, networking, and maintenance. Level 2 focuses on more advanced topics such as shell scripting, system performance tuning, network services, and system troubleshooting. Level 3 covers enterprise level topics such as directory services, virtualization, clustering, storage management and high availability. Finally, Level 4 focuses on advanced topics such as security auditing and compliance.

It typically takes about six months to a year to complete the LPIC certification process depending on the individual’s experience level with Linux and their ability to study for the exams. To get certified at any of the four levels of LPIC you must pass both exams associated with that level. Exams can be taken at Pearson VUE testing centers or online through ProctorU.

The cost of taking the LPIC exams varies depending on where they are taken but typically range from $150-$200 per exam.

Do You Really Need a Software Technician Certificate?

Software technicians play an important role in keeping the software systems running smoothly. They are responsible for the maintenance, installation, and repair of computer hardware and software systems. As such, it is important to have a certification that shows employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to do the job.

A software technician certificate is an excellent way to demonstrate your expertise in this field. It can help you stand out from other applicants when looking for a job or seeking a promotion within your current organization. A certification will also show potential employers that you are committed to staying up-to-date on the latest technologies and trends in the industry. Additionally, some certifications may even include hands-on experience with various software applications or platforms, which can be beneficial when applying for certain positions.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a software technician certificate depends on your career goals and objectives. If you plan on staying in the same role for a long time, then having a certification may not be necessary as you would already have sufficient experience. However, if you want to move up within your organization or transition into another IT-related field, then obtaining a certification could be beneficial in helping you reach those goals.

In conclusion, while it is not always required to have a software technician certificate, it can be beneficial in demonstrating your knowledge and skillset to potential employers as well as providing additional opportunities for career growth and development.

Related: Software Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Software Technician Certifications

Q1. What is a Software Technician Certification?

A1. A Software Technician Certification is a type of professional qualification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and experience in the field of software engineering and development. It can be obtained through formal training and/or examinations from a variety of organizations, such as Microsoft, CompTIA, or Oracle.

Q2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Software Technician Certification?

A2. Obtaining a Software Technician Certification allows individuals to demonstrate their competence in the software development field to employers and other organizations. Additionally, certifications may provide access to higher salaries and job opportunities, as well as increased credibility when working with clients or other professionals in the industry.

Q3. How long does it take to get a Software Technician Certification?

A3. The amount of time required to obtain a Software Technician Certification will depend on the organization offering the certification and the specific requirements for each certification program. Generally speaking, most certifications can be completed within 6-12 months if studying on a full-time basis.

Q4. How much does it cost to get certified as a Software Technician?

A4. The cost of obtaining a Software Technician Certification will vary depending on the organization providing the certification program and any additional materials or training needed to complete the program successfully. Generally speaking, most programs range from $500-$3000 USD depending on the level of certification being sought after (e.g., entry-level vs advanced).

Q5. Are there any prerequisites for getting certified as a Software Technician?

A5: Yes, most organizations offering software technician certifications require applicants to have prior experience in programming languages such as Java or C#, database systems such as Oracle or SQL Server, web development technologies such as HTML/CSS/Javascript, and general computer networking skills before they can become certified technicians. Additionally, many organizations require that candidates pass an exam in order to receive their certification credentials.