Top 10 Support Analyst Certifications

Certifications are an important asset for any support analyst in the job market. They provide evidence of a person’s knowledge and skills, which employers value. A certification can demonstrate that a support analyst has the necessary technical expertise to perform their job duties and is up-to-date on the latest industry trends. Furthermore, certifications can help a support analyst stand out from other applicants and may even qualify them for higher salary offers. Finally, having certifications can open up doors to new job opportunities and career advancement options.

This article reviews the top certifications for Support Analysts and explains how they can enhance a support analyst's career.

What are Support Analyst Certifications?

Support analyst certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in the area of technical support. This certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s expertise in troubleshooting hardware, software, and network issues, as well as providing customer service. Becoming certified will show employers that you have the necessary skills and qualifications to be a successful support analyst.

Having this certification can help you stand out when applying for jobs and make it easier to get hired. Certification shows employers that you are knowledgeable about the latest technologies and have a good understanding of how they work. It also demonstrates your commitment to continuing education and staying up-to-date with industry trends. Additionally, having this certification may give you access to higher salaries or more specialized roles within tech support organizations. Finally, being certified can also provide career advancement opportunities such as getting promoted or moving into a management role.

Pro Tip: Support analyst certifications are an excellent way to demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to the profession. Make sure to research the specific certification requirements for any certification you're interested in, as these can vary significantly from one to another. Additionally, be sure to take advantage of any free online resources or courses available to help prepare you for the exams.

Related: What does a Support Analyst do?

Top 10 Support Analyst Certifications

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

1. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ certification is a globally recognized industry standard for entry-level IT professionals. It is designed to help individuals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in computer hardware, software, security, troubleshooting, and customer service. It is the most popular certification program among IT professionals, with more than one million people certified worldwide.

The CompTIA A+ certification consists of two exams: 220-1001 and 220-1002. The first exam covers topics such as mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing. The second exam focuses on operating systems, security, software troubleshooting and operational procedures. Both exams must be passed in order to obtain the CompTIA A+ certification.

It typically takes around three months to prepare for the CompTIA A+ exams. This includes studying course materials and taking practice tests to become familiar with the format of the actual exams.

In order to get the CompTIA A+ certification you need to register for each of the two exams separately at Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. After registering for each exam you will receive an email confirmation with instructions on how to schedule your exam appointment.

The cost of the CompTIA A+ certification varies depending on where you take your exams but generally it costs around $200 per exam or $400 for both exams combined.

2. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification program offered by Microsoft that validates an individual’s expertise in designing and implementing solutions based on Microsoft technologies. It is designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their ability to design, deploy, and support technology solutions for businesses.

To get the MCSE certification, you must pass at least one of the core exams and one elective exam. The core exams cover topics such as Windows Server, Exchange Server, SQL Server, SharePoint Server, System Center Configuration Manager, Lync Server, and Windows 8. The elective exams cover topics such as Office 365 administration, virtualization, cloud computing, business intelligence, system center operations manager 2012 R2 configuration manager 2012 R2 configuration manager 2016 configuration manager 2012 R2 data protection manager 2010 enterprise voice & online services with Lync server 2013.

The cost of the MCSE certification varies depending on the number of exams you take and whether or not you purchase study materials. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $150 USD. Additionally, some people may choose to purchase additional study materials which can range from $50-$100 USD per exam.

The amount of time it takes to obtain the MCSE certification depends on your current level of knowledge and experience with Microsoft technologies. If you are already familiar with these technologies then it could take anywhere from two weeks to three months to prepare for the exams depending on how much time you have available for studying.

3. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an entry-level certification that provides a comprehensive understanding of the ITIL framework. It is designed to give individuals the knowledge and skills to effectively manage IT services, support and delivery. The certification covers the core concepts of IT service management, including service strategy, design, transition, operations and continual service improvement.

The ITIL Foundation Certification exam typically takes around two hours to complete and consists of 40 multiple choice questions. To be eligible for the exam, you must have completed an accredited training course or have at least two years of experience in IT service management.

You can get your ITIL Foundation Certification by taking an accredited training course from a registered training provider or by self-studying using official study materials from AXELOS.

The cost of getting your ITIL Foundation Certification will vary depending on which route you choose to take. Accredited training courses typically range from $500-$3000 USD depending on the length and type of course you take. Self-study options are usually much cheaper and can cost anywhere between $50-$200 USD depending on what material you purchase.

4. 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 designed for entry-level network engineers who need to understand the basics of routing, switching, and network services.

The CCNA certification requires passing one exam, which typically takes about 90 minutes to complete. The exam covers topics such as IP addressing, LAN switching technologies, WAN technologies, routing protocols, network security fundamentals, and more.

To get the CCNA certification, you must first register for the exam with Cisco. Once you have registered, you can choose to take the exam at a local testing center or online through proctoring services. After completing the exam successfully, you will receive your official CCNA certificate from Cisco.

The cost of the CCNA exam varies depending on where you take it and what type of proctoring service you use. Typically, it costs around $300 USD for the exam itself plus any additional fees for proctoring services.

5. CompTIA Network+ Certification

CompTIA Network+ is an internationally recognized certification that validates a professional’s knowledge and skills in networking technologies. It is designed to ensure that professionals have the necessary skills to manage, maintain, troubleshoot, install, and configure basic network infrastructure. The certification covers topics such as network architecture, virtualization, cloud computing, security protocols, and more.

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 must be completed in 90 minutes. To pass the exam, you must score at least 720 out of 900 points.

To get CompTIA Network+ certified, you need to take the CompTIA Network+ exam (N10-007). This exam can be taken at any Pearson VUE or Prometric testing center worldwide. The cost of the exam varies depending on where it is taken but generally ranges from $200-$300 USD.

Once you have passed the CompTIA Network+ Exam (N10-007), you will receive your official CompTIA Network+ Certification from CompTIA itself. This certification is valid for three years from the date of issue and can be renewed by taking a continuing education course or passing a new version of the exam.

6. Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)

Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) is a certification program designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and skills in managing and maintaining Windows-based systems. This certification is offered by Microsoft and is one of the most popular certifications for IT professionals.

The MCSA certification requires candidates to pass three exams: two core exams and one elective exam. The core exams focus on Windows Server, while the elective exam covers a specific technology or application such as Exchange Server, SQL Server, or SharePoint.

It typically takes between three to six months to prepare for the MCSA exams depending on your experience level. To get started, you should review the official Microsoft documentation for each exam topic and practice with hands-on labs or virtual machines. You can also take online courses or attend instructor-led classes to help you prepare for the exams.

The cost of taking the MCSA exams varies depending on where you take them. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 per exam plus any additional fees associated with proctoring services or other administrative costs.

Once you have passed all three exams, you will receive your MCSA certification from Microsoft. This certification is valid for three years after which time you must retake the required exams in order to maintain your certification status.

7. HDI Desktop Support Technician Certification

HDI Desktop Support Technician Certification is a professional certification program designed to validate the knowledge and skills of IT professionals who provide technical support for desktop computers and other related devices. The certification is offered by the Help Desk Institute (HDI), an international organization that provides education, training, and resources for IT professionals.

The HDI Desktop Support Technician Certification consists of two exams: the HDI DST Core Exam and the HDI DST Support Center Analyst Exam. The Core Exam covers topics such as troubleshooting, problem solving, customer service, communication, and system administration. The Support Center Analyst Exam focuses on topics such as incident management, service request management, problem resolution management, knowledge management, and change management.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete both exams depending on your study habits and dedication to preparing for the exam. To prepare for the exams you can take advantage of self-study materials such as books or online training courses. Additionally, there are several boot camps available that offer intensive training in preparation for the exams.

The cost of taking both exams varies depending on which provider you use but typically ranges from $400-$800 USD.

8. Microsoft Office Specialist Certification

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a person’s proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite of applications. This certification is designed to help individuals demonstrate their ability to use the latest versions of Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access and SharePoint.

The MOS certification has two levels: Expert and Master. The Expert level requires passing four exams in the Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. The Master level requires passing all seven exams in the Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access and SharePoint.

In order to obtain MOS certification, one must pass the required exams with a score of 700 or higher on a scale of 1000. These exams are administered by Certiport testing centers located throughout the world.

The cost for each exam varies depending on where you take it; however it typically ranges from $60-$100 USD per exam. It usually takes about 2-3 hours to complete each exam although this can vary depending on your familiarity with the material being tested.

Once you have passed all required exams you will be awarded your MOS certification which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

9. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect – Associate is a certification program from Amazon that validates an individual’s ability to design and deploy applications on the AWS platform. It is designed for individuals who want to demonstrate their expertise in designing distributed applications and systems on the AWS platform.

The certification exam takes about two hours to complete and consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as: architecture, storage, databases, security, networking, automation, analytics, deployment and operations. The exam also includes practical scenarios where you will be asked to design a solution based on given requirements.

To get the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification you must first pass the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional exam. This exam requires that you have at least one year of experience working with AWS technologies and services. You can take online courses or attend instructor-led training courses to prepare for the exam. Once you have passed the Professional exam, you can then register for the Associate exam.

The cost of taking the exams varies depending on your location and whether or not you are taking an online or instructor-led course. Generally speaking, it costs around $150-$200 USD per exam.

10. Google Cloud Platform Fundamentals: Core Infrastructure

Google Cloud Platform Fundamentals: Core Infrastructure is a comprehensive set of cloud services, tools, and resources designed to help organizations build, deploy, and manage their applications on the Google Cloud Platform. It includes a range of services such as Compute Engine, App Engine, Cloud Storage, BigQuery and more.

It typically takes around 10 minutes to get started with Google Cloud Platform Fundamentals: Core Infrastructure. To get started, you need to create a Google account and then sign up for the GCP free trial. After signing up for the free trial, you can immediately start using the core infrastructure services available in GCP.

The cost of using Google Cloud Platform Fundamentals: Core Infrastructure depends on the type of service that you are using and any additional features or add-ons that you may require. Generally speaking, GCP offers pay-as-you-go pricing for its services so you only pay for what you use.

Do You Really Need a Support Analyst Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Support Analyst Certificate really depends on the type of job you are looking for. If you’re looking to get into technical support, then having a certificate in this field could be beneficial. It shows employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to do the job well.

However, it is important to remember that having a certificate does not guarantee that you will get hired. Even with a certificate, employers will still look at your experience, qualifications and other factors when making their decision. It is important to consider what kind of job you are applying for and whether or not having a certificate would give you an edge over other applicants.

For example, if you’re applying for an entry-level position in technical support, then having some basic knowledge of computers and software may be enough to get your foot in the door. However, if you want to move into higher-level positions such as system administrator or network engineer, then having a Support Analyst Certificate could make all the difference.

Overall, it is important to do your research before deciding whether or not getting certified as a Support Analyst is right for you. If it can help give you an edge over other candidates and provide additional opportunities for career growth, then it may be worth considering investing in one.

Related: Support Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Support Analyst Certifications

Q1. What is a Support Analyst Certification?

A1. A Support Analyst Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in providing technical support services to customers. It is typically offered by software vendors, IT service providers, and other organizations that provide technical support services.

Q2. How do I become certified as a Support Analyst?

A2. To become certified as a Support Analyst, you must complete an accredited certification program that covers topics such as customer service, troubleshooting techniques, and system administration. These programs may be offered online or in-person at educational institutions or through vendors offering certification courses.

Q3. Are there prerequisites for becoming certified as a Support Analyst?

A3. Yes, many certification programs have certain prerequisites such as having prior experience in the IT field or passing an exam to demonstrate basic knowledge of computer systems and networks.

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

A4. The length of time required to obtain a Support Analyst Certification varies depending on the specific program you choose and your level of experience with IT systems and networks. Generally speaking, most programs can be completed within six months to one year if you are studying full-time; however, some programs allow part-time study which may extend the timeframe for completion.

Q5. Is there any job placement assistance available after obtaining my certification?

A5: Yes, many certification programs offer job placement assistance after completion of the program which can help you find employment opportunities in the support analyst field more quickly than if you were searching on your own without any guidance or resources from the program provider